Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and pizzas. However, knowing how to properly store them can be tricky. Mushrooms are highly perishable and can get sweaty if stored in a plastic bag or their original packaging. The secret to storing washed mushrooms is to use a paper bag or paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They should then be placed in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag or open plastic bag |
| Paper towel | Slightly damp |
| Refrigerator | Yes |
| Shelf life | 3-7 days |
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What You'll Learn
Use paper bags for storage
Paper bags are a great way to store washed mushrooms. They allow the mushrooms to breathe without drying out. This is because paper bags are porous, meaning they have tiny holes that let air in and out. This airflow keeps the mushrooms fresh.
You can use a paper bag from the grocery store or buy some from a shop. If you don't have a paper bag, you can also use a plastic bag, but it should be loosely closed so that there is still some airflow.
To store your mushrooms, first, wash them and then wrap them in paper towels. Then, place them in the paper bag and put the bag in the fridge. They should be kept in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for up to a week.
If you don't have a paper bag, you can also store mushrooms in a bowl. Line a bowl with moist paper towels, place the unwashed mushrooms in the bowl, and then cover them with another moist paper towel. Place the bowl in the fridge and re-wet the paper towels every day to keep the mushrooms fresh.
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Keep in the fridge
If you're planning to store washed mushrooms in the fridge, it's important to note that they should be stored in a way that allows them to breathe without drying out. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, so if you've washed them, be sure to dry them thoroughly before storing.
Paper bags are ideal for storing mushrooms in the fridge, as they are porous and allow for air circulation. You can also use a loosely closed plastic bag or container, but make sure there is not too much air exchange, which can cause the mushrooms to dry out.
One effective method is to wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and then place them in an open plastic bag or, even better, a paper bag. You can also place them on a plate with a paper towel both under and on top of them, with the top one slightly damp. This helps to regulate moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh.
Another option is to line a bowl with moist paper towels, place the washed mushrooms in the bowl, and then cover them with another moist paper towel. Keep the bowl in the fridge, and remember to re-wet the paper towels every day to maintain freshness.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively store your washed mushrooms in the fridge, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for use in your favourite recipes.
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Don't use plastic bags
Mushrooms are best stored in a way that allows them to breathe without drying out. While loosely closed plastic bags may be used, they are not ideal as mushrooms tend to get sweaty when stored in plastic bags or their pre-packaged containers. This is because plastic bags do not allow mushrooms to breathe, leading to condensation and moisture build-up.
Paper bags are a much better option for storing mushrooms as they are porous and allow for air exchange. This helps keep the mushrooms fresh for longer. If you are using a plastic bag, make sure it is left open and that the mushrooms are wrapped in paper towels first.
If you don't have a paper bag, you can also store mushrooms in a bowl or container lined with moist (or slightly damp) paper towels. Place the unwashed mushrooms in the bowl and then cover with another moist paper towel. Re-wet the paper towels every day or so, and the mushrooms will stay fresh for a long time.
Another option is to simply place the mushrooms on a plate with a paper towel both under and on top of them. The top paper towel should be slightly damp. They should be used within three days of purchase.
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Use paper towels
Mushrooms are made up of 80 to 90 percent water, so it's important to keep them dry to prevent them from spoiling. Paper towels are a great way to absorb excess moisture and keep your mushrooms fresh.
If you're looking to store washed mushrooms, start by washing them under running water to remove visible dirt and grime. Be careful not to leave them in the water for too long, as they will absorb the water and become mushy. After washing, place the mushrooms on a paper towel to dry. You can also use a paper towel to rub them all over, ensuring they are completely dry.
Once the mushrooms are dry, you can store them in a container lined with paper towels. Place the mushrooms in a single layer and cover them with another layer of paper towels. This will help absorb any remaining moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh. You can then place the container in the refrigerator, preferably on a shelf rather than in the door. This method will keep your mushrooms fresh for up to two weeks.
Another option is to wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in an open plastic bag. The paper towel will absorb moisture, while the open bag allows for ventilation. However, this method may not be as effective as using a container, as some have reported that this combination led to the mushrooms developing a slimy layer and a strong odour.
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Consume within a few days
If you plan on consuming your mushrooms within a few days, you can store them in the refrigerator. The best way to do this is to wrap them in paper towels and place them in open plastic bags or, better yet, paper bags. Paper bags are porous and allow mushrooms to breathe without drying out.
It is best to avoid storing mushrooms in plastic bags or the pre-packaged container you bought them in, as they will get sweaty. If you don't have a paper bag, you can place the mushrooms on a plate with a paper towel both under and on top of them. The top paper towel should be slightly damp.
It is worth noting that mushrooms absorb water like sponges, so it is best to avoid rinsing them unless 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms stay fresh longer if you take them out of their container. Wrap them in paper towels placed in open plastic bags (paper bags are even better) and keep them in the fridge.
Mushrooms should be used within three days of purchase. However, some mushrooms may keep for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Mushrooms absorb water like sponges. Only rinse them if they're going into a salad or soup. If you're pan-frying, just rub them down with a damp paper towel or brush them with a pastry brush.
