Mushroom Storage: How Long Do They Last?

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can add an earthy, umami-rich flavour to a variety of dishes. However, they have a short shelf life and can go bad quickly if not stored properly. So, how can you tell if your mushrooms have gone off? The first sign of spoilage is usually a change in texture—fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and plump, so if they become soft, mushy, or slimy, it's best to discard them. Discolouration is another indicator, as mushrooms that are turning brown or black, or developing dark spots, are likely past their prime. Lastly, trust your senses of smell and taste—if your mushrooms have a strong sour, fishy, or ammonia-like odour, or taste strange, it's best to throw them out to avoid potential food poisoning or botulism. To prolong the life of your mushrooms, proper storage is key—avoid plastic bags and sealed containers, and instead opt for a paper towel-lined paper bag to keep moisture at bay and maintain freshness.

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How to select fresh mushrooms at the store

Mushrooms are a great ingredient to add an earthy, umami-rich flavour to your dishes. However, they have a short shelf life, so it is important to select fresh mushrooms at the store. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Check the appearance

The appearance of mushrooms can tell you a lot about their freshness. Look for mushrooms that have a smooth outer appearance and a consistent colour. Avoid mushrooms with bruises, dark spots, or any visible dirt. Also, make sure they are not slimy, as this is a sign of spoilage.

Feel the texture

Fresh mushrooms should feel dry and firm to the touch. If they feel soft, mushy, or spongy, it indicates that they have started to decompose. The flesh of the mushroom should be plump and springy.

Smell them

Give the mushrooms a quick sniff. Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasantly earthy smell. If they have an unpleasant, sour, musty, or funky odour, it is best to avoid them.

Choose loose mushrooms

Instead of buying prepackaged mushrooms, opt for loose ones so you can inspect the quality of each mushroom. This also allows you better control over the quantity you purchase.

Storage tips

Once you have selected your fresh mushrooms, it is important to store them properly to prolong their shelf life. Avoid plastic bags and sealed containers, as they can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. Instead, transfer the mushrooms to a paper bag and store them in the refrigerator. Paper bags help to keep moisture at bay and allow for some air circulation.

Additionally, if your mushrooms are a little dirty, you can gently wipe them with a dry paper towel or cloth before storing. Only rinse them briefly under running water if they are particularly dirty, and be sure to dry them thoroughly afterwards.

How to store mushrooms

Mushrooms have a short shelf life, so it's important to know how to store them properly to keep them fresh and slime-free.

When buying mushrooms, opt for loose mushrooms over prepackaged ones, as you can inspect the quality. Choose mushrooms that are dry, firm, and smooth, with a consistent colour and a pleasantly earthy smell. Avoid mushrooms with bruises, dark spots, or a slimy texture, as these are signs of spoilage.

Once you get your mushrooms home, take them out of their original container and transfer them to a paper bag or a net bag. Paper bags, particularly those lined with paper towels, help to absorb moisture and prevent spoilage. Net bags, like the ones onions are often sold in, allow for ventilation and can be hung from a hook or nail. If you're using a paper bag, avoid sealing it shut, as this can trap moisture.

If you're storing sliced mushrooms, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whole, raw mushrooms will keep for approximately four to seven days in the refrigerator, while sliced mushrooms will last about two to three days.

To extend the shelf life of mushrooms, you can also freeze or dry them. For freezing, wipe the mushrooms with a paper towel, cook them, and then store them in an airtight bag in the freezer. Drying mushrooms involves using a dehydrator or air-drying them in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once dried, store them in an airtight glass jar.

How to tell if mushrooms are slimy

Mushrooms are best consumed when fresh. They have a short shelf life and can go bad quickly if not stored properly. When buying mushrooms, always select those that are firm to the touch, have a smooth texture, and a consistent colour.

Mushrooms that have gone bad will have a slimy or sticky texture. If you see a thin layer of slime on the mushrooms, it is a clear sign that they are spoilt and should not be consumed. This occurs when mushrooms have been stored incorrectly or have been in the fridge for too long. The slime is an indication that bacteria have started to form on the surface.

