Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a high water content, but they are also delicate and perishable. The key to storing mushrooms is to control moisture, as their structure means they can easily lose water, which can expedite spoilage. The best way to store mushrooms is to put them in a porous container, such as a paper bag or cloth bag, with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They should be kept in the fridge, but not in the crisper drawer, which is often set to a high humidity level.
Characteristics and Values Table for Storing Mushrooms:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Brown paper bag, cloth bag, net bag, open plastic bag, glass jar, airtight container |
| Storage Temperature | Refrigerator, freezer, room temperature |
| Moisture Control | Paper towels, cloth towels, avoid plastic wrap |
| Air Circulation | Porous container, moderate airflow, avoid sealed environments |
| Shelf Life | 5-10 days, up to 2 weeks, 12 months, 3 years |
| Preparation | Unwashed, sliced, dried, cooked, marinated |
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What You'll Learn
Storing mushrooms in the fridge
The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, but the spot you choose can impact their preservation. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, with a high water content, so they can easily spoil. The key to preventing mushrooms from spoiling is controlling moisture.
If you store mushrooms in a sealed plastic container, they will sit in a damp container, which causes discolouration, mould, and slime. Mushrooms are best stored in a porous container to promote air circulation, with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
You can wrap your raw mushrooms loosely in a paper towel, then store them in an open plastic or brown paper bag. Paper bags are better than plastic bags because they absorb moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh. If you don't have a brown paper bag, you can place the mushrooms wrapped in a paper towel in a bowl in the refrigerator.
If you've already sliced the mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within a week of purchase. Whole mushrooms can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but it is best to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase.
You can also dry your mushrooms, which indefinitely extends their shelf life. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying, which involves placing mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are totally dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
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Using paper bags
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a high water content and a mild flavour. However, their spongy texture means they can easily absorb water and lose their structure, becoming slimy or mushy. Therefore, the key to storing mushrooms is controlling moisture.
Paper bags are a great way to store mushrooms. They are breathable and allow for moderate airflow, preventing too much moisture loss while avoiding condensation. You can use a brown paper bag or a small cloth bag, which is even better. If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. The paper towel will absorb moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh.
If you're using a paper bag, you can line it with a paper or cloth towel to absorb any excess moisture released by the mushrooms. This will help control condensation and keep your mushrooms fresh for longer. With this method, mushrooms can last up to 10 days, although it's best to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase.
It's important to note that mushrooms are highly perishable, so even with proper storage, they won't last forever. Make sure to monitor your mushrooms for any signs of spoilage, such as dark spots, slime, odour, or wrinkles, and throw out any that have gone bad.
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Drying mushrooms
Selecting and Preparing Mushrooms:
Start with fresh, locally-grown mushrooms that are at their peak quality and flavour. Avoid any mushrooms showing signs of decay, mould, or bruising. Clean the mushrooms thoroughly before drying. You can wash and scrub them if needed to remove any dirt or debris.
Drying Equipment and Temperature:
You can dry mushrooms using a food-grade dehydrator or an oven with drying trays or racks that allow for good air circulation. The ideal temperature for drying mushrooms is 140 degrees F (60°C). If using an oven, ensure it can maintain this temperature consistently.
Arranging and Drying Mushrooms:
Arrange the cleaned mushrooms in a single layer on the drying trays or racks. If using a dehydrator, simply set it to the recommended temperature and time. If using an oven, dry the mushrooms at 140 degrees F (60°C) for 8-10 hours. Larger mushroom pieces may need to be turned over every 3 to 4 hours for even drying. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the drying process, as they can scorch easily. The mushrooms are ready when they are dry and leathery.
Conditioning and Storing Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are dried, let them cool down before conditioning. Place the cooled mushrooms loosely in large plastic or glass containers, filling them about two-thirds full. Lightly cover the containers and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days. Stir or shake the containers daily to separate the pieces. If you notice beads of moisture forming inside the container, return the mushrooms to the drying process, as they are not fully dry. After conditioning, transfer the dried mushrooms to moisture-vapor-proof containers or bags for long-term storage.
Storage Tips and Considerations:
Dried mushrooms can last for an extended period when properly stored. Avoid exposing dried mushrooms to direct sunlight, heat sources, or damp environments. Instead, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and clean place. For optimal preservation, consider storing the dried mushrooms in the freezer. This will maintain their colour, flavour, smell, and texture for a very long time.
Rehydrating and Using Dried Mushrooms:
When ready to use, simply rehydrate the dried mushrooms by soaking them in water. You can also add them directly to dishes like soups, stews, and sauces, where they will absorb moisture and reconstitute during cooking. Dried mushrooms are versatile and can enhance the flavour of various dishes, adding a rich, earthy, and umami taste.
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Freezing mushrooms
Before freezing, it is important to wash the mushrooms thoroughly to get rid of any dirt and debris. Trim any woody parts and stems, and cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces so they cook or steam evenly. You can leave them whole if they are small enough (less than one inch in diameter). It is also recommended to soak the mushrooms in a solution of water and lemon juice to discourage discoloration. After soaking, steam the mushrooms for a few minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath. Once they are cool, strain the water and pat the mushrooms dry with a towel.
Place the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and labelling. Frozen mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Cooked mushrooms can also be frozen. Simply allow them to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer.
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Avoiding plastic containers
The key to preventing mushrooms from spoiling is controlling moisture. Mushrooms have a high water content, and their structure is such that they can easily lose that water, which, if trapped, can expedite spoilage. Plastic traps moisture, causing the mushrooms to sit in a damp container or bag, which in turn causes discolouration, mould, and slime.
If your mushrooms come in a sealed plastic container, take them out and store them in a brown paper bag—with or without paper towels. Paper towels can be used to wrap the mushrooms and placed in a bowl in the refrigerator. Like the bag, the paper towel will absorb moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh.
If you don't have access to paper bags, a small cloth bag is another option. Mesh produce bags are also a good alternative, as they allow for moderate airflow, which is key to preventing too much moisture loss while avoiding condensation. If you plan to eat the mushrooms within a day or two, you can also keep them in the plastic container they came in, but poke a few holes in the plastic wrap to allow for airflow.
If you're looking for a long-term storage option, consider drying your mushrooms. Compared to freezing, this method better preserves the quality of the fungi while indefinitely extending their shelf life. Dried mushrooms also have an intense umami flavour and reconstitute well in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying, which involves placing mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow (like a circular mesh strainer) for about a week. Once they are totally dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store mushrooms is to put them in a brown paper bag, with or without paper towels, and keep them in the fridge. Paper bags are breathable and allow for moderate airflow, which helps to prevent too much moisture loss while avoiding condensation.
Whole mushrooms can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, it is recommended to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase.
No, it is not recommended to store mushrooms in a plastic bag. Plastic traps moisture, causing the mushrooms to sit in a damp container or bag, which can lead to discoloration, mould, and slime.
Mushrooms can be stored in a net bag, dried, or cooked and frozen. Dried mushrooms can be stored at room temperature and have an indefinite shelf life. Frozen mushrooms should be stored in an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag.
