Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a rich umami taste, but they have a short shelf life and can be expensive. To keep mushrooms fresh for as long as possible, it is important to store them correctly. The best storage method depends on the type of mushroom and how it has been prepared. This text will explore the different ways to refrigerate mushrooms to prolong their shelf life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | 34 to 39°F (1 to 4°C) |
| Storage location | Fridge |
| Storage container | Breathable packaging, paper bag, or open plastic bag |
| Storage duration | 7-14 days |
| Washing | Unwashed, wiped with a damp paper towel |
| Preparation | Whole or sliced |
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What You'll Learn
Store in breathable packaging
Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high water content, which can lead to spoilage and the growth of bacteria. To prevent this, it is important to store them in breathable packaging.
Storing mushrooms in a paper bag is ideal. The paper bag will absorb the moisture released by the mushrooms, preventing the growth of bacteria and keeping the mushrooms fresh for longer. If using a plastic bag, ensure that it is left open and that the mushrooms are wrapped in paper towels, which will absorb the moisture.
If you have purchased pre-packaged mushrooms, you can simply place them in the fridge. The perforation in the packaging will allow air to circulate, drying out any moisture released by the mushrooms. If you do not use all the mushrooms at once, cover the container with plastic wrap, punching a couple of holes to allow for ventilation.
If you are storing loose mushrooms, it is best to avoid washing them before storing, as this can cause them to absorb too much water and spoil faster. Instead, wipe them down with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or grime.
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Refrigerate marinated mushrooms
Mushrooms have a high water content, which makes them highly perishable. To prevent spoilage, they should be stored in the fridge, ideally at temperatures of 34 to 39°F (1 to 4°C).
Refrigerating Marinated Mushrooms
Marinated mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for 10 to 14 days. To prepare marinated mushrooms, start by submerging the mushrooms in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Then, seal the mushrooms in a glass jar and refrigerate.
- Store mushrooms in their original packaging. If you buy loose mushrooms, store them in a paper bag or wrap them in paper towels placed in an open plastic bag.
- Avoid washing mushrooms before storing them, as they may absorb extra moisture, leading to faster spoilage. Instead, wipe them down with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
- If you have leftover mushrooms after cooking, cover them with plastic wrap punched with a couple of holes and store them in the fridge.
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Don't wash before storing
When storing mushrooms, it is best to keep them dry and unwashed. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, and moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. If you wash mushrooms before storing them, they will be more likely to become slimy or mouldy.
To keep mushrooms fresh for as long as possible, it is recommended to store them in a paper bag. Paper bags absorb the moisture that mushrooms release as they age, keeping the mushrooms' surface slime-free. If you are using a plastic bag, make sure it is an open bag, as plastic traps moisture and speeds up spoilage. You can also try lining the bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
If you have pre-packaged mushrooms, the perforation in the packaging will let in air to dry out any moisture the mushrooms release, so you can simply pop them in the fridge. 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 have a large number of mushrooms and won't be using them all before they spoil, you can also freeze them. However, freezing mushrooms will likely compromise their texture, so it's best to use these in stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying them. For the best colour post-freezing, you can dip the mushrooms in a solution of one pint of water and one teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking.
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Use within 7-10 days
Mushrooms have a high water content, and their spongy texture and mild flavour make them an extremely versatile ingredient in the kitchen. However, their high water content means that keeping mushrooms in the fridge for longer than several days can cause them to become slimy or even develop dark spots and mould.
To avoid this, it is recommended to consume whole mushrooms within seven to ten days of purchase. If you buy pre-packaged mushrooms, the perforation will let in air to dry out any moisture the mushrooms release, so simply pop them in the fridge. When you're ready to use them, wipe any dirt off the mushrooms and cook them. If you don't use all the mushrooms at once, cover them back up with plastic wrap punched with a couple of holes.
If you buy loose mushrooms, the best way to keep them fresh for as long as possible is to stash them in a paper bag. Paper bags absorb the moisture released by the mushrooms, keeping the mushroom's surface slime-free for longer than if they were packed in an airtight container.
If you find yourself with a surplus of mushrooms, clean them well, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freezing mushrooms will likely compromise their texture, so it's best to use these thawed mushrooms to flavour stocks or chop them into veggie burgers.
To maximise the shelf life of your mushrooms, it's important to store them correctly. Mushrooms should be stored unwashed, as they may absorb extra moisture during washing, leading to faster expiration. Instead, wipe down the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any lingering dirt or grime.
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Freeze cooked mushrooms
Mushrooms have a high water content, which means that they are prone to becoming slimy. This can be avoided by storing them in the fridge, where they will keep fresh for up to two weeks.
If you want to keep mushrooms for longer than two weeks, freezing them is an option. Freezing mushrooms will likely compromise their texture, so it is best to use them in stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying them.
Cooking mushrooms before freezing them is a good way to preserve their flavour and texture. Slicing them into similar-sized portions will help them to cook and freeze evenly. You can then sauté or steam the mushrooms. After cooking, place the mushrooms on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are hard. Transfer the frozen mushrooms into freezer bags, being sure to give them about a 1/2-inch of breathing room in the bags. Frozen cooked mushrooms will last up to nine months in the freezer.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be left out of the fridge for a day or so, but they should be refrigerated if you want to keep them for several days.
Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge at temperatures of 34 to 39°F (1 to 4°C). They should be kept in breathable packaging, such as a paper bag or an open plastic bag, to allow excess moisture to escape.
Mushrooms will last in the fridge for around 7 days, and some may even last up to 10 days. Whole mushrooms bought from the grocery store can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but it is advisable to consume them within 7 to 10 days of purchase.
Yes, mushrooms can be frozen, but they may become mushy when thawed. To preserve their texture and flavor, it is recommended to cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam them before freezing.