To avoid slime formation, it is recommended to transfer mushrooms from their original container to a paper bag, preferably lined with a paper towel, and store them in the refrigerator. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the mushrooms dry. Whole, raw mushrooms stored this way can last for approximately 4 to 7 days, while sliced mushrooms will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days.

It is important to note that even if the slime is the only sign of spoilage, it is generally advised to avoid consuming such mushrooms. However, some sources suggest that if the slime is washed off, the mushrooms can still be cooked and consumed, although they may have lost some flavour and nutritional value.

In addition to slime, other signs of mushroom spoilage include discolouration, wrinkles, a soft and spongy texture, and an unpleasant odour. Fresh mushrooms have a light and earthy aroma, so any sour, fishy, or foul smell indicates that they have gone bad.

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How to tell if mushrooms are discoloured

Mushrooms are a great ingredient to add to your dishes, but they have a short shelf life. It is important to know how to identify if they are discoloured and spoiled to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Appearance

Mushrooms are usually dry, firm, and smooth when fresh. They have a high water content, and when fresh, they are smooth and plump. As mushrooms start to spoil, they become dehydrated and start to wrinkle. If your mushrooms look very shrivelled, it is best to toss them out. Mushrooms can also develop dark spots as they begin to spoil. Being exposed to air for too long causes mushrooms to oxidize and discolour. Keep an eye on the mushrooms in your fridge, and if you notice dark spots beginning to form, they are past their prime. Mushrooms that are a darker colour have a few days left before they go bad.

Smell

Fresh mushrooms have a subtle, light scent that is often sweet and earthy. You can usually only smell them when they are close to your face. If your mushrooms have a strong smell, evident from a distance, they are spoiled. Bad mushrooms may give off various strange smells, ranging from ammonia-like odours to sour or fishy smells.

Sliminess

Slime on the surface of mushrooms is an indication that they are beginning to rot, and bacteria are breaking them down. Slimy mushrooms are often the result of keeping mushrooms in the fridge for too long. If your mushrooms look wet, have developed a slimy film, and feel sticky, they are not edible anymore.

White Fuzz

If your mushrooms look good but have white fuzz on them, what you are probably seeing is mushroom mycelium, rather than mould. Chestnut and oyster mushrooms, for example, tend to grow this mycelium on the mushrooms they produce and not just on growing media. So the white fuzz you see on mushroom stems is almost certainly mushroom mycelium, rather than mould. This is completely harmless and won't affect the taste of your mushroom dish.

How to freeze mushrooms

Mushrooms are best consumed when fresh, but freezing them is a great way to extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze mushrooms:

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Before freezing, clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid washing the mushrooms with water, as they have a high water content and can absorb more moisture, leading to faster spoilage. Trim any woody parts and stems, and cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole if they are less than one inch in diameter.

Step 2: Cook or Steam the Mushrooms (Optional)

Cooking or steaming the mushrooms before freezing can help extend their shelf life and improve their texture after thawing. Sauté or roast the mushrooms until they are tender and their internal moisture has been released. Cooking enhances their flavour and reduces moisture content, ensuring a nicer texture for use after freezing.

Step 3: Cool and Dry the Mushrooms

After cooking or steaming, allow the mushrooms to cool down. Spread them out on a towel and pat them dry to remove any remaining moisture. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can affect the quality and texture of the mushrooms during freezing.

Step 4: Flash Freeze the Mushrooms

Arrange the prepared mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the mushrooms are frozen solid. Flash freezing individual pieces will prevent them from clumping together in the next step.

Step 5: Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container

Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer-safe container, such as a zip-top bag or airtight container. Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container, seal it tightly, and label it with the date. This packaging helps to protect the mushrooms from freezer burn and prolongs their shelf life.

Step 6: Store and Use Frozen Mushrooms

Frozen mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for several months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook the thawed mushrooms thoroughly and use them in various dishes, such as stir-fries, sauces, casseroles, or pizza toppings. Avoid consuming frozen mushrooms raw, as freezing changes their structure and texture, making them less pleasant to eat without cooking.

Frequently asked questions