Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy, umami flavour to dishes. However, they are delicate and perishable, and storing them correctly is key to maximising their potential. Moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh, so storing them in a paper bag in the fridge is ideal. They can also be frozen for up to 12 months, but they should be cooked first to preserve their quality and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage location | Refrigerator, net bag, paper bag, freezer, oven, pan, basket, cardboard box, wax-lined cardboard box, polyethylene bag |
| Temperature | Cool (41°F), 100-125°F for 24 hours, 200°F |
| Duration | Mushrooms should be stored within an hour of picking. They can be stored for several days or up to a week. |
| Moisture | Mushrooms shouldn't be stored in plastic as it traps moisture. Paper bags are recommended, and baskets can be used but may start to mould. |
| Airflow | Mushrooms need good airflow to stay fresh. |
| Light | Mushrooms should be stored in a dark place, but if placed in a net bag, they can absorb vitamin D from sunlight. |
| Washing | Mushrooms shouldn't be washed before storing as moisture is the number-one enemy of freshness. |
| Crisper | Mushrooms shouldn't be stored in the crisper due to moisture. |
| Humidity | Mushrooms shouldn't be stored in high-humidity settings. |
| Pre-packaged | Pre-packaged mushrooms can be stored directly in the fridge. |
| Dirt | Wipe any dirt off the mushrooms before cooking. |
| Reconstitution | Dried mushrooms can be reconstituted in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry. |
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What You'll Learn
Storing mushrooms in the fridge
Firstly, avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or bags as plastic traps moisture, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime. Instead, transfer the mushrooms to a paper bag or wrap them in paper towels, which will help absorb any excess moisture. You can then place the wrapped mushrooms on a shelf in the fridge. If you buy mushrooms pre-packaged, you can keep them in their original packaging, as long as it is not plastic and has perforations to allow air circulation.
Secondly, ensure that the mushrooms are not overcrowded in their container. Proper air circulation is crucial to keeping mushrooms fresh, so it is important that each mushroom has some airflow. You can also place the mushrooms in a net bag, like the kind onions are often packaged in, and hang them in a well-ventilated area of your fridge. This will help to maximise airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Thirdly, it is important to store mushrooms whole and unwashed. Washing mushrooms before storage adds unnecessary moisture, which can accelerate spoilage. It is best to only wash mushrooms right before cooking or consumption. Additionally, slicing or cutting mushrooms before storage will cause them to dry out more quickly, so it is recommended to keep them whole.
Finally, while the fridge is the best place to store fresh mushrooms, you can also consider long-term storage methods such as freezing or dehydration if you want to keep them for more than a few weeks. To freeze mushrooms, it is recommended to briefly cook them first by lightly sautéing or steaming them, as this will help preserve their quality and flavour. You can then place the cooked mushrooms in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months. For dehydration, you can arrange the mushrooms with their gills facing upwards and dry them in an oven at 200°F with the door ajar, or in a drying chamber maintained at 100-125°F for 24 hours.
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Using a paper bag
Storing mushrooms in a paper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh for longer. Paper bags are breathable, allowing for air circulation and moisture absorption, which is essential as mushrooms need to breathe to stay viable for human consumption. Plastic bags, on the other hand, trap moisture, creating a damp environment that degrades the quality of mushrooms and encourages the growth of bacteria.
When storing mushrooms in a paper bag, it is important to keep them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 5-10 days, depending on the species and their condition. To prepare the mushrooms for storage, gently wipe them with a dry cloth to clean them, as mushrooms should never be wet when harvested or stored to prevent bacterial and viral growth. Once cleaned, place the mushrooms in a small paper bag, roll down the top for a tight seal, and store them in the fridge.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a paper bag to store mushrooms and prolong their freshness and flavour. It is worth noting that even when stored properly, mushrooms won't last indefinitely, so it is recommended to use them within a week for peak freshness and flavour. Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as sliminess, wrinkling, or discolouration, discard the mushrooms to maintain food safety.
Overall, using a paper bag to store mushrooms is a simple and effective method that can help extend their shelf life and preserve their delicate texture and taste.
