Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are also delicate and perishable. The best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag in the fridge, which can keep them fresh for up to a week. This is because mushrooms are prone to absorbing moisture, which can cause them to become slimy and mouldy. If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. If you plan to store mushrooms long-term, you can dry them using a dehydrator or air-drying, and then store them in an airtight glass jar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage location | Refrigerator |
| Storage container | Paper bag, glass bowl, plastic bag, freezer-safe bag, airtight container |
| Storage temperature | Dry, cool |
| Storage humidity | Low |
| Storage duration | Up to two weeks for whole mushrooms, up to one week for sliced mushrooms |
| Pre-storage preparation | Unwashed, wrapped in paper towels |
| Post-storage preparation | Cooked or blanched before freezing |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid plastic containers and bags
Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, with a high water content, so it is important to store them correctly. The best way to store mushrooms is in the refrigerator, but not in the crisper drawer, as this is too moist. Instead, keep them on a shelf in the main section of the fridge, where they will stay fresh for about five to seven days.
However, plastic containers and bags are not suitable for storing mushrooms. Plastic containers and bags can trap moisture, which encourages the growth of slime and mould. One test showed that after 10 days, all the mushrooms stored in a plastic bag had a thin layer of slime, and four out of the 10 mushrooms were discoloured. There was also a strong odour.
So, what are the best containers for storing mushrooms? Paper bags are a good option, as they allow mushrooms to breathe and prevent them from getting slimy. Paper bags also absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release. If you don't have a paper bag, you can use a glass bowl lined with paper towels, with another layer of paper towels over the mushrooms. This method will keep the mushrooms dry and fresh for up to five days.
If you want to store mushrooms for longer, you can freeze them. However, freezing mushrooms will likely affect their texture, so they are best used to flavour stocks or chopped into veggie burgers. To freeze mushrooms, it is recommended to cook them first, as this helps to remove some of the moisture. You can lightly sauté them in butter or steam them for a few minutes, depending on whether they are whole or sliced. Once cooked and cooled, place the mushrooms in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
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Paper bags are best
To store mushrooms in a paper bag, place the mushrooms in the bag and roll the bag down so it is folded over and closed. You can also place a paper towel in the bag to draw even more moisture away from the mushrooms. Keep the mushrooms in the fridge and they will stay good for 5-10 days, depending on the species and condition.
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 refrigerator. Avoid storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer, as this is typically the most humid part of the fridge. Instead, store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.
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Don't use the crisper drawer
While the crisper drawer in your refrigerator is a great place to store leafy greens, it is not the best place to store mushrooms. Mushrooms are made of 80 to 90 percent water, and the crisper drawer is designed to create a humid environment, which can cause mushrooms to spoil quickly.
Mushrooms are porous, and when stored in a humid environment, they absorb water and become slimy. The moisture released from the mushrooms may create a slimy texture on their surface, and they may also develop discolouration, mould, and slime. The high humidity in the crisper drawer can also cause mushrooms to spoil quickly.
To prevent this, it is recommended to store mushrooms in a brown paper bag, which allows for much better airflow and creates a less damp environment. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping your mushrooms safe. If you want to take an extra step, try lining the bag with a paper towel to absorb even more moisture.
It is also important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storing, as they will absorb water and become slimy. Instead, gently brush any dirt off the mushrooms with a soft brush or damp towel.
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Short-term storage
The best way to store mushrooms for the short term is to keep them in the fridge. Whole mushrooms bought from the grocery store can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but it is recommended to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be consumed within three days.
Mushrooms have a high water content and a spongy texture, so they are quick to spoil. To prevent this, they should be stored in a porous container to promote air circulation and paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Fungi often thrive in a damp, sealed environment.
One method is to wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them in an open plastic bag in the fridge. Paper bags are even better than plastic bags as they absorb moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days.
Another method is to place the mushrooms in a large glass bowl lined with paper towels and covered with another layer of paper towels. This allows you to check the freshness of the mushrooms daily.
If you have loose mushrooms, you can also store them in a net bag, like the kind onions are sold in, and hang them from a hook or nail. If they are in the sun, they will absorb vitamin D. If you don't use them right away, they will dry out and can be reconstituted.
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Long-term storage
If you're looking for long-term mushroom storage, there are several methods you can try. One popular method is to use a paper bag. Put whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal it. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh for longer. You can also wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator, but make sure they're not overcrowded to ensure proper airflow.
Another option is to dehydrate your mushrooms. You can use a dehydrator or air-drying techniques such as placing the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they're completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. Dehydrated mushrooms have an extended shelf life and can be reconstituted for use in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
Freezing is another long-term storage option. To freeze mushrooms, cook them first and then let them cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months. However, freezing may compromise their texture, so they are best suited for flavouring stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are best stored in a paper bag in the fridge. This will keep them fresh for about a week.
No, mushrooms should not be stored in plastic bags as plastic traps moisture, causing discoloration, mould, and slime.
Mushrooms can be frozen and kept for up to 12 months. To prepare them for freezing, cook the mushrooms and then place them in a freezer bag. Another option is to dry the mushrooms, which can then be stored indefinitely.
Mushrooms have gone bad if they are slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy, and darker than their original colour. They will also smell bad and be mouldy.
