John Miller
White mushrooms are versatile and nutritious, but they can be tricky to store. The best storage methods will keep them free of slime and mould, and can even improve their flavour. Mushrooms are highly perishable, so it's important to know how to store them properly to avoid waste. They are porous and sponge-like, so they absorb water and odours easily. The key to keeping them fresh is to avoid excess moisture and strong-smelling foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Room temperature for a day or two; in the fridge for up to a week |
| Storage container | Net bag, paper bag, or paper towel-lined zip-top bag; avoid airtight containers |
| Storage location | On a shelf in the fridge, not in the crisper drawer |
| Washing | Wash just before preparing/cooking/eating; avoid moisture |
| Spacing | Allow for air circulation |
| Odor | Keep away from strong-smelling foods |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag in the fridge
Storing white mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge is an effective way to prolong their shelf life. Mushrooms are highly perishable, so it is important to store them correctly.
Firstly, when buying white mushrooms, ensure they are firm, with a fresh, smooth appearance. The mushrooms should be dry, but not dried out, and appear plump. Check that the cap is attached to the stem.
Once you have purchased the mushrooms, place them in a porous paper bag. Paper bags are breathable, allowing the mushrooms to stay dry by absorbing the moisture that mushrooms naturally release. This prevents the mushrooms from getting slimy, which is a sign of decomposition.
Keep the paper bag in the refrigerator, on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer. The crisper drawer is too moist, which can cause the mushrooms to rot. The fridge will keep the mushrooms fresh for several days and up to a week.
It is best not to wash the mushrooms until you are ready to prepare and cook them, as moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
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Keep on a shelf, not in the crisper
When storing white mushrooms, it is best to keep them on a shelf, not in the crisper. The crisper drawer of the fridge is too moist of an environment for mushrooms. While you can adjust the humidity in most crispers, many people default to the high-humidity setting, which is not ideal for storing mushrooms. Mushrooms should be stored in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag for prolonged shelf life. A paper bag or paper towel-lined zip-top plastic bag will absorb the moisture mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy.
If you are planning on using the mushrooms within a few days, simply punch some holes in the plastic wrap of the original packaging before placing them in the fridge. If you want to keep them for several days or even up to a week, place them on a shelf in the fridge. You can also store mushrooms in a net bag, like the ones onions are often sold in, and hang them from a hook or nail. If they are in the sun, they will absorb vitamin D.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed until right before preparing, cooking, or eating them. Additionally, keep mushrooms away from any strong-smelling foods in the fridge, as their porous nature will absorb those odors.
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Avoid airtight containers
White mushrooms should not be stored in airtight containers as they are highly perishable and have a high water content. Moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. If stored in an airtight container, moisture forms and causes them to rot.
To avoid this, mushrooms should be stored in a porous paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. The bag should be kept open and placed in the refrigerator on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer, as the crisper drawer tends to be too moist. The paper bag or paper towel will absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy.
Another option for storing white mushrooms is to place them in a net bag, such as the kind that onions are often packaged in, and hang the bag from a hook or nail. If the mushrooms are placed in the sun, they will absorb vitamin D. If they are not used right away, they will dry out and can be reconstituted.
It is also important to note that white mushrooms should not be washed until directly before preparing, cooking, or eating them. They should also be kept away from any strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator, as their porous nature will cause them to absorb odours.
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Don't wash before storing
When storing white mushrooms, it is important not to wash them before storing them. This is because mushrooms are like sponges and will absorb the water, leading to soggy mushrooms that spoil quickly. Washing mushrooms before storing will also make them more susceptible to bacterial growth and food-borne illnesses.
- Do not rinse or soak the mushrooms in water before storage. Instead, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any visible dirt or debris from the surface of the mushrooms. You can also use a damp paper towel or mushroom brush to gently wipe each mushroom clean.
- Once cleaned, place the mushrooms in a single layer on a plate or a shallow container lined with paper towels. This helps to absorb any excess moisture and prevents the mushrooms from becoming soggy.
- Cover the mushrooms loosely with a piece of plastic wrap or a lid. Make sure there is some ventilation to prevent excessive moisture buildup.
- Store the plate or container in the refrigerator, preferably in a cooler part of the refrigerator, such as the crisper drawer, to extend their shelf life.
- Consume the mushrooms within a few days of storage. Even without washing, mushrooms can still spoil quickly, so it is important to use them as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can effectively store white mushrooms without washing them, helping to maintain their freshness and quality while reducing the risk of premature spoilage.
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Hang in a net bag
Hanging white mushrooms in a net bag is a great way to store them. This method is simple and effective, and can even extend the shelf life of your mushrooms. Net bags are usually made of breathable fabric, which allows for good airflow and ventilation. This is important because mushrooms are delicate and perishable, with a high water content of 80-90%.
To store your white mushrooms in a net bag, start by removing them from any plastic containers or packaging. Plastic traps moisture, encouraging the growth of slime and mould. Then, place the mushrooms in a net bag, similar to the kind that onions are often packaged in. Hang the bag from a hook or nail in a cool, dry place, preferably near a window. This will allow the mushrooms to absorb vitamin D from the sunlight.
It is important to note that this storage method may cause the mushrooms to dry out over time. However, dried mushrooms can be reconstituted and used in cooking. They also have an intense umami flavour and work well in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
Compared to other storage methods, such as using paper bags or plastic containers, hanging net bags can be a more sustainable and cost-effective option. They also save space in your refrigerator, which is beneficial if you have a large quantity of mushrooms to store.
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Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.
The best way to store white mushrooms is to put them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top plastic bag. The bag should be left open, and the mushrooms should be placed on a shelf in the fridge, not in the crisper drawer.
Yes, you can store white mushrooms in their original packaging, but make sure to punch some holes in the plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge.
