Are you tired of finding slimy, spoiled mushrooms in your fridge? Nothing is more disappointing than discovering your expensive fungi have gone bad before you could use them. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to select, store, and preserve mushrooms to maximize their freshness and flavor.
With the right storage techniques, you can extend the life of your mushrooms from just a few days to over a week. We’ll cover everything from refrigeration methods to freezing options for long-term storage.
How to select the best fresh mushrooms
Before we dive into storage methods, let’s start with selection. Choosing the freshest mushrooms at the store sets you up for success.
Look for mushrooms with smooth, unblemished caps. They should be dry but not dried out, with a firm texture when gently squeezed. Avoid mushrooms with dark spots, bruises, or any signs of moisture.
The gills (the underside of the cap) should be intact and not overly dark. For closed mushrooms like button or cremini varieties, the caps should be tightly closed to the stem.
Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasant, earthy smell. If they smell sour or ammonia-like, they’re already starting to spoil.
How to tell if mushrooms are bad
Knowing when to toss mushrooms is just as important as knowing how to store them. Here are clear signs your mushrooms have gone bad:
- Slimy texture: If mushrooms feel slimy or sticky, they’re past their prime.
- Dark spots: Brown or black discoloration indicates decay.
- Strong odor: Fresh mushrooms have a mild smell. A pungent or ammonia-like odor means they’re spoiled.
- Wrinkled appearance: Excessive wrinkles or shriveling suggests they’ve dried out.
- Mold growth: Any visible mold means the mushrooms should be discarded immediately.
When in doubt, throw them out. Eating spoiled mushrooms can cause food poisoning and is never worth the risk.
How do you keep mushrooms fresh longer?
Extending the life of your mushrooms comes down to three main principles. Let’s explore each one.
1. Prevent the mushrooms from drying out
Mushrooms have high water content, but they can dry out quickly in the wrong conditions. To prevent this:
Store them in a container that allows some air circulation but doesn’t expose them completely. This balances moisture retention with proper ventilation.
Check your refrigerator settings. The ideal humidity for mushroom storage is around 85-90%, which is higher than most refrigerators’ default setting.
2. Keep the mushrooms away from Xcess moisture
While you want to prevent drying, too much moisture is even worse. Excess moisture leads to sliminess and rapid spoilage.
Never wash mushrooms before storing them. Clean them only when you’re ready to use them. Store-bought mushrooms typically don’t need washing—just a quick brush or wipe with a paper towel is enough.
Avoid storing mushrooms next to fruits and vegetables that release ethylene gas, such as apples, peaches, and tomatoes. This gas can accelerate the aging process.
3. Slow down the decaying process
Mushrooms continue to “breathe” after harvest. Slowing this process helps extend their shelf life.
Keep mushrooms in the coolest part of your refrigerator, typically the middle shelves rather than the door or crisper drawer. The temperature should be around 34-38°F (1-3°C).
Don’t store mushrooms in airtight containers. They need some air circulation to stay fresh, so containers with small ventilation holes are ideal.
How long do mushrooms last?
The shelf life of mushrooms depends on their type and storage method. Here’s a general guide:
- Fresh whole mushrooms: 7-10 days when properly stored
- Sliced fresh mushrooms: 5-7 days
- Cooked mushrooms: 3-5 days
- Dried mushrooms: 6-12 months in an airtight container
- Frozen mushrooms: 9-12 months
Wild mushrooms typically have a shorter shelf life than cultivated varieties. For example, morels may only last 3-5 days even with proper storage.
How long do mushrooms last in the fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, most common mushroom varieties will stay fresh for 7-10 days. However, this timeframe can vary based on how fresh they were when purchased and the specific storage method used.
Button mushrooms tend to last longer than more delicate varieties like oyster or shiitake mushrooms. Check your mushrooms daily once they’ve been stored for a few days to monitor their condition.
Pre-sliced mushrooms deteriorate faster than whole ones. They typically last only 5-7 days in the refrigerator due to their increased surface area exposed to air.
How to store mushrooms in the fridge
The refrigerator is the best place for short-term mushroom storage. Here’s how to do it properly:
Place mushrooms in the main compartment of your refrigerator, not the crisper drawer. Crisper drawers are designed for vegetables that need high humidity, which can make mushrooms spoil faster.
