John Miller
Dried mushrooms are a great alternative to fresh mushrooms as they can last longer. When stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, dried mushrooms can keep for up to a year. If you're looking to keep your dried mushrooms for an extended period, it's best to store them in a freezer, which can increase their shelf life to up to three years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Glass canning jars with screw-on lids, resealable plastic bags, silicone, or vacuum-sealed bags |
| Light | Keep in a dark place, away from sunlight and UV light |
| Temperature | Keep in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture |
| Humidity | Use oxygen-absorbing packets or silica gel humidity packs to reduce humidity |
| Storage Location | Store in the refrigerator, freezer, or cabinet |
| Storage Time | Dried mushrooms can last up to 12 months in the refrigerator or freezer |
| Preparation | Clean, slice, and dry mushrooms before storing |
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What You'll Learn
Choose an airtight container
To keep dried mushrooms fresh, it is important to store them in an airtight container. This is because dried mushrooms are very sensitive to light and moisture. Heat and moisture cause dried mushrooms to spoil faster.
Airtight containers that work well for dried mushrooms include plastic resealable bags and glass canning jars (such as Mason jars). If you opt for a plastic bag, ensure that it is specifically designed for extremely low temperatures, as these bags are usually thicker than plastic bags for everyday use. When sealing the bag, use your hands to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it shut. If you go for a glass jar, pick one with a tight-fitting lid so that airflow is restricted as much as possible. Screw the lid tightly on the jar for maximum protection.
The material of the container is not limited to plastic or glass. Silicone containers are also an option. However, it is important to select the highest-quality container possible, as it will directly impact the state of your mushrooms.
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Store in a cool, dark place
Dried mushrooms are sensitive to light and moisture. To keep them fresh, store them in a cool, dark place.
If you're storing dried mushrooms in a cabinet or pantry, choose a cool, dark corner of the cabinet and push the mushrooms to the back, where they are less likely to come into contact with light. The temperature in the cabinet should be no more than 41 degrees Fahrenheit or 5 degrees Celsius.
If your home is warm or humid, or if you know you won't be using the mushrooms frequently, consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Place the dried mushrooms in a clean, tight-sealing freezer bag first. Keeping dried mushrooms in a freezer can help them last at least a year if done properly.
When storing dried mushrooms, it's important to use an airtight container, such as a plastic resealable bag or a glass canning jar with a lid. Squeeze the air out of the bag or screw the lid on tightly before placing the container in the cool, dark place.
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Use oxygen-absorbing packets
Oxygen-absorbing packets are a great way to ensure that your dried mushrooms stay fresh for longer. The iron powder contained in these packets absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, creating an environment that prolongs the lifespan of dried mushrooms. This is particularly useful if you live in a humid climate, as humidity can cause mushrooms to spoil more quickly.
When using oxygen-absorbing packets, it is important to place them inside an airtight container or resealable bag along with your dried mushrooms. This will ensure that the oxygen absorption is effective and that the mushrooms remain protected from external factors. The oxygen-absorbing packets will not affect the smell or taste of the mushrooms, and they are completely safe to use, with no toxic chemicals involved.
To use oxygen-absorbing packets effectively, it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Choose an appropriate container: Select a glass canning jar with a tight-fitting lid or a thick, resealable plastic bag designed for extremely low temperatures.
- Prepare the mushrooms: If you have purchased pre-packaged dried mushrooms, there is no need to repackage them right away unless you have opened the package. In that case, transfer the mushrooms to your chosen container.
- Add the oxygen-absorbing packet: Place a single oxygen-absorbing packet inside your chosen container along with the dried mushrooms. Each packet is designed to absorb up to 100cc of oxygen.
- Seal the container: Ensure that your container is properly sealed. If using a jar, screw the lid on tightly. If using a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it completely.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Place the sealed container in a cool, dark corner of your cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The fridge or freezer can also extend the shelf life of dried mushrooms.
- Label the container: Don't forget to label your container with the date so you can keep track of how long the mushrooms have been stored.
By following these steps and utilising oxygen-absorbing packets, you can effectively preserve the freshness and prolong the lifespan of your dried mushrooms.
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Label the container with a date
Dried mushrooms can last for up to three years if stored correctly. However, it is easy to lose track of time, so it is important to label your container with the date. This will help you keep track of how long you have kept your dried mushrooms.
If you are using a glass jar, you can stick the written label on top of the lid. If you are using a plastic bag, you can stick the label on the outside of the bag.
If you are storing your dried mushrooms in the freezer, they can last for up to 12 months. If you are storing them outside of the freezer, they will only last for approximately six to eight months. Therefore, it is important to label your container with the date to ensure that you are consuming the mushrooms while they are still fresh.
If you are using a vacuum-sealed bag, you do not need to repackage the mushrooms until you break the seal. At that point, you should transfer the mushrooms to an airtight container and label it with the date.
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Store in the freezer
Dried mushrooms are sensitive to light and moisture. If you're storing dried mushrooms in the freezer, choose a container that is well-sealed and airtight, like a glass canning jar with a tight-fitting or screw-on lid, or a resealable plastic bag.
If you're using a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. If you're using a glass jar, make sure the lid fits securely. Mason jars are safe to use for freezer storage because dried mushrooms will not expand in the freezer.
If you live in a humid climate, you can use oxygen-absorbing packets in your container. These packets contain iron powder that absorbs oxygen from the packaging, preventing spoilage.
Place the container in a spacious corner of the freezer, where the mushrooms won't be crushed by other items. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the container, as the mushrooms may get crushed.
Dried mushrooms can last up to 12 months in the freezer. However, if you're not using them frequently, it's easy to forget how long they've been in there. Label your container with the date to keep track of how long they've been stored.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use an airtight container such as a glass canning jar with a screw-on lid or a resealable plastic bag. If you are using a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.
Dried mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. They can be kept in a refrigerator or freezer, or at room temperature in a cabinet.
Dried mushrooms last for six to twelve months when stored in a cool place. They can last for up to a year when stored in a freezer.
