Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are highly perishable and can degrade rapidly after being harvested. The key to keeping them fresh is to prevent moisture loss and condensation. While the refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, it is important to avoid the crisper drawer, as it tends to be too moist. Instead, mushrooms should be kept on a shelf in their original packaging or a paper bag, with or without paper towels, to absorb moisture. If you've already cut the mushrooms, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within three days. To extend their shelf life, you can freeze or dry them, but they should be cooked before freezing for better preservation.
How to store cut mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage place | Refrigerator |
| Storage container | Paper bag, paper towel-lined zip-top bag, air-tight container |
| Storage duration | 3 days |
| Pre-storage preparation | Clean, slice, and freeze |
| Other tips | Avoid plastic, avoid washing before storing, avoid storing near strong-smelling food |
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What You'll Learn
Don't wash mushrooms before storing
When storing cut mushrooms, it is important to keep in mind that moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, and they tend to absorb liquids and take on the flavour of whatever they are stored with. This is why it is not recommended to wash mushrooms before storing them.
If you are unable to use mushrooms in recipes within a week, consider freezing them. However, it is important to note that fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so this should be done sooner rather than later. Before freezing, cook the mushrooms and allow them to cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Another option for long-term storage is to dry your mushrooms, which can be done by using a dehydrator or air-drying. This method better preserves the quality of the mushrooms and indefinitely extends their shelf life.
If you do not have time to clean the mushrooms before storing them, it is best to place them in a paper bag. Paper bags help to absorb moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh. If you have time, wash the mushrooms and place them in a container lined with a paper towel on the bottom and another on top to dry them. Make sure to remove any grime from between the stem and cap of the mushrooms.
It is worth noting that some people choose to brush or peel their mushrooms instead of washing them to avoid the mushrooms absorbing water and losing flavour. This is especially true for Crimini mushrooms, which are a more mature version of white mushrooms and have a stronger flavour.
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Store in a paper bag
Mushrooms are very perishable and can rapidly degrade soon after being harvested. They lose moisture, and their colour and texture change. Their nutritional value and flavour also go down within a week. The key to keeping them fresh is to prevent condensation and avoid excess moisture.
Storing mushrooms in a paper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh. Paper bags allow mushrooms to breathe, preventing condensation and avoiding excess moisture. To store mushrooms in a paper bag, place them in the bag and leave the top open. Put the bag in the fridge, unwashed, and be sure to use them soon.
Paper bags are preferable to plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause discoloration, mold, and slime. Paper bags are also preferable to airtight containers, which can cause condensation and speed up spoilage.
If you are storing sliced mushrooms, it is recommended to use an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.
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Freeze cut mushrooms
Freezing is a great way to store cut mushrooms and avoid food waste. It is best to freeze mushrooms at the peak of their freshness, choosing those that look and smell fresh. Avoid mushrooms that are dry, shrivelled, darkened, mouldy, or give off an unpleasant odour.
Before freezing, clean the mushrooms by washing them in cold water or wiping them with a damp paper towel. Trim off the ends of the stems and cut them into slices or quarters, especially if they are larger than one inch across. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole.
Next, cook the mushrooms slightly before freezing. You can either sauté or steam them. To sauté the mushrooms, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a frying pan over medium to high heat and cook the mushrooms for about five minutes, or until they are fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated. To steam the mushrooms, soak them in a solution of lemon juice or citric acid and water for five minutes to minimise discolouration. Then, steam the mushrooms for about two to five minutes, depending on their size.
After cooking, allow the mushrooms to cool completely. Then, spread them out on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Finally, transfer the frozen mushrooms to a labelled, resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Frozen mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to six months to one year. They are best used in cooked dishes, such as soups, casseroles, pasta bakes, and stir-fries. Frozen mushrooms can be added directly to hot recipes, and it is recommended to cook them for a little longer to ensure any excess water is cooked off.
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Don't store in the fridge's crisper drawer
The crisper drawer of the fridge is too moist of an environment for mushrooms. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, and they need to be stored in an environment with the perfect moisture balance. While the crisper drawer can be adjusted for humidity, many people default to the high-humidity setting, which is not suitable for mushrooms. The high water content of mushrooms (80-90%) means that they are sponges to other moisture, and condensation will speed up spoilage.
Mushrooms should be stored in a dry, cool fridge. A paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag will absorb the moisture mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. If you are storing sliced mushrooms, you can use an airtight container in the refrigerator, but they should be used within three days.
If you are storing mushrooms for the long term, you can dry them using a dehydrator or air-drying technique. This method better preserves the quality of the fungi while indefinitely extending their shelf life. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry.
If you are going to freeze mushrooms, it is best to cook them first. For the best colour post-freezing, you can dip the mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Once the cooked mushrooms are cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
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Use within three days
If you've already cut your mushrooms, you should aim to use them within three days. To ensure they stay fresh during this time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It's important to avoid adding excess moisture to mushrooms, as this can cause them to spoil. Therefore, avoid washing your mushrooms before storing them, and do not wrap them in a damp paper towel. Instead, you can use a paper towel to absorb moisture and help your mushrooms stay fresh.
If you're unable to use your sliced mushrooms within three days, you can freeze them. However, it's best to cook them before freezing, as raw mushrooms do not freeze well and may develop mould. For the best colour post-freezing, you can dip your mushrooms in a solution of one pint of water and one teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Once cooked, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Another option for long-term storage is to dry your mushrooms. This method can indefinitely extend their shelf life while better preserving their quality. To dry mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator or air-drying techniques. Place the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week, and once they're completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
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Frequently asked questions
Storing cut mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator is the best way to keep them fresh. It is also recommended to use them within three days.
Uncut mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. They should be placed in the fridge on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer.
Whole mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase.
