John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding depth to a variety of dishes. However, their high water content and delicate nature mean they are highly perishable. To extend their shelf life, the right storage methods are crucial. The best way to store mushrooms is to keep them dry and unwashed, in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. This prevents the growth of slime and mould, keeping the mushrooms fresh and tasty for longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag, net bag, freezer-safe bag, bowl |
| Bag lining | Paper towel |
| Refrigerator location | Shelf, not a crisper drawer |
| Temperature | Cool |
| Washing | Wash just before preparing/cooking/eating |
| Food proximity | Away from strongly-scented foods |
| Stacking | No |
| Pre-packaged | Perforated plastic packaging |
| Freezing | Cook first |
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What You'll Learn
In the fridge, on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer
Storing mushrooms in the fridge is a great way to keep them fresh and prolong their shelf life. However, it's important to avoid keeping them in the crisper drawer, as mushrooms are highly absorbent and tend to absorb excess moisture, leading to sogginess and accelerated spoilage. Instead, opt for a shelf in the fridge.
Here's a step-by-step guide for storing mushrooms in the fridge, on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer:
- Choose the Right Container: Select an airtight container, preferably made of glass or plastic, with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure it's large enough to hold the mushrooms comfortably without overcrowding.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Start by gently wiping the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or cloth to remove any visible dirt or debris. Avoid washing the mushrooms directly under running water, as they absorb moisture easily. If they feel particularly
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In a brown paper bag, with or without paper towels
Mushrooms have a high water content and are delicate and perishable. They are also porous and sponge-like, absorbing odours from nearby strong-smelling foods. The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, but the spot you choose impacts preservation. The crisper drawer of the fridge is too moist, so mushrooms should be kept on a shelf.
To keep mushrooms fresh for longer, they should be stored in a brown paper bag, with or without paper towels. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms safe from slime, discolouration, mould, and spoilage. The bag should be folded at the top to seal it.
If you don't have a brown paper bag, 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.
For optimal freshness and flavour, mushrooms stored in paper bags should be used within a week.
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In a net bag, hung near a window
Mushrooms are highly perishable, with a short shelf life, so storing them correctly is important. They have a high water content, so they need to be kept dry to stay firm and fresh. The best way to store mushrooms is by taking them out of the plastic container they are often sold in, as plastic traps moisture, causing discolouration, mould, and slime.
One way to keep mushrooms dry is to store them in a brown paper bag, with or without paper towels. Paper bags absorb any moisture, keeping mushrooms safe. If you don't have a brown paper bag, wrapping the mushrooms in a paper towel and placing them in a bowl in the refrigerator will also work.
Another option is to store mushrooms in a net bag, hung near a window. This is the kind of bag onions are often packaged in. Mushrooms stored this way will absorb vitamin D. Any mushrooms that aren't used right away will dry out and can be reconstituted.
If you want to store mushrooms for longer, you can freeze them. It's best to cook them first, to preserve their quality and flavour. Lightly sauté them in butter or steam them whole, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen mushrooms can be used in any dish, without even thawing them, although they are best used to flavour stocks or chopped into veggie burgers, as their texture will be compromised.
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In the freezer, after being cooked
If you want to keep cooked mushrooms in the freezer, there are a few steps you should take to ensure they retain their quality and flavour. Firstly, it's important to cook them briefly before freezing. You can do this by lightly sautéing them in butter until just cooked, or steaming them whole for about 5 minutes. If you're using sliced or quartered mushrooms, steam them for about 3 minutes.
Once cooked, allow the mushrooms to cool before placing them in a freezer bag. It's important to use a freezer-safe bag designed for freezing, as this will help maintain the quality of the mushrooms and prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and try to use the mushrooms within 12 months for the best quality.
When you're ready to use the frozen mushrooms, you can add them directly to your dish without thawing them first. They will add a delicious umami flavour to your meal. Freezing cooked mushrooms is a great way to preserve their freshness and versatility, ensuring you always have some on hand to elevate your cooking.
It's worth noting that there are other methods for storing cooked mushrooms, such as drying them or keeping them in the refrigerator. However, freezing is a convenient option if you're looking for long-term storage.
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In the freezer, dehydrated or flash-frozen
If you want to keep mushrooms in the freezer, it's best to use fresh mushrooms, as the firmer texture will hold up better in the freezer. Choose mushrooms that are free of mushy or dark spots and have a pleasant earthy smell. Brush off any visible dirt—but don't wash the mushrooms, as this can make them soggy and more prone to freezer burn. Trim the stems, and slice any mushrooms that are larger than one inch across. Then, spread them out on a cookie sheet and flash-freeze them. Once they're frozen, transfer the mushrooms to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a half-inch of space at the top for expansion. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn, and be sure to label the container with the date. Frozen mushrooms will keep for 9-12 months and are best suited for cooked dishes like soups, casseroles, stews, or pizza toppings.
Dehydrated mushrooms are another option for long-term storage. Commercially dehydrated mushrooms are available in slices, bits, or freeze-dried form. They can add texture and flavour to dishes while boosting nutritional content, as they are a good source of vitamin D and B vitamins. Dehydrated mushrooms have a long shelf life and are a convenient way to ensure you always have mushrooms on hand.
Flash-freezing is a technique that can be used to freeze mushrooms quickly, which helps to preserve their texture and flavour. To flash-freeze mushrooms, spread them out on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a container or bag and store them in the freezer. This method can be applied to fresh or cooked mushrooms and is a good option if you want to stock up on mushrooms when they are in season.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator.
Mushrooms should be kept on a shelf in the main section of the refrigerator, not in the crisper drawer, as this is too moist. They should be stored in a brown paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag.
Mushrooms will last for around five to seven days in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can store mushrooms in the freezer. It is best to cook them first, as this will help to preserve their quality and flavour.
