Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are delicate and perishable, with a short shelf life. The best way to preserve shelf mushrooms is to keep them dry and at a low temperature. This can be achieved by storing them in a paper bag in the refrigerator, which will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms. For longer-term storage, mushrooms can be dried using a dehydrator or air-dried and then stored in an airtight glass jar. Freezing is another popular preservation method, although it may compromise the texture of the mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation techniques | Drying, Freezing, Pickling/fermenting, Canning, Cooling, Coating, Packaging in plastic trays coated with perforated PVC film, storing in sealed plastic containers or zipped plastic bags, storing in airtight glass jars, Refrigeration |
| Storage methods | Storing in brown paper bags, wrapping in paper towels, storing in bowls in the refrigerator, storing in perforated plastic packaging, storing in freezer-safe bags or containers, storing in mason jars, vacuum sealing, storing in net bags |
| Preservation factors | Preventing moisture, maintaining low storage temperature, preventing anaerobic respiration, preventing auto-digestion |
| Preservation time | Up to 12 months in the freezer, up to 7-14 days in the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag in the fridge
Storing shelf mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge is a great way to preserve them. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, with a shelf life of only 3-5 days. They have a high water content, so the goal of mushroom storage is to prevent them from releasing water and pulling moisture from the air. A paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and fresh.
To store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge, start by ensuring they are whole and unwashed. If you buy loose mushrooms, give them a quick clean and then place them in the paper bag. Fold the top over to seal it. If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the fridge.
It's best to use fresh mushrooms before they show any signs of ageing, so try to preserve them the same or next day. Mushrooms stored in a paper bag in the fridge will last for up to seven days, but it's best to use them within five days. Check on them regularly to ensure they are still slime-free.
If you have more mushrooms than you can use in a week, consider freezing or drying them for longer-term storage.
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Freeze mushrooms for up to 12 months
Freezing is a great way to preserve your mushrooms for up to 12 months. It's worth noting that frozen mushrooms are best suited for cooked dishes, such as soups, casseroles, stews, or as a pizza topping. They can also be added to dishes like pasta, rice, or quinoa, by adding them to the grain while it cooks.
To freeze your mushrooms, start by cleaning them. You should scrub and brush the mushrooms to remove dirt, but avoid washing them as they can become soggy. Then, slice the mushrooms into similar-sized portions. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole. Next, prepare a bowl of iced water and line a tray with kitchen paper. Put the mushrooms in a steam basket and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the water to prevent discolouration. Bring the water to a boil and steam the mushrooms for 2-4 minutes, depending on their size. After steaming, immediately plunge the mushrooms into the bowl of iced water for the same amount of time, then drain and arrange them on the lined tray. Once cooled, place the tray in the freezer until the mushrooms are frozen solid. Finally, transfer the mushrooms to a labelled, resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing.
It is recommended to cook mushrooms before freezing to preserve their flavour and texture. You can either sauté or steam the mushrooms. Sautéing involves putting a small amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. After cooking, flash-freeze the mushrooms by placing them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and putting them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are hard. Then, transfer the mushrooms to freezer bags, giving them about a 1/2-inch of breathing room as they will expand slightly in the freezer.
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Dry mushrooms with a dehydrator or air-dry
Drying mushrooms is an excellent way to preserve shelf mushrooms. It is a simple technique that involves placing mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow, like a circular mesh strainer, for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
If you want to use a dehydrator, start with fresh mushrooms and wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Do not wash them under running water. Transfer the mushrooms to a container that allows air to circulate around them, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack set on a baking sheet. Make sure the mushrooms are not overcrowded. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature of around 40°C and slide the trays into the dehydrator. The whole process will take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the mushrooms. Check on your mushrooms every hour or so to see how they are doing. Once they snap under pressure, they are ready for storage.
Air-drying is another simple method to dry mushrooms. Place the mushrooms in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun. Allow them to air-dry for 7-10 days, until they do not give when squeezed. Drying time will vary based on humidity levels and the size of the mushrooms. To speed up the process, you can partially dehydrate them in the oven before air-drying. Place them in an oven heated to 175°F/80°C for 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. After this, transfer them to a colander to continue air-drying for another 3-5 days. Once fully dried, store them in a sealed container for up to a year.
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Use airtight containers to maximise shelf life
Mushrooms have a high water content, which means they are delicate and perishable. Mature mushrooms produce enzymes that cause them to degrade, so storing them at a lower temperature, such as in a refrigerator, will help to slow down decay.
One of the most popular ways to preserve mushrooms is to freeze them. They can be frozen whole or sliced, and either raw, blanched, or sautéed. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months, but they will be softer, spongier, and less flavourful than fresh mushrooms.
Another method is to dry your mushrooms, which can be done using a dehydrator or by air-drying. Air-drying involves placing mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
If you are looking to preserve mushrooms for the long term, using airtight containers will maximise their shelf life. This is because mushrooms tend to release water as they age, and an airtight container will prevent moisture from escaping and causing surface slime.
To store fresh mushrooms in the short term, a paper bag can be used to absorb any moisture and keep the mushrooms dry. However, for long-term preservation, transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers is recommended.
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Avoid washing mushrooms before storing
When it comes to storing mushrooms, there is a general consensus that moisture is the number-one enemy. Therefore, it is best to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them, as this will shorten their shelf life.
Mushrooms are made up of 80 to 90 percent water, and they will absorb more water if they are washed before storage. This extra moisture can lead to a slimy texture and a less flavorful taste. It is also important to note that mushrooms stored in plastic bags or sealed containers can become sweaty and spoil more quickly due to the trapped moisture.
To avoid the negative effects of moisture, it is recommended to store mushrooms in a paper bag. The paper will absorb any excess moisture, helping to keep the mushrooms fresh. Alternatively, wrapping the mushrooms in a paper towel and placing them in a bowl in the refrigerator can also help absorb moisture.
If you do choose to wash your mushrooms before storage, it is best to use them immediately. Cooking techniques such as sautéing can help remove excess moisture and improve the flavor of the mushrooms. However, if you plan to sear or grill the mushrooms, it is recommended to wipe them clean with a cloth or brush instead of washing, as the extra moisture can negatively impact the texture and flavor.
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