Emma Wilson
Pearl mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are also delicate and perishable. Knowing how to store them is essential to keeping them fresh and edible. The best storage methods include the use of paper bags, the refrigerator, dehydration, and freezing. Proper storage can help prevent slime, discolouration, and spoilage, extending the shelf life of pearl mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage location | Refrigerator, pantry, freezer, dehydrated, canned |
| Storage container | Paper bag, uncovered on a paper towel, net bag, glass bowl, freezer bag, airtight container |
| Storage temperature | 32–40°F |
| Storage humidity | Low humidity |
| Storage duration | 1 week in the refrigerator, 1 month in the freezer, 6 months dehydrated, 12 months cooked |
| Cleaning | Wipe with a cloth or paper towel, brush with a soft brush |
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What You'll Learn
Storing in the fridge
Storing pearl mushrooms in the fridge is a great way to keep them fresh for up to a week. The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms due to their high water content.
If you buy loose mushrooms, storing them in a paper bag is ideal. Paper bags absorb the moisture released by mushrooms as they age, keeping them slime-free. You can also use a net bag, like the ones onions are packaged in, and hang them from a hook or nail. If they are kept in sunlight, they will absorb vitamin D.
If you bought pre-packaged mushrooms, you can keep them in the packaging but open it up to allow air to flow and prevent condensation. If you want to transfer them to another container, avoid using plastic containers or bags as they can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil faster. Instead, use a bowl lined with paper towels, spreading out the mushrooms and covering them with another layer of paper towels. You can also place them in a single layer on a sheet of paper towel and use another layer of paper towels to cover them. Remember to replace the paper towels every few days to prevent slime from forming.
When storing pearl mushrooms in the fridge, avoid placing them near pungent or strong-smelling foods, as mushrooms can absorb scents and flavours.
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Freezing
Before freezing, wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Trim off any dried-out parts of the stems or remove the entire stem for certain types of mushrooms, such as chanterelle, shiitake, and portobello. You can keep small mushrooms whole, but most mushrooms should be sliced.
You can choose to steam blanch or sauté the mushrooms before freezing. Steam blanching involves soaking the mushrooms in a solution of water and lemon juice for 5-10 minutes, then steaming them for 3-5 minutes, and finally placing them in ice water for the same duration. To sauté the mushrooms, cook them in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter for about 5 minutes. Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before freezing.
Place the cooled mushrooms on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and flash-freeze them for 1-2 hours. Transfer the frozen mushrooms to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 6 months to a year, although they are best used sooner.
Frozen mushrooms are best suited for hot recipes, such as soups, casseroles, risottos, or pasta dishes. They can be added directly to the dish without thawing, although some recipes may require them to be thawed in the refrigerator first.
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Dehydrating
To dehydrate pearl mushrooms, start by ensuring they are fresh. Check for any signs of decomposition, such as slime, wrinkles, or dark spots. Clean the mushrooms with a damp kitchen towel to remove any dirt or grit, and trim any tough stems. Then, cut the mushrooms into slices or small pieces. It's important to ensure uniform size for even drying.
Arrange the mushroom slices on the dehydrator trays, keeping a small distance between them to allow for proper airflow. Set the dehydrator temperature between 110°F and 125°F (43°C and 52°C), and dry the mushrooms for 6 to 10 hours, depending on their thickness. They are ready when they are crispy and break in half instead of bending.
Once dehydrated, let the mushrooms cool to room temperature before transferring them to sanitized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Label the jars with the mushroom type and drying date. Store the jars away from direct light and heat to maintain optimal freshness and extend their shelf life.
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Avoiding moisture
Moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Mushrooms stored for a long time tend to release moisture, which can cause them to become slimy and mouldy. To prevent this, it is recommended to store mushrooms in a paper bag, which can absorb this excess moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh for longer. If you are storing them in the refrigerator, it is important to ensure that the paper bag is not sealed, to allow for airflow and to prevent condensation.
It is also possible to store mushrooms in a glass bowl lined with paper towels, with another layer of paper towels placed on top of the mushrooms. This method allows you to check the freshness of the mushrooms daily and prevents them from sitting in a damp container or bag. However, it is important to replace the paper towel every few days to prevent slime from forming.
If you are storing pre-packaged mushrooms, it is important to ensure that the packaging has perforations to allow air in and moisture out. If you are storing loose mushrooms, it is best to avoid plastic containers or bags, as these can trap moisture and speed up spoilage. Instead, transfer the mushrooms to a paper bag or a net bag, like the kind that onions are often packaged in, and hang the bag from a hook or nail. If the mushrooms are exposed to sunlight, they will also absorb vitamin D.
Finally, if you are storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, it is important to avoid placing them near any pungent or aromatic foods, as they will absorb these scents and flavours.
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Avoiding strong-smelling food
When storing pearl mushrooms, it is important to keep them away from strong-smelling foods. Mushrooms are like sponges and can easily absorb odours, which will affect their taste and quality. Here are some tips to avoid exposure to strong-smelling foods:
Separate storage is key. Keep pearl mushrooms in a well-ventilated container, such as a paper bag, and place them in a cool, dry area of your kitchen, away from direct sunlight. Make sure they are not stored in the same drawer or container as strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, or mature cheeses. Strong odours can permeate the mushrooms, affecting their flavour and making them unappealing to use in dishes.
Maintain good airflow in the storage area. Proper ventilation will not only help to prevent the mushrooms from absorbing odours but also keep them from getting soggy or slimy. Place the mushrooms in a single layer on a tray or plate, and cover them loosely with a piece of cloth or paper towel to allow air circulation while keeping them protected.
Another way to minimize odour absorption is to store the mushrooms in a well-sealed container with a neutral-smelling material. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, filled with either parchment paper or clean, dry coffee filters, can be an effective storage solution. The mushrooms will stay fresh and odour-free, maintaining their delicate flavour.
Additionally, it is advisable to store mushrooms away from fruits and vegetables that produce a lot of ethylene gas as they ripen, such as tomatoes, avocados, or melons. Mushrooms are sensitive to ethylene and can quickly turn slimy when exposed to it. By keeping them separate, you ensure they remain firm and fresh for longer.
Remember, even after following these steps, fresh pearl mushrooms should be consumed within a few days of purchase for the best experience. Check them regularly for any signs of spoilage and remove any mushrooms that show signs of discolouration or slime development.
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Frequently asked questions
Pearl mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. To ensure they last for a week, place them in a paper bag or uncovered on a paper towel in the bottom drawer of your fridge.
Yes, you can store pearl mushrooms in the freezer. They can be frozen raw or cooked, but they must be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen pearl mushrooms will last for about a month.
Mushrooms that have gone bad will be slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy, and darker than their original colour. They may also have mould on them and will smell bad.
The best way to store pearl mushrooms is in a paper bag in the fridge. This will help to absorb any moisture and prevent the mushrooms from going slimy.