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Freezing mushrooms
Before freezing, it is recommended to cook the mushrooms first. This helps to preserve their quality and flavour. Lightly sauté them in butter or steam them whole for 5 minutes. If you are steaming, quartered or sliced mushrooms will take around 3 minutes. For the best colour post-freezing, you can dip the mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Once cooked, allow the mushrooms to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and label. Frozen mushrooms will last up to 12 months in the freezer.
Alternatively, you can freeze raw mushrooms, but this method may result in a messier texture. To freeze raw mushrooms, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Trim off any woody parts and stems, and cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces. Soak the mushrooms in a bowl of 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for 10 minutes to prevent discolouration. Bring a pot of water to a boil and steam the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately transfer the steamed mushrooms to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the mushrooms and pat them dry with a towel. Spread the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a zip-top bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing and labelling.
It is important to note that frozen mushrooms should be thawed overnight in the fridge or tossed directly into a pan during cooking. Do not leave them to thaw at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth and food safety issues.
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Dehydrating mushrooms
To dehydrate mushrooms, first, wipe them clean with a damp cloth or soft brush. Avoid soaking them in water, as mushrooms absorb moisture easily. Then, slice the mushrooms into pieces that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry. Next, arrange the mushroom slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap to allow for the best airflow. Dehydrate at 110–130 °F (43–54 °C) for 4–8 hours, checking periodically. The mushrooms should be brittle and break easily when fully dehydrated.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers, such as glass jars, or vacuum-sealed bags. Label the containers with the contents and the date of drying. Store the mushrooms in a cool, dark place, away from direct light or heat. Properly dehydrated mushrooms can last for months, and even years, if stored correctly.
To use dehydrated mushrooms, simply soak them in cold or hot water for about 10–30 minutes. During this process, the mushrooms will produce a dark, rich broth that can be used to add flavour to dishes. Dehydrated mushrooms are lightweight, compact, nutrient-rich, and packed with umami flavour, making them an excellent addition to soups, stews, pasta, risottos, and other dishes.
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Storing mushrooms in a net bag
Storing mushrooms can be tricky as they are delicate and perishable. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to prevent them from releasing water and pulling moisture from the air. Moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
One way to store mushrooms is to put them in a net bag, like the kind onions are often packaged in, and hang the bag from a hook or a nail. If they're near a window, they'll absorb vitamin D. If you don't use the mushrooms right away, they'll dry out and you can reconstitute them.
If you buy loose mushrooms, the best way to keep them fresh for as long as possible is to stash them in a paper bag. As mushrooms age, they may begin to release water; the paper bag will absorb that moisture, keeping the mushroom’s surface slime-free for longer than if they were, say, packed in an airtight container. Paper bags work well, but a small cloth bag is even better.
If you buy mushrooms pre-packaged, your work is done. The package’s perforation will let in air to dry out any moisture the mushrooms release, so simply pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to use them, wipe any dirt off of the mushrooms and get cooking. If you don’t use all the mushrooms at once, cover them back up with plastic wrap punched with a couple of holes.
If you want to store mushrooms for longer, you can freeze them. To do this, lightly sauté them in butter until they are just cooked or steam them whole for 5 minutes (quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for roughly 3 minutes). For the best colour post-freezing, you can also dip mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint water and 1 teaspoon lemon juice before cooking. Once the cooked mushrooms cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months. Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms. Compared to freezing, this method better preserves the quality of the fungi while indefinitely extending their shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag in the fridge. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, and plastic containers can trap moisture, leading to mould and slime. Paper bags allow for air circulation and absorb moisture, helping mushrooms stay fresh for longer.
Mushrooms stored in paper bags can last for several weeks. However, they will slowly dry out, and even completely dry, they are still usable in cooked dishes.
Aside from paper bags, you can also store mushrooms in a net bag, like the ones onions are packaged in. Hang the bag from a hook or nail, preferably near a window, so they can absorb vitamin D. If you don't use them right away, they will dry out, but you can reconstitute them.
