Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding depth to dishes from stir-fries to soups. However, their freshness is fleeting, and they can quickly become slimy. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to avoid moisture, as they are like sponges. The best way to store fresh mushrooms is in a paper bag or paper towel-lined zip-top bag, placed on a shelf in the fridge. This will keep them fresh for up to 10 days. If you're planning to eat them within a few days, you can simply punch holes in the original plastic packaging and place them in the fridge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag, paper towel-lined zip-top bag, bowl lined with paper towels, glass container, plastic container, jar |
| Container type to avoid | Plastic, containers that trap moisture, crisper drawer |
| Container type to use | Paper, paper towels, glass |
| Container state | Open, uncovered |
| Storage location | Fridge, refrigerator |
| Storage location to avoid | Freezer |
| Storage location to use | Bottom shelf of the fridge, refrigerator shelf |
| Storage time | Up to 10 days, up to several weeks |
| Storage temperature | Cool, dry, dark |
| Storage temperature to avoid | Moist, humid |
| Storage temperature to use | 41°F |
| Washing | Wash before cooking/eating, not before storing |
| Pre-storage treatment | Poke holes in original plastic wrap, transfer to a new container |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid the crisper drawer
The crisper drawer of the fridge is too moist of an environment for mushrooms. Although you can adjust the humidity in most crispers, many people default to the high-humidity setting, which is an optimal environment for storing leafy green vegetables but not so great for mushrooms. Mushrooms have a high water content (80-90%) and are sponges to other moisture.
If you plan to store mushrooms for more than a week, consider freezing or drying them. Mushrooms freeze well, but it's best to get them in the freezer as soon as you can. If you don't have a lot of freezer space, drying them is another option. Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated as needed, and they take up very little space in the pantry.
To store mushrooms in the refrigerator, place them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top plastic bag. The paper will absorb the moisture mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. Roll the top of the bag down to allow the bag to stay open and place it in the fridge on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer. Replace the paper towel in the paper bag every few days to prevent slime from forming.
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Use paper bags
Mushrooms have a high water content and are susceptible to moisture, which makes them quick to spoil. To prevent this, it is recommended to store mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Paper bags are breathable and help to absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy.
To store mushrooms in a paper bag, simply transfer them from their original container to a brown paper bag and place them in the fridge. It is best to avoid the crisper drawer, as this tends to be the most humid part of the fridge, and instead store them on a shelf or the bottom of the refrigerator. If you are using loose mushrooms or want to store them for more than a few days, it is recommended to line the paper bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Paper bags are a great option for short-term storage, keeping mushrooms fresh for up to a week or more. However, they may not be ideal for long-term storage, as mushrooms can dry out and lose weight over time. Additionally, it is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storing, as moisture is the number-one enemy of fresh mushrooms.
Overall, using paper bags is an effective and simple method to store fresh mushrooms, helping to maintain their quality and prolong their shelf life.
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Paper towels
Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high water content, which can lead to slime formation and spoilage. To prevent this, it is important to store them correctly, and paper towels can be used to great effect.
Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storing, as this can cause them to absorb too much water, leading to faster spoilage. Instead, wipe them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or residue.
It is also possible to store mushrooms in a bowl lined with paper towels. Place the mushrooms on top of the paper towel and cover them with another layer. This method allows for easy inspection of the mushrooms' freshness and can keep them dry and fresh for up to five days. However, after 10 days, some mushrooms may develop a slimy film and discolouration.
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Don't wash mushrooms before storing
When storing fresh mushrooms, it is best to avoid washing them beforehand. Mushrooms have a high water content of 80-90%, and are therefore very susceptible to moisture. This means that they can quickly become slimy when stored after washing, which can ruin their texture and flavour.
If you do wish to clean your mushrooms before storing, it is recommended to gently brush or wipe them with a cloth or paper towel. This will ensure that they are free from dirt without absorbing excess water.
When storing mushrooms, it is important to place them in a dry, cool environment. A paper bag or paper towel-lined container is ideal, as it will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms.
It is also worth noting that mushrooms should be used within a few days of purchase, as they have a short shelf life. If you are unable to use them within this time frame, consider sautéing them and storing them in the fridge, which can extend their shelf life by a few days.
By following these storage guidelines, you can help maintain the freshness and quality of your mushrooms, ensuring they are ready for your next meal.
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Cooked mushrooms last 3 days
Fresh mushrooms are a kitchen staple, adding an earthy, umami flavour to a variety of dishes. However, they can be expensive and have a short shelf life. To prolong their life, it is important to combat the moisture they release.
When storing fresh mushrooms, avoid washing them before storing, as moisture is the number-one enemy of fresh mushrooms. Instead, wipe them clean with a dry paper towel or dish towel. Then, wrap the mushrooms in dry paper towels and place them in a brown paper bag. Paper bags allow for air circulation, which is necessary to extend the freshness of mushrooms. If you don't have a paper bag, you can store them wrapped in paper towels in an unsealed plastic bag or glass bowl. However, avoid using plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil. Make sure to store them on a shelf in the fridge, rather than in the crisper drawer, as the crisper tends to have a high-humidity setting, which is not ideal for mushrooms.
Cooked mushrooms will last 3–4 days in the refrigerator. To store cooked mushrooms, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as they are cool. You can also freeze cooked mushrooms to make them last longer. To do this, cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces and cook them in a pan with neutral oil over medium heat for five to seven minutes. Then, transfer the cooked mushrooms to a tray and freeze them for an hour before placing them in a freezer-safe container and returning them to the freezer.
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