Set your refrigerator between 34-38°F (1-3°C) for optimal mushroom storage. Higher temperatures speed up deterioration.
Store mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods. Mushrooms can absorb odors from nearby foods, affecting their flavor.
Best storage methods to keep mushrooms fresh
Now let’s look at specific storage methods ranked from good to best.
1. In their original packaging
Store-bought mushrooms often come in containers designed for proper ventilation. If the packaging is intact, you can simply keep them in their original container.
Most commercial mushroom packaging consists of a plastic tray covered with plastic wrap that has small holes for air circulation. This provides a good balance of ventilation and moisture control.
Check the packaging for excess moisture. If there’s condensation inside, transfer the mushrooms to a better storage option.
2. In a container covered with plastic wrap
If you need to transfer mushrooms from their original packaging, a shallow container covered with plastic wrap works well.
Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap to allow air circulation. This prevents moisture buildup while protecting the mushrooms from drying out.
Choose a container that allows the mushrooms to spread out rather than pile on top of each other. This reduces bruising and slows decay.
3. In Cardboard or Pulp Punnets
Cardboard or pulp containers are excellent for mushroom storage because they absorb excess moisture while allowing air circulation.
If your mushrooms came in a cardboard container, keep them in it. Just make sure it’s dry and clean.
Cover the container loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the mushrooms from drying out too quickly, while still allowing them to breathe.
4. Wrapped in Paper Towels
Paper towels provide an excellent balance of moisture absorption and air circulation for mushroom storage.
Wrap whole, unwashed mushrooms loosely in paper towels. The paper absorbs excess moisture without drying out the mushrooms completely.
Place the wrapped mushrooms in a partially open plastic bag or container. This method works especially well for delicate varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
5. In Brown Paper Bags
A brown paper bag is perhaps the most recommended storage method by mushroom experts. Here’s why:
Paper bags allow mushrooms to breathe while absorbing excess moisture. The porous nature of paper creates the ideal environment for mushroom storage.
Simply place clean, dry mushrooms in a brown paper bag, fold the top down loosely, and store in the refrigerator. The bag shouldn’t be sealed tightly—mushrooms need some air circulation.
Replace the bag if it becomes damp. A wet paper bag can transfer moisture back to the mushrooms, accelerating spoilage.
6. In Cotton Mushroom Bags
Specialised cotton mushroom bags are becoming popular among mushroom enthusiasts. These reusable bags are designed specifically for fungus storage.
Cotton bags provide excellent breathability while maintaining the right humidity level. They’re especially good for wild mushrooms that need more air circulation.
These bags are environmentally friendly and can be washed and reused. While they cost more upfront, they’re a good investment if you frequently buy mushrooms.
How to store mushrooms long term
For long-term storage, you have several options beyond refrigeration.
Drying is an excellent preservation method. Dried mushrooms can last 6-12 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
To dry mushrooms, slice them thinly and use a food dehydrator, or place them on a baking sheet in an oven set to the lowest temperature (usually around 170°F/75°C) with the door slightly ajar.
Mushrooms can also be pickled or marinated for long-term storage. The acidic environment prevents bacterial growth and preserves the mushrooms for several months.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms, but they should be cooked first for the best results.
Raw mushrooms don’t freeze well because their high water content forms ice crystals that rupture cell walls, resulting in a mushy texture when thawed.
To freeze mushrooms:
- Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Sauté them briefly in butter or oil until they release their moisture.
- Let them cool completely.
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the date and use within 9-12 months.
Frozen mushrooms are best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles where texture changes won’t be noticeable.
For small button or cremini mushrooms, you can also blanch them whole before freezing. Drop them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water before freezing.
Proper mushroom storage is simple once you understand the basic principles. Remember that mushrooms need to breathe but shouldn’t dry out completely, and they should stay cool but not wet.
For most home cooks, the brown paper bag method offers the best balance of convenience and effectiveness. Simply place your mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
When you’re ready to use your mushrooms, never soak them in water. Instead, gently brush off any dirt or briefly rinse and immediately pat dry with paper towels.
With these storage techniques, you’ll get the most out of your mushrooms, reduce food waste, and always have fresh fungi ready for your culinary creations.
Whether you’re a gourmet chef or simply enjoy adding mushrooms to your everyday meals, proper storage ensures you’ll always have fresh, flavorful fungi on hand when inspiration strikes.
