Michael Davis
Button mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, but they can quickly spoil if not stored correctly. The recommended way to store them is in a brown paper bag in the fridge, which keeps them fresh for up to a week. This is because mushrooms need to breathe, and storing them in sealed plastic containers can cause moisture to form and lead to rot. While plastic wrap can prevent dehydration, it's best to avoid it unless the mushrooms are sliced, as they spoil faster in plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Refrigerator |
| Packaging | Original packaging, porous paper bag, vented clamshells |
| Plastic packaging | Not recommended |
| Mushroom characteristics | Firm, fresh, smooth, dry, and plump |
| Veil under the cap | Indicates delicate flavor |
| Open veil and exposed gills | Indicates richer flavor |
| Dehydration | Can be used if cooked with water |
| Spoilage indicators | Fishy smell, visible mold |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a brown paper bag in the fridge
To store button mushrooms, it is recommended to use a brown paper bag. Paper bags are porous, allowing mushrooms to breathe and preventing moisture from forming and causing rot. Plastic packaging should be avoided for this reason.
When storing button mushrooms in a brown paper bag, it is best to keep them in the fridge. Fresh mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. However, they should never be frozen. Frozen sautéed mushrooms are an exception and will keep for up to one month.
Make sure the mushrooms are dry but not dried out, and appear plump with a fresh, smooth appearance. Button mushrooms are best when the caps are open, the gills are exposed, and they look a little dark and moist but not slimy.
A closed veil under the cap of a button mushroom indicates a delicate flavor, while an open veil and exposed gills mean a richer flavor. If you prefer a meatier taste, select mushrooms with veils that have begun to break.
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Avoid plastic packaging
If you want to avoid using plastic packaging to store button mushrooms, there are several alternative methods you can use. One popular method is to use a paper bag. Paper bags are breathable and will absorb any excess moisture released by the mushrooms as they age, helping to keep them slime-free. If you choose this method, you can add a slightly damp paper towel to the bag to prevent the mushrooms from drying out. Just remember to check the mushrooms every day or two and dampen the paper towel if necessary.
Another option is to use a net bag, such as the kind that onions are often packaged in. You can hang the bag from a hook or nail, and if it's near a window, the mushrooms will absorb vitamin D from the sunlight. If you don't use the mushrooms right away, they will dry out, but this is not a problem as you can easily reconstitute dried mushrooms by adding them to a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry.
You can also store mushrooms in a glass jar, but this is not recommended as glass blocks ultraviolet light, preventing the mushrooms from absorbing vitamin D. If you do choose to store mushrooms in a jar, make sure it is not airtight, as mushrooms need to breathe.
If you have a surplus of mushrooms and want to store them for longer, you can freeze or dehydrate them. Freezing mushrooms will likely compromise their texture, so it's best to use thawed frozen mushrooms to flavour stocks or chop them into veggie burgers rather than trying to fry them. To prepare mushrooms for freezing, lightly sauté them in butter or steam them, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Dehydrating mushrooms is a better method for long-term storage as it preserves the quality of the fungi while indefinitely extending their shelf life. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in water before use. To dehydrate mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator or simply place them in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
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Use vented containers
Vented containers are ideal for storing button mushrooms. It is best to avoid sealed plastic containers as mushrooms tend to spoil more quickly in such environments. Plastic containers cause mushrooms to rot as they trap moisture, preventing the mushrooms from breathing.
Button mushrooms are best stored in containers that allow for ventilation and breathability. Vented clamshells, similar to those used for strawberries, are a good option for storing button mushrooms in the refrigerator. These containers have small perforations that allow air to circulate while keeping the mushrooms fresh. The ventilation helps to regulate moisture levels and prevents the buildup of excess humidity, which can lead to spoilage.
Paper bags are another recommended option for storing button mushrooms. Brown paper bags, in particular, provide a suitable environment for mushroom storage. The porous nature of paper allows for air circulation and helps to absorb excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and fresh. Storing button mushrooms in paper bags in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life and maintain their quality.
It is important to note that while vented containers are ideal, it is still crucial to regularly inspect your button mushrooms for any signs of spoilage. Even with proper ventilation, mushrooms can still dehydrate or develop mold over time. By checking them periodically, you can ensure that you are consuming them at their optimal freshness and avoid any potential food safety hazards.
Additionally, when storing button mushrooms in vented containers, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator. The cool temperature of the refrigerator helps to slow down the spoilage process and maintains the freshness of the mushrooms. By combining vented containers with refrigeration, you can create the ideal storage conditions for button mushrooms, maximizing their shelf life and preserving their quality.
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Keep gills exposed
To store button mushrooms while keeping their gills exposed, it is recommended to store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Paper bags are porous and allow for airflow, helping to absorb the moisture released by the mushrooms and preventing them from becoming slimy. This method is preferred over plastic containers, which can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage.
When storing button mushrooms in a paper bag, it is important to keep them in the refrigerator, specifically on a shelf rather than in the crisper drawer, as the latter tends to be too moist. The refrigerator temperature should be as close to freezing as possible (around 33-34° Fahrenheit) to inhibit bacterial growth effectively.
To further extend the shelf life of button mushrooms, consider using a paper towel within the paper bag. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and fresh for longer. Additionally, ensure that the mushrooms are unwashed before placing them in the bag, as washing can introduce additional moisture.
If you intend to store the mushrooms for an extended period, freezing is an option, although it may compromise their texture. Before freezing, it is recommended to lightly cook the mushrooms by sautéing them in butter or steaming them, which helps preserve their quality and flavour. Once cooked, let them cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for storage for up to 12 months.
Another long-term storage option is to dry the mushrooms. This method better preserves their quality and flavour while indefinitely extending their shelf life. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries. To dry button mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying technique, placing them in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
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Don't freeze fresh mushrooms
While freezing button mushrooms can increase their shelf life and reduce food waste, there are several reasons why you should avoid freezing fresh mushrooms. Firstly, freezing affects the texture of mushrooms, making them softer and mushier when thawed. This change in texture may not be desirable for certain dishes. Freezing also alters the colour of mushrooms, causing them to darken.
Additionally, freezing can negatively impact the nutrient composition of mushrooms. While it does not affect the calorie, fibre, or mineral content, freezing can reduce the content of water-soluble vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Fresh mushrooms are also recommended to maximize flavour.
To store button mushrooms, it is best to keep them in their original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. They should be stored in a dry environment, as sealed plastic packaging can cause moisture to form and lead to rot. Button mushrooms are best when the caps are open, the gills are exposed, and they appear a little dark and moist, but not slimy.
If you have more mushrooms than you can use before they spoil, consider alternative preservation methods such as drying the mushrooms yourself or purchasing dried mushrooms, which are easy to rehydrate and take up minimal storage space.
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Frequently asked questions
Store button mushrooms in a brown paper bag in the fridge.
Button mushrooms should be used within a day or two of purchase. They can last up to a week in the refrigerator but will likely start to decompose after a couple of days.
No, mushrooms cannot breathe in plastic containers or bags, and moisture forms, causing them to rot.
No, fresh mushrooms should never be frozen. However, you can freeze cooked mushrooms for up to a month.
