Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are also delicate and perishable. The best way to store picked mushrooms is in the refrigerator, but which spot you choose impacts preservation. Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag or wrapped in paper towels placed in open plastic bags (paper bags are better). They should not be washed before storing as moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. If you want to keep them for several days, or even up to a week, place them on a shelf in the fridge.
How to store picked mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag, net bag, bowl, plastic container |
| Wrapping | Paper towels, plastic wrap with holes |
| Temperature | Refrigerator |
| Duration | 3–7 days; up to 12 months if frozen |
| Other | Avoid moisture, strong-smelling food, and plastic wrap without holes |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag
If you've picked a lot of mushrooms and want to store them, one of the best ways to do so is to use a paper bag. Paper bags are breathable, which is important because mushrooms need to breathe. They also absorb moisture, helping to keep the mushrooms fresh and slime-free for longer.
If you're using a paper bag, it's best to keep the mushrooms in the fridge, as this will slow their metabolic rate and allow them to keep for longer. The fridge is also the best place to keep mushrooms generally, although which spot you choose within the fridge impacts preservation.
You can also use a paper bag to store dried mushrooms. Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve their quality while indefinitely extending their shelf life. They will also develop an intense umami flavour. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying, which involves placing the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are totally dry, you can store them in an airtight glass jar or a paper bag.
If you're using a paper bag to store fresh mushrooms, it's best to avoid keeping them near strong-smelling food, as mushrooms will absorb those odours. It's also a good idea to avoid washing the mushrooms before storing them, as there is a general consensus that moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
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Keep in the fridge
Keeping picked mushrooms in the fridge is a great way to extend their shelf life. However, it is important to note that mushrooms are delicate and perishable, and even when stored properly, they won't last forever. Here are some tips to keep your picked mushrooms fresh for as long as possible in the fridge:
Firstly, avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or bags. Plastic traps moisture, leading to discoloration, mould, and slime. Instead, opt for paper bags, which absorb excess moisture released by the mushrooms as they age, keeping them slime-free. If you don't have paper bags, you can also use a paper towel to wrap the mushrooms before placing them in an open plastic bag.
Secondly, ensure that the mushrooms can breathe. Loosely close the bag or container to allow for air exchange. If using a container, you can place the mushrooms on a slightly damp paper towel and cover them with another damp paper towel. Remember to re-wet the paper towels every day or so to maintain humidity.
Additionally, avoid storing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they can absorb those odours. Also, try to use whole mushrooms within a week of purchase, and sliced mushrooms within three days. If you are unable to use them within this time frame, consider freezing them. However, keep in mind that fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so freeze them sooner rather than later, and remember to cook them first.
By following these simple tips, you can effectively store your picked mushrooms in the fridge, prolonging their freshness and preserving their quality.
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Use a net bag
The best way to store mushrooms is to use a net bag, such as the kind onions are packaged in, and hang the bag from a hook or nail. If the mushrooms are placed near a window, they will absorb vitamin D. If you don't use the mushrooms right away, they will dry out and can be reconstituted. This is a good option because, as mushrooms age, they may begin to release water; the net bag will allow the mushrooms to breathe and absorb oxygen, keeping the mushroom's surface slime-free for longer than if they were, for example, packed in an airtight container.
It is important to note that, while the refrigerator is the best place to keep mushrooms, which spot you choose impacts preservation. Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge to keep them as fresh as possible. You can keep them on the counter for a day or so, but if you want to keep them for several days or even up to a week, place them on a shelf in the fridge.
It is also important to avoid moisture when storing mushrooms. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, so it is best to only rinse them if they are going into a salad or soup. If you are pan-frying, just rub them down with a damp paper towel or brush them with a pastry brush. Avoid plastic containers, as plastic traps moisture and mushrooms end up sitting in a damp container or bag, which causes discoloration, mould, and slime.
In addition to net bags, there are other ways to store mushrooms. For example, you can wrap them in paper towels placed in open plastic bags (paper bags are even better) and keep them in the fridge. Another option is to place them on a very slightly damp paper towel in a bowl or plastic container, cover them with plastic wrap, and poke lots of little holes in the plastic wrap.
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Place in an airtight container
If you've picked a large number of mushrooms and are unable to use them all in recipes within a week, consider storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it is important to note that this method is more suitable for sliced mushrooms, whereas whole mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase.
When storing mushrooms, it is crucial to avoid moisture as it can cause discoloration, mould, and slime. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, so they should be stored in a way that allows them to breathe without drying out. One effective method is to place them in a net bag, like the ones onions are often sold in, and hang them from a hook or nail. If they are exposed to sunlight, they will absorb vitamin D. However, if you don't use the mushrooms right away, they will dry out, and you can reconstitute them.
Another option is to wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them in open plastic bags or containers with holes poked in them. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, helping to keep the mushrooms fresh and slime-free. You can also add a slightly damp paper towel to the container and re-wet it every day or so to maintain humidity and prolong the shelf life of the mushrooms.
It is recommended to avoid storing mushrooms in sealed plastic containers or bags as they can trap moisture and speed up spoilage. Additionally, avoid placing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they will absorb those odours.
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Dry or freeze mushrooms
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use. The drying process intensifies the deep umami flavour of the mushrooms, allowing them to lend their strong flavour to stocks, soups, braises, and stir-fries.
There are several ways to dry mushrooms, including air drying, dehydrators, and oven-drying. Air drying is the cheapest and easiest method, but it may not always result in completely bone-dry mushrooms, especially in humid environments. To air-dry mushrooms, place them in an open container with good airflow, such as a mesh colander, and leave them out to dry for about a week. You can also place them in front of a fan to speed up the drying process.
Dehydrators are another effective way to dry mushrooms, using gentle heat and constant airflow to gradually remove moisture. However, they can be costly. If you want to dry mushrooms in the oven, you can partially dry them first and then allow them to finish air-drying.
Regardless of the method, it is important to pre-dry your mushrooms by placing them on cardboard or a dry towel in a well-ventilated area to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure consistent drying.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, you can store them in a cool, dry place for up to two years. They should feel like little light rocks and snap when bent.
Freezing is another option to preserve mushrooms for an extended period. It is recommended to freeze mushrooms at the peak of their freshness to avoid sogginess and preserve their nutritional value. Here are the steps to freeze mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms by scrubbing or brushing them to remove dirt. Avoid washing them under running water.
- You can choose to steam, sauté, or blanch the mushrooms before freezing to preserve their nutrients. Lightly steam or sauté them for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, flash freeze them raw, although this may impact their nutritional value.
- Allow the mushrooms to cool completely.
- Spread the cooled mushrooms in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the mushrooms are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen mushrooms to a labelled, resealable freezer bag. Expelling any excess air.
- Store the mushrooms in the freezer for up to six months.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the fridge. This will help to absorb any moisture and keep them fresh for longer.
Mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase. If they develop slimy or wrinkled patches, or turn darker, they are spoiling and should be discarded.
No, mushrooms should not be stored in plastic bags or containers. Plastic traps moisture, which causes discoloration, mould, and slime.
Yes, you can. It is best to cook the mushrooms first and then freeze them. For optimal colour, you can dip them in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking.
