Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be quick to spoil. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh for as long as possible is to avoid trapping moisture, which can be done by storing them in a paper bag with a paper towel. Plastic containers or bags should be avoided, as they trap moisture, leading to discoloration, mould, and slime. Mushrooms should also not be stored in the crisper drawer, as it is typically the most humid part of the fridge. Instead, they should be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, ensuring good airflow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag, uncovered container, or wax-lined cardboard box |
| Wrapping | Paper towels |
| Refrigeration | Yes, preferably on the bottom shelf |
| Crisper drawer | No |
| Washing | No, unless going into a salad or soup |
| High humidity | Avoid |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid the crisper drawer
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are delicate and perishable. They are made of 80 to 90 percent water, so they must be kept dry to stay fresh. The crisper drawer in a refrigerator is designed to be a humid environment, which is great for leafy greens but not ideal for mushrooms. The high humidity can cause mushrooms to spoil quickly.
There are several alternative methods to storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer. One way is to place the mushrooms in a single layer on a sheet of paper towel and then use another layer of paper towels to place on top. Fold the top of the paper bag over to enclose the mushrooms completely and prevent them from drying out. Place the paper bag in the refrigerator and store at 32–40°F on a low-humidity setting for up to one week. The paper bag will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh.
Another option is to use a brown paper bag with a paper towel. Gently brush any dirt off the mushrooms with a soft brush or damp towel, but do not wash the mushrooms unless you plan on using them immediately, as they will absorb water and become slimy. If you are storing multiple varieties of mushrooms, keep each variety separate to prevent flavor transfer.
If you don't have a lot of freezer space, drying mushrooms is another option. Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated as needed and take up very little space. Use a low-temperature oven or a food dehydrator to dry your mushrooms, then keep them in an airtight container until you need them.
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Use a paper bag
Mushrooms have a high moisture content, which means they can quickly spoil and become slimy, wrinkled, or even mouldy. To prevent this, it is recommended to store mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Paper bags are breathable and allow for better airflow, creating a less damp environment for the mushrooms.
To further prevent moisture buildup, you can line the paper bag with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and fresh for longer. This method can help extend the shelf life of mushrooms to up to 10 days, as opposed to the usual 3 to 4 days when stored in their original packaging.
When using a paper bag, avoid placing the mushrooms in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. The crisper drawer is designed to maintain humidity, which is beneficial for leafy greens but not ideal for mushrooms. Instead, store the paper bag on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Additionally, ensure that you only wash mushrooms just before cooking or consuming them. Washing them before storage can add more moisture, increasing the chances of spoilage.
By following these steps and using a paper bag with a paper towel lining, you can effectively extend the shelf life of mushrooms and enjoy them for a longer period of time.
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Don't wash mushrooms before storing
When it comes to storing mushrooms, it's important to remember that moisture is the number one enemy. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, and if they are washed and then stored, they will end up sitting in a damp container or bag, which causes discolouration, mould, and slime.
For this reason, it is generally recommended not to wash mushrooms before storing them. Instead, you can use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe away any visible dirt or debris. If you prefer a more thorough clean, you can use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub away dirt, or even dip a small brush in water and then use it to brush the mushrooms, minimising the amount of water used.
If you choose to wash your mushrooms with water, it is best to do so right before cooking them, as washing can damage the surface cells and cause discolouration. After washing, be sure to dry your mushrooms thoroughly before storing them.
To store mushrooms, it is recommended to wrap them in paper towels and place them in open plastic bags or, even better, paper bags. This will help to keep them fresh for longer by absorbing any excess moisture.
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Keep them on the bottom shelf of the fridge
If you want to keep mushrooms on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, it's best to store them in a brown paper bag with a paper towel. This is because mushrooms have a very high moisture content, and storing them in their supermarket packaging (in a plastic container, wrapped in plastic) only serves to trap moisture, which contributes to quicker spoilage.
If you're storing loose mushrooms, it's worth transferring them to a paper bag lined with a paper towel. Paper bags are better than plastic containers or bags because plastic traps moisture, causing discolouration, mould, and slime. Paper bags also allow for better air circulation, which is important for keeping mushrooms fresh.
If you're planning on eating your mushrooms within a day or two (or even three) of purchasing them, it's fine to keep them in their original packaging, which is designed to breathe but also be durable enough for shipping. However, for longer storage, it's best to switch to a paper bag.
It's also important to note that mushrooms will dry out and lose weight the longer they are stored, so they should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place.
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Don't overcrowd the mushrooms
When storing mushrooms, it's important to remember not to overcrowd them. Mushrooms are highly susceptible to moisture, which can cause them to spoil quickly. By overcrowding mushrooms, you restrict airflow, creating a humid environment that promotes the growth of slime and mould.
To prevent overcrowding, store mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring adequate airflow around each mushroom. This can be achieved by placing them in a paper bag or a container lined with paper towels. Paper bags, particularly brown paper bags, are ideal for mushroom storage as they allow mushrooms to breathe and prevent moisture buildup. If using a container, line it with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and place another paper towel on top of the mushrooms.
It's worth noting that the crisper drawer in the refrigerator is not suitable for mushroom storage due to its high humidity. Instead, store mushrooms on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have sufficient airflow.
Additionally, it's best to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them, as they absorb water easily and become susceptible to spoilage. If you must clean them, use a damp paper towel or brush to gently wipe away any dirt or grime.
By following these storage tips, especially avoiding overcrowding, you can extend the shelf life of mushrooms and maintain their freshness for a week or more.
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Frequently asked questions
To store mushrooms in the refrigerator, place them in a paper bag lined with a paper towel. Paper bags are better than plastic bags as they prevent the buildup of moisture, which causes discolouration, mould, and slime.
Mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Mushrooms should not be washed before storing them as they absorb water easily. However, if you must wash them, place them on a paper towel to pat dry before storing.
Mushrooms should be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Avoid the crisper drawer as it tends to be the most humid part of the fridge.
