Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be tricky to store. They are delicate and perishable, and moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. To prevent spoilage, mushrooms should be stored in a dry, breathable paper bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. They should be kept in the main compartment of the refrigerator, not the crisper drawer, and away from foods with strong odors. With proper storage, mushrooms can last up to 10 days, and there are various ways to use both the caps and stems in cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag |
| Plastic | Avoid |
| Paper towels | Recommended |
| Refrigerator | Yes |
| Crisper drawer | Avoid |
| Humidity | Low |
| Odors | Avoid strong odors |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag, not plastic
If you're storing mushrooms, it's best to avoid plastic containers or bags. Plastic traps moisture, causing the mushrooms to sit in a damp container or bag, which leads to discoloration, mould, and slime.
Instead, store mushrooms in a paper bag, which allows for much better airflow and creates a less damp environment. Paper bags are also better at absorbing excess moisture than plastic bags. If you want to draw even more moisture away from the mushrooms, you can add a paper towel to the bag.
However, paper bags don't work well for long-term storage. If you're delivering or selling mushrooms, it's best to use a paper bag only if it's the day of harvest or the day after. For longer-term storage, wax-lined cardboard boxes are a better option.
If you're storing mushrooms in the fridge, avoid the crisper drawer, which is designed to be humid, and opt for the bottom shelf of the refrigerator instead.
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Avoid the fridge's crisper drawer
The crisper drawer in a refrigerator is usually set for high humidity, which is great for vegetables and leafy greens. However, mushrooms have a high water content (80-90%) and their structure means they can easily lose water. Therefore, too much humidity can encourage condensation on their surface, which can lead to expedited spoilage.
To avoid this, store mushrooms elsewhere in the fridge. Mushrooms need to breathe, so it's best to avoid storing them in an airtight container. One option is to place them in a paper bag lined with a paper towel, which will absorb excess moisture, and then store them in the fridge. This method should keep mushrooms fresh for around 7 days.
Another option is to place the mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with paper towels, which will also absorb moisture. This method will keep mushrooms fresh for around 5 days.
If you're not planning to eat the mushrooms within a few days, you can dry them or cook and freeze them.
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Don't store near strong-smelling food
When storing mushrooms, it is important to avoid placing them near strong-smelling food. Mushrooms are very absorbent and will soak up the odours of foods around them. This is why it is recommended to store mushrooms in a brown paper bag in the main compartment of the refrigerator, rather than in the crisper drawer, which tends to be too moist. Wax-lined cardboard boxes are also a good option for storing mushrooms in the refrigerator.
If you store mushrooms in their original packaging, which is usually plastic, you may find that they spoil quickly. Plastic containers trap moisture, which speeds up spoilage. Mushrooms have a very high moisture content and are quick to spoil, so it is important to store them in a breathable paper bag, which allows for better airflow and creates a less damp environment.
To further prevent moisture buildup, you can place a paper towel in the paper bag with the mushrooms. The paper towel will draw away any excess moisture, helping the mushrooms to last even longer.
If you are storing sliced mushrooms, you should use an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days, while whole mushrooms should be used within a week. If you are unable to use the mushrooms within this time frame, you can consider freezing them. However, it is important to note that fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it is recommended to freeze them sooner rather than later.
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Freeze mushrooms for long-term storage
Mushrooms have a short shelf life, so it's important to store them properly. If you're looking for long-term storage, freezing is a good option. Here are some tips for freezing mushrooms:
Prepare the Mushrooms
Before freezing, it's important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, so instead of rinsing them, wipe them with a damp paper towel or brush them with a pastry brush. Remove any dirt or debris. You can also trim the ends of the stems, especially if they are woody and fibrous.
Cook the Mushrooms
For the best texture and flavour, it's recommended to cook the mushrooms before freezing. Cooking helps remove some of the moisture, which can affect the quality during freezing. Sauté or pan-fry the mushrooms quickly to preserve their freshness. You can also dip them in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking to improve their colour after freezing.
Freeze the Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are cooked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer. Frozen mushrooms can last for up to 12 months. You can use the frozen mushrooms directly from the freezer without thawing, adding them to soups, stir-fries, or any dish you like.
Alternative Method: Drying Mushrooms
Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms. Drying preserves the quality of the fungi and intensifies their umami flavour. Dried mushrooms can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-dry them by 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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Use paper towels to absorb moisture
Mushrooms are quick to spoil due to their high moisture content. To prevent this, it is important to avoid storing them in plastic containers or bags, which trap moisture and cause discoloration, mould, and slime. Instead, use a breathable paper bag, which allows for better airflow and creates a less damp environment.
To further prevent spoilage, you can use paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Line a large glass bowl with paper towels, spread out your mushrooms, and then cover them with another layer of paper towels. This method allows you to check the freshness of the mushrooms daily and helps to ensure good air circulation. You can also place paper towels in clean pans and replace them periodically to maintain dryness.
If you are storing mushrooms in a paper bag, you can include a paper towel to absorb moisture. This method can keep mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days. However, it is important to note that the shelf life of mushrooms varies depending on their type and storage conditions.
By following these tips and utilising paper towels, you can effectively absorb moisture and prolong the freshness of your mushroom stems.
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Frequently asked questions
If you store your mushroom stems in a brown paper bag with a paper towel, they can last up to 10 days.
The best way to store mushroom stems is in a breathable brown paper bag with a paper towel. This allows for better airflow and creates a less damp environment for the mushrooms.
Store your mushroom stems in the main area of the refrigerator, preferably on the bottom shelf.
