Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be tricky to store. They are delicate and perishable, and their shelf life is short. Mushrooms are high in water content, and moisture is the number one enemy of mushrooms. So, how do you store them?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage place | Refrigerator |
| Storage container | Paper bag or paper towel-lined zip-top bag |
| Storage duration | 5-7 days |
| Sliced mushrooms storage duration | 3-5 days |
| Freezing option | Yes |
| Freezing duration | Up to 12 months |
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What You'll Learn
Storing in a paper bag
Storing field mushrooms in a paper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh for longer. Paper bags, especially brown paper bags, offer the ideal balance of air circulation and moisture absorption, ensuring your mushrooms stay fresh for a more extended period.
To store your mushrooms in a paper bag, start by selecting a small to medium-sized paper bag. It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are not washed before storing, as mushrooms have a very high moisture content, and excess water will contribute to quicker spoilage. Place the whole, unwashed mushrooms into the paper bag. If desired, you can line the bag with a paper towel to absorb additional moisture.
Loosely fold the top of the paper bag to secure it. Avoid sealing the bag completely, as this will prevent proper air circulation. Place the paper bag in the refrigerator, preferably on the bottom shelf, and not in the crisper drawer. The cool temperature will help maintain the crispness of the mushrooms and extend their shelf life.
It is recommended to use the mushrooms within a week for peak freshness and flavour. However, stored mushrooms can be dried and frozen for long-term storage.
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Using a paper towel
Storing field mushrooms can be tricky because they have a high water content (80-90%) and are very delicate. To store them using a paper towel, you can try the following methods:
Paper Bag with Paper Towel
Line a brown paper bag with a folded paper towel and place the mushrooms inside. The paper bag will absorb any excess moisture, and the paper towel will draw out moisture from the mushrooms, allowing them to last longer. This method can keep mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days, although some may develop dark spots.
Paper Towel-Lined Bowl
Line a large glass bowl with paper towels, spread out the mushrooms, and cover them with another layer of paper towels. This method allows you to check the freshness of the mushrooms daily. With this approach, the mushrooms can stay fresh for about five days, after which some may develop a slimy film and dark spots.
Paper Towel-Lined Zip-Top Bag
Place the mushrooms in a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. Leave the bag open and place it in the refrigerator on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer. This method helps absorb the moisture mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy.
Remember, it is best to avoid plastic containers or bags when storing mushrooms, as plastic traps moisture and speeds up spoilage. Additionally, always store mushrooms in the refrigerator, as cooler temperatures slow down bacterial and fungal growth.
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Avoiding plastic containers
If you're looking to store field mushrooms without using plastic containers, there are several options to consider. Firstly, mushrooms should be kept dry and stored in a breathable container to prevent them from spoiling too quickly. A simple and effective method is to use a brown paper bag, which can help keep moisture at bay. Place the mushrooms in the bag, fold over the top, and store them in the refrigerator. This method can keep the mushrooms fresh for several days.
Another option is to use a mesh container with good airflow, such as a circular mesh strainer. This method is ideal for drying mushrooms, and they can be left out for about a week to air-dry. Once they are completely dry, transfer the mushrooms to an airtight glass jar for storage. This method helps to extend the shelf life of the mushrooms.
If you prefer to use a more rigid container, glass canning jars or other food-grade glass containers are a suitable alternative to plastic. Ensure that the glass containers have a lid that creates an airtight seal to keep moisture out. You can also use cloth bags, which provide a breathable storage option for your mushrooms.
Additionally, when storing mushrooms, it is important to avoid washing them before storage as this can shorten their shelf life. It is also recommended to avoid placing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they can absorb those odours. By following these suggestions, you can effectively store field mushrooms while avoiding the use of plastic containers.
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Freezing mushrooms
Freezing is a great way to preserve your mushrooms. Before freezing, it is important to wash the mushrooms to get rid of any dirt and debris. Trim the woody parts and stems, and cut them into equal-sized pieces, so they cook or steam evenly.
Some mushrooms can be frozen raw, while others should be cooked first. Wild mushrooms, such as maitake, hen of the woods, and those in the slimy-capped Suillus genus, are best frozen raw due to their high moisture content. Most store-bought mushrooms, like button mushrooms, creminis, and portobellos, can be frozen either raw or cooked. However, cooking mushrooms before freezing helps to remove some of their internal moisture, resulting in a nicer texture and more intact mushrooms for use after freezing.
To cook mushrooms before freezing, sauté them with oil or butter over medium-low heat until soft, or steam them for 3-5 minutes and then transfer them to an ice water bath. Once they are cool, spread the mushrooms on a towel and pat them dry.
Place the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least two hours. Then, transfer the frozen mushrooms to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal, and label with the date. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to a year and should always be cooked before consuming.
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Dehydrating mushrooms
To dehydrate mushrooms, start by selecting fresh mushrooms that are at the peak of their freshness. Avoid any mushrooms that show signs of decay, such as slime, wrinkles, dark spots, or a pungent odour. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a mushroom brush, followed by a quick rinse under cold running water. It is important not to soak the mushrooms, as they are porous and can become engulfed with water.
Once the mushrooms are clean, cut them into slices of uniform thickness. Slices of about 1/4-inch thickness are preferable, as thicker slices may take longer to dry. Arrange the sliced mushrooms on dehydrator trays, ensuring that none of the pieces overlap to allow for optimal airflow.
Dry the mushrooms at a temperature of around 110°F (43°C) until they are crispy and dry. This process can take 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices. If you are using an oven, dry the mushrooms at 140°F (60°C) and monitor them closely towards the end of the drying period to prevent scorching.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, allow them to cool before transferring them to airtight glass jars. Label the jars with the contents and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light or heat, and you'll have delicious dried mushrooms ready to be used in your favourite recipes!
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are best stored in a refrigerator. Place them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. Avoid using plastic as it traps moisture and causes discolouration, mould, and slime.
Whole mushrooms stored in the fridge will last for up to a week. Sliced mushrooms will last for 3-5 days.
You can freeze mushrooms for long-term storage. Cook the mushrooms before freezing them for better texture and flavour. You can also dry your mushrooms using a dehydrator or air-drying. Dried mushrooms have a longer shelf-life and reconstitute well in soups and sauces.
