Emily Johnson
Wild mushrooms are a joy to forage, but they can quickly turn slimy, wrinkled, and mouldy if not stored correctly. The best way to store wild mushrooms is to place them whole in an open paper bag or cardboard box, wrapping a kitchen towel around them to absorb excess moisture. They should be stored in the fridge, away from strong-smelling foods, and will keep for up to a week, sometimes longer. If you don't plan to use them within a week, you can also freeze or dry them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Net bag, open paper bag, cardboard box, loosely closed plastic bag, glass jar, airtight container |
| Moisture | Mushrooms shouldn't be washed before storing. Paper bags absorb moisture, keeping mushrooms fresh and slime-free. Avoid plastic wrap as it traps moisture, causing discoloration, mold, and slime. |
| Temperature | Store in the fridge to keep fresh. |
| Other | Clean mushrooms before storing. Mushrooms can be dried or frozen for long-term storage. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning wild mushrooms
Wild mushrooms should always be cleaned, preferably directly at the finding site and again later in your kitchen. This is because wild mushrooms grow in unsterile environments that can host dirt, clay, sand, debris, leaves, twigs, pine needles, and bugs. Cleaning mushrooms beforehand can also extend their shelf life.
If the mushrooms are very dirty, it may be necessary to rinse them in water. To do this, de-stem the mushrooms and fill a large bowl with water. Dunk the mushrooms into it, swirl the water with your hands, and drain the mushrooms. Lay the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels and pat them dry. Make sure to dry them completely before placing them in the fridge, as mushrooms that are wet in the fridge will become soggy and mouldy.
Alternatively, you can clean mushrooms with a mushroom brush or a hard mushroom brush. If you do not have a mushroom brush, a dry towel can be used. If you are cleaning a large number of mushrooms, it may be more convenient to brush them clean rather than washing them.
If you are foraging wild mushrooms, it is recommended to bring a sharp knife and brush and a sturdy-sided container to carry mushrooms in to prevent dirt, clay, sand, and debris from getting into your meal.
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Storage containers
When storing wild mushrooms, it is important to remember that moisture is the number-one enemy. Mushrooms will stay good for up to one week in the fridge and in some cases up to two. In general, it is best to eat button mushrooms within five days of purchasing.
There are various storage containers that can be used to store mushrooms:
- Paper bags: Storing mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge is a good option. Paper bags absorb the moisture released by mushrooms as they age, keeping the mushroom's surface slime-free for longer.
- Net bags: Net bags, such as those that onions are often packaged in, are another option for storing mushrooms. Hanging the net bag from a hook or nail allows the mushrooms to absorb vitamin D from the sun. However, if they are not used right away, they will dry out and need to be reconstituted.
- Cardboard boxes: Mushrooms can be stored in an open cardboard box with a kitchen towel wrapped around it. This allows the mushrooms to breathe while maintaining their natural moisture.
- Airtight containers: If you have already sliced the mushrooms, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.
- Glass jars: Dried mushrooms can be stored in airtight glass jars. This method of drying the mushrooms indefinitely extends their shelf life and better preserves their quality.
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Refrigeration
The refrigerator is the best place to store wild mushrooms. However, which spot you choose within the refrigerator impacts preservation. For example, it is not recommended to store mushrooms in the crisper because of the high humidity, which can cause moisture to build up and speed up spoilage.
To store wild mushrooms in the refrigerator, place them in a paper bag, which will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms as they age. Paper bags with paper towels are also a good option, as the paper towels can absorb any excess moisture. If you don't have a paper bag, wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. Avoid using plastic bags or containers without holes, as these can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil faster.
If you choose to cut your mushrooms before storing them, they will turn bad quicker than if they are stored whole. It is recommended to store mushrooms in the refrigerator for no longer than one to two weeks. Be sure to always check the smell, feel, and appearance of the mushrooms before cooking them. If they become moldy, too soft, or soggy, avoid eating them.
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Freezing wild mushrooms
Freezing is a great way to preserve wild mushrooms for the long term. However, frozen mushrooms will never taste as good as fresh, and some varieties freeze better than others.
Before freezing, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. You should then trim the woody parts and stems and cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook or steam evenly. If you are freezing an exact amount for a recipe, there is no need to cook the mushrooms before freezing. Simply cut them into the required sizes and shapes and follow the steps below.
If you are not freezing to a recipe, it is best to cook the mushrooms before freezing. This can be done by sautéing or steaming. To sauté, heat the mushrooms in a frying pan with a small amount of butter or oil over high heat for about five minutes, or until they are fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated. To steam, soak the mushrooms in a solution of one teaspoon of lemon juice or 1½ teaspoons of citric acid to one pint of water for five minutes. Then, steam the mushrooms for three to five minutes, following recommended steaming times.
Once cooked, allow the mushrooms to cool completely. Then, spread them out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat and freeze them. When the mushrooms are frozen, transfer them to a vacuum bag, freezer bag, or another freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen mushrooms should be used within a year.
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Drying wild mushrooms
Drying is one of the easiest ways of preserving wild mushrooms. Here are some tips for drying wild mushrooms:
Firstly, it is important to clean your mushrooms. Brush off any visible dirt with a soft brush or cloth. If the mushrooms are very dirty, you may need to rinse them in water, but try to avoid this as it can cause moisture retention. Trim off any dirty parts with a knife and discard them. The cleaner the mushrooms are before drying, the less work you will have to do later.
Next, you can dry your mushrooms. You can use a food dehydrator, or you can lay them out in a single layer to air dry. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould growth. You can also dry them in an oven at 175° for about 2 hours.
If you are drying your mushrooms in the woods, you can use a mesh bag or hanging rack to allow moisture loss.
Dried mushrooms will last for years and can be ground into a powder for use as a seasoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms will stay good for up to one week in the fridge and in some cases up to two. Button mushrooms, in particular, are best eaten within five days of purchasing.
Wild mushrooms will show signs of spoilage if they are slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy, or darker than their original colour. They may also be smelly and mouldy.
The best way to store wild mushrooms is to place them whole in an open paper bag or cardboard box and wrap a kitchen towel around it. This allows the mushrooms to breathe and retain their natural moisture.
Wild mushrooms should be cleaned as soon as they are foraged, preferably directly at the finding site, and again later in the kitchen. Use a hard mushroom brush and a mushroom knife to cut off any infested areas. If the mushrooms are very dirty, rinse them in water and ensure they are completely dry before storing them.
Long-term storage options for wild mushrooms include freezing or drying them. To freeze, cook the mushrooms, allow them to cool, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Dried mushrooms have a more intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry.
