Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can quickly go bad. To check if mushrooms are fresh, look for dark spots, sliminess, discolouration, or stickiness. Fresh mushrooms should be plump, firm, dry, and have a light earthy smell. If you're storing mushrooms, it's best to use a paper bag or paper towel to avoid moisture buildup, which can cause spoilage. Properly stored mushrooms can last up to two weeks in the fridge but should be used within 3-4 days for the best quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Plump, firm, smooth, dry, and wrinkle-free |
| Touch | Firm, springy, light, and not soft, soggy, or spongy |
| Odor | Light earthy smell, not unpleasant or strong |
| Expiry | Can be stored in the fridge for 7-10 days, or 2 weeks maximum |
| Packaging | Should be stored in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel to avoid moisture |
| Clean | Wipe with a dry paper towel or cloth to remove dirt or bugs |
| Sliminess | Slime is a sign of spoilage, but may still be edible |
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What You'll Learn
Check for sliminess
When checking if mushrooms are fresh, the number one rule of thumb is to check for sliminess. Slimy mushrooms are not edible and should be thrown away. Sliminess is often a sign that the mushrooms have been stored incorrectly, have been in the fridge for too long, or have been exposed to too much moisture.
To check for sliminess, look at the mushrooms carefully and inspect them for a coating of slime. If you can't tell by looking at them, touch them to see if they feel wet, sticky, or slippery. Mushrooms should feel dry to the touch and have a smooth outer appearance. They should also be firm, although some mushrooms, like Cremini, are naturally softer.
If your mushrooms are slimy, it's best to discard them. While they might not make you sick, they will have very little flavour and are a sign that bacteria are breaking them down. To prevent your mushrooms from becoming slimy, store them in a paper bag or container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid sealed containers and plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage.
In addition to sliminess, there are other signs to look out for when checking the freshness of mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and smooth with a pleasant earthy smell. Avoid mushrooms that are soft, mushy, shrivelled, discoloured, or mouldy, as these are signs of spoilage.
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Look for dark spots
When checking if mushrooms are fresh, look out for dark spots. Mushrooms that are starting to go bad will develop dark spots, which are a sign of decomposition. If there are only a few minor spots, the mushrooms are likely still edible, but they won't last much longer. If the mushrooms are completely covered in dark spots, they are too far gone and it is not safe to eat them.
Mushrooms bruise easily, and injuries cause previously separated compounds to mix and produce darker colours. This chemical reaction is similar to the process that causes other fruits and vegetables, such as apples and avocados, to darken when cut or bruised and exposed to air. The colour change itself is harmless and does not indicate that there is anything unsafe about the mushrooms. In fact, food scientist Luke LaBorde suggests that the breakdown of tissue during ageing, bruising or cutting can liberate more flavour.
However, if you wait too long to eat your mushrooms, bacteria on the surface can damage cells and speed up the discolouration. If the dark spots are accompanied by slime, a foul odour, or other signs of spoilage, the mushrooms are no longer edible. Mushrooms can be salvaged for use in cooked dishes if the slime is the only sign of spoilage, but if they exhibit other signs of decomposition, they should be avoided.
To preserve the freshness of mushrooms for longer, avoid storing them in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, as these drawers are designed to conserve moisture, which is not ideal for mushrooms. Instead, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a brown paper bag in the fridge. This will help to absorb excess moisture and keep the mushrooms feeling and looking fresh.
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Smell them
Smelling the mushrooms is a good way to check their freshness. Fresh mushrooms should have a subtle, light scent that is often sweet and earthy. You should only be able to smell them when they are close to your face. If you can smell them from a distance, they are no longer fresh.
Mushrooms that are past their prime may give off various strange smells, ranging from ammonia-like odours to sour or fishy smells. These smells are caused by the fermentation and breakdown of the mushroom, which leads to the growth of different bacteria.
If you detect any unpleasant odours, the mushrooms should not be consumed as they could make you sick. Bad mushrooms can be identified by their strong smell, which is evident even from a distance.
It is important to note that mushrooms should generally not be eaten fresh after 10 days of purchasing them, as their quality decreases significantly. Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness of mushrooms, and they should be stored in a way that allows them to breathe while remaining dry.
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Observe their texture
When observing the texture of mushrooms, it's important to note that fresh mushrooms should be dry and smooth to the touch. They should feel firm and plump, with a consistent texture and colour. The caps should be whole and intact, with no discolouration, shrivelled patches, or bruises.
If the mushrooms feel sticky, slimy, or sticky to the touch, they are likely past their prime and should be discarded. Sliminess is a clear sign of spoilage, indicating that the mushrooms have been stored incorrectly or have been in the fridge for too long. A thin layer of slime can lead to the growth of mould. If the mushrooms are only slightly slimy and exhibit no other signs of decomposition, they can be salvaged by cooking them in soups, sauces, or other dishes.
Mushrooms that are starting to wrinkle are getting old and dehydrated. If they have minor wrinkles and no other signs of spoilage, they should be used immediately. However, if the mushrooms are heavily wrinkled and shrivelled, they are too far gone and should not be consumed.
When cooking fresh mushrooms, it's important to manage liquid levels as they contain a great deal of moisture, which can affect their texture. Cooking them over high heat can help prevent rubbery or soggy mushrooms, as they will reabsorb the liquid they release.
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Store them properly
Mushrooms are highly perishable and delicate, so storing them properly is key. The refrigerator is the best place to store fresh mushrooms, but the spot you choose within the fridge impacts preservation.
If you buy pre-packaged mushrooms, you can simply pop them in the fridge, as the packaging is designed to let in air to dry out any moisture released by the mushrooms. If you don't use all the mushrooms at once, cover them back up with plastic wrap, but be sure to punch a couple of holes in the wrap.
If you buy loose mushrooms, the best way to keep them fresh is to store them in a paper bag in the fridge. Paper bags absorb the moisture released by the mushrooms as they age, keeping the mushrooms' surface slime-free. If you don't have a paper bag, wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the fridge. Avoid plastic containers, as they trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
If you have a large quantity of mushrooms and won't be able to use them up in time, you can freeze them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it's best to do this sooner rather than later. It's recommended to cook the mushrooms before freezing, as this helps preserve their quality and flavor. To cook the mushrooms, lightly sauté them in butter until just cooked, or steam them whole for 5 minutes. Once the cooked mushrooms have cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms. Dried mushrooms can last for up to three years if stored properly at room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and evenly coloured. They should also have a light earthy smell.
Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge. Avoid keeping them in plastic wrap or a plastic container, as this will cause moisture to build up and lead to rapid spoilage.
Fresh mushrooms can last between 7 to 10 days in the fridge, depending on the variety. Some sources suggest they can last up to two weeks if stored properly.
Mushrooms that have gone bad will develop a slimy film and feel sticky. They may also develop an unpleasant odour, dark spots, or discolouration.
While slimy mushrooms are not ideal, they may still be edible if the slime is the only sign of spoilage. However, if there are other signs of decomposition, such as an unpleasant odour or discolouration, it is best to discard them.
