Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy, umami flavour to a variety of dishes. However, their high water content means they can be hard to keep fresh. The best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag, which absorbs excess moisture. If you want to keep them for longer than a few days, it's best to avoid plastic containers, which can trap moisture and cause mushrooms to spoil. For longer-term storage, mushrooms can be frozen, but they should be cooked first to preserve their quality and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Paper bag, preferably brown |
| Container Condition | Lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture |
| Container Opening | Partially open, to allow moisture to escape |
| Container Avoidance | Plastic, especially airtight containers |
| Washing | Wash before use, not before storage |
| Storage Location | Refrigerator, not the crisper drawer |
| Storage Temperature | 40–45 °F (4–7 °C) |
| Storage Duration | 7–14 days |
| Storage Alternatives | Freezing, drying, cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag
Storing mushrooms in a paper bag is a great way to keep them fresh for longer. Paper bags are highly recommended, especially when compared to plastic containers, which can trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
If you buy loose mushrooms, storing them in a paper bag is the best way to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Mushrooms are made of 80 to 90 percent water, and as they age, they may begin to release water. The paper bag will absorb this excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms' surface slime-free for longer.
To use this storage method, simply put whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal it. If you want to take an extra step to absorb moisture, you can line the bag with a paper towel. Place the bagged mushrooms in the refrigerator, avoiding the crisper drawer, as this tends to be too moist for storing mushrooms. The main section of the refrigerator is best, and the mushrooms will keep for about five to seven days.
It is also important to avoid placing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they will absorb those odors. Additionally, do not wash mushrooms before storing them, as moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
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Use a paper towel
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be tricky to store due to their high moisture content. If stored incorrectly, they can quickly spoil and become slimy. To keep mushrooms fresh for longer, it is important to manage their moisture levels and store them in a cool, well-ventilated environment. One effective method is to use a paper towel.
If you have purchased loose mushrooms or want to keep them fresh for a week or more, transfer them to a paper bag lined with a paper towel. The paper bag allows for better airflow and creates a less damp environment, while the paper towel draws moisture away from the mushrooms. This method can keep mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days. However, it is important to note that some mushrooms may develop dark spots using this storage technique.
Another option is to wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator. The paper towel absorbs moisture, and the open bag allows for ventilation. However, this method may not be as effective as the paper bag method, as the mushrooms can still become slimy and discoloured after about six days.
For short-term storage, you can keep mushrooms in their original packaging, which is designed to breathe and protect them from dehydration for a few days. If you want to use a paper towel with this method, you can place the packaged mushrooms on a paper towel in a bowl in the refrigerator. This will help absorb any excess moisture.
Additionally, paper towels can be used to lightly scrub and clean mushrooms before cooking. It is not necessary to thoroughly wash mushrooms, but a gentle rinse or scrub with a soft brush or paper towel is recommended.
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Avoid plastic containers
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be tricky to store. They have a short shelf life and are highly perishable, so it's important to store them correctly to avoid waste.
Mushrooms are made of 80-90% water, and this high moisture content means that they are prone to rotting or drying out if not stored properly. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to avoid trapping moisture, which can cause them to become slimy and speed up spoilage.
For this reason, it is best to avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers. Plastic is known to trap moisture, and this can lead to your mushrooms becoming slimy or mouldy. If your mushrooms come in a sealed plastic container, it is best to take them out and store them using an alternative method.
One recommended method is to store mushrooms in a paper bag. Paper bags absorb moisture, keeping the mushrooms' surfaces dry and slime-free. If you want to take an extra step, you can line the bag with a paper towel to absorb even more moisture. However, it is important to keep the bag partially open, to allow some of the mushrooms' moisture to be removed by the refrigeration process.
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Freeze mushrooms
Mushrooms can be frozen raw or cooked. However, freezing raw mushrooms will affect their texture, making them mushy and unpleasant. Therefore, it is recommended to cook mushrooms before freezing.
To freeze raw mushrooms, start by cleaning them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Trim off any dried-out parts of the stems or remove the entire stem for certain mushrooms, such as chanterelle, shiitake, and portobello. Small mushrooms can be kept whole, but most mushrooms should be sliced. Mushrooms larger than one inch across should be sliced or quartered. Evenly slice the mushrooms to ensure they freeze evenly. Place the sliced mushrooms on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and flash-freeze them for about an hour, or until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen mushrooms into freezer-safe bags, leaving about half an inch of space for expansion.
To freeze cooked mushrooms, you can steam or sauté them. To steam, soak the mushrooms in a solution of one teaspoon of lemon juice or 1-1/2 teaspoons of citric acid to one pint of water for five minutes. Then, steam them for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, to sauté, heat the mushrooms in a frying pan with a small amount of butter or oil over high heat for about five minutes, or until they are fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated. Allow the cooked mushrooms to cool completely, then spread them out on a cookie sheet and flash-freeze them. Once they are frozen, use a spatula to transfer the mushrooms to freezer-safe containers or bags, again leaving about half an inch of space for expansion.
Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to six months to a year, although sooner is better. They can be added directly to hot recipes without thawing, but they are not suitable for raw recipes. Frozen mushrooms are also easy to chop, so they can be blended into soups.
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Keep in the refrigerator
Keeping Mushrooms in the Refrigerator
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy richness to a variety of dishes. However, their high water content and delicate nature mean they can quickly turn slimy and spoil. To keep mushrooms fresh for as long as possible, the refrigerator is the best place to store them, but it is important to follow some key steps to avoid moisture build-up and odour absorption.
Firstly, avoid the crisper drawer. The crisper is often too moist for mushrooms, and unless the humidity is adjusted, it can cause them to spoil faster. Instead, place mushrooms on a shelf in the refrigerator.
Secondly, avoid plastic containers or bags without ventilation. Mushrooms should be allowed to breathe, so if they are purchased in a sealed plastic container, transfer them to a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. Paper absorbs the moisture released by mushrooms, helping to keep them fresh and slime-free for longer. If using a paper towel, ensure the bag is left open.
Finally, keep mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods. Mushrooms are porous and will absorb odours, affecting their taste.
By following these steps, mushrooms can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, and sometimes longer.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store mushrooms is in a brown paper bag. If you want to take an extra step, try lining the bag with a paper towel to absorb even more moisture. It's best to keep your mushrooms dry when storing them, so wait until you're ready to use them before washing or cleaning them.
Mushrooms last in the fridge between seven and 14 days. If you plan on eating your mushrooms within a day or two (or even three) of purchasing them, it's fine to keep them in their original packaging.
It is not recommended to store mushrooms in a plastic bag as plastic is known to trap moisture, which can cause mushrooms to become slimy or mouldy.
