How to Store Mushrooms: Keep Them Fresh for the Long-Term

Mushrooms are edible fungi that are available fresh, dried, or canned. Aside from serving as an ingredient for a multitude of dishes, this delicacy also offers several health benefits. But, you should take note that mushrooms do not last long so you’ll want to pay attention to our tips for how to store mushrooms.

In this regard, you should have an idea of how you can store mushrooms properly to extend their shelf life (check out: kitchen shelf liners). If you have no idea how you can keep mushrooms from going bad, don’t worry since we have your back. Continue reading and know the different ways to store mushrooms properly to keep them fresh for the long-term.

How to Store Mushrooms

Do you want to find out all the details you need to know about mushroom storage. Well, here’s the goods! Keep those mushrooms fresh for longer.

#1: Store mushrooms in their original packaging

If you do not intend to use store-bought mushrooms right after you bring them home, it is advisable not to take them out of their original packaging. This will help keep them fresh for the long term. The whole package should also go straight to the refrigerator the moment you reach home. When you do this, it will allow the mushrooms to last up to a week.

Mushrooms normally continue growing even after being harvested. Storing them in the fridge will slow down the growth process and prevent them from turning bad. If you need a few mushrooms, all you need to do is to make a small hole on the packaging and take out the mushrooms you need. Then cover the hole with plastic wrap.

#2: Use a brown paper bag as an alternative

There may be instances when you are not keen on using the original packaging for storing the mushrooms. In these cases, you can put the mushrooms in a brown paper bag. Before putting them in the paper bag, wrap them in paper towels.

After putting the mushrooms in the paper bag, leave it open to prevent the mushrooms from absorbing too much moisture. Avoid putting the bag in the crisper section of the fridge so it will not absorb too much moisture. Using this method keeps mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days.

#3: Freeze fried mushrooms, Ideal for the Long Term

If you do not intend to use the mushrooms within a week, you can freeze them. While this will preserve the mushrooms, you will have to sauté them before putting them in the freezer. Doing this will ensure the mushrooms will keep their quality for a long time.

Before cooking the mushrooms, clean them first and dry them. Once they are relatively dry, you can slice and sauté them. After they are sautéed, allow them to cool down before putting them in a plastic bag. Then, put the plastic bag in the freezer.

#4: Freeze steamed mushrooms

Aside from frying mushrooms before freezing them, you can also steam them. Similar to frying before freezing, this method also allows you to extend the shelf life of mushrooms. The process is similar to freezing fried mushrooms with some minor changes.

After cleaning and slicing the mushrooms, soak the mushrooms in a lemon juice solution. The solution will allow the mushrooms to retain their color. Then, steam the mushrooms for five minutes before allowing them to cool. Once they are suitably cool, put the mushrooms in a container and freeze them.

What to Do With Excess Mushrooms

Since mushrooms have a short shelf life, you should store them properly so they won’t go bad. But there may be instances when you have a lot of mushrooms at home and you’re afraid they will go bad before you use them. Due to this, we listed some ways you can use excess mushrooms at home.

Dried Mushrooms to Prevent them from Going Bad

If you have a lot of mushrooms at home and you have nowhere to store them, you can try drying them. Aside from extending its shelf life, dried mushrooms also pack a lot of flavors. You have three options in drying mushrooms: in an oven, in the freezer, or under the sun.

Drying mushrooms in an oven starts with cleaning the mushroom using a brush. Once they are clean, cut the mushrooms and put them on a baking pan. Then, put the baking pan in a preheated oven. Monitor the mushrooms and ensure they are evenly dried. After drying them, you can store them in an airtight container.

Before freeze-drying mushrooms, you should clean and cut them Make sure to remove any moisture on the mushrooms and put them in between two paper towels. Put the paper towels in a paper bag and put it in the freezer.

Drying mushrooms naturally requires them to be clean and sliced. After cleaning and slicing, check the weather and look for a good place to put the mushrooms. Put the mushrooms on a drying rack or a drying string before letting them dry under the sun.

Pickled Mushrooms

Aside from drying mushrooms, you can also pickle any excess mushrooms you have at home. Similar to pickled vegetables, you can out pickled mushrooms on many dishes. You can put it on sandwiches, soups, or roasted dishes.

But before you start pickling mushrooms, you should have all the ingredients ready. These ingredients include the mushrooms, onions, sea salt, vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves, water, and any herbs you want to use.

The first step is washing off any dirt on the mushrooms and slicing them. Then, you should line up a jar with the herbs. Boil the remaining ingredients in a saucepan before allowing it to simmer for fifteen minutes. Then put the mushrooms and the liquid into the jar. After it cools, cover the jar and put it in the refrigerator.

Different Mushroom Dishes

A glut of mushrooms will be an issue if you have no idea what to do with them. But, there are many dishes you can add mushrooms to make them taste better. While some are popular, some may not be quite well known.

Aside from pasta sauce and pizza, you can add mushroom to other dishes or you can make it the main ingredient in these dishes. You can whip up some garlic butter mushrooms, chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, mushroom risotto, or creamy mushroom soup.

Summary on How to Store Mushrooms

Mushrooms are great additions to any dish you may have in mind. Since they do not last long, you should have some knowledge about how you can store them properly. Proper storage will allow you to avoid losing these edible fungi to spoilage.

Mushroom Storage FAQs

There are a number of popular questions that people have about storing mushrooms. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

Do Mushrooms Need to Be Refrigerated?

Immediately after purchasing or harvesting, mushrooms should be refrigerated. Keep them in their original packaging or place in a brown paper bag that allows for good air circulation. They will last for around 1-2 weeks when stored properly in the fridge.

Can you Freeze Fresh Mushrooms for Later Use?

Because mushrooms have 95% water content, it’s important to not freeze them raw because they’ll get very mushy when defrosted. However, they can be sautéed first in a bit of oil and then frozen. They’ll keep this way for up to six months and can be used in things like slow cooker recipes, chili or pasta sauce.

Do Mushrooms Spoil if Not Refrigerated?

If you accidentally leave your mushrooms out of the fridge overnight for example, they may still be safe to eat. Just check for brown or slimy patches which should be cut off before using. However, once cooked, they should be eaten within a couple of hours before being refrigerated.

Can You Store Mushrooms in a Plastic Bag?

Don’t store mushrooms in a plastic bag because this will cause them to spoil quickly. This is because condensation can build up; mushrooms are best stored with good airflow to reduce moisture on them.

What is the Best Way to Store Mushrooms at Home?

The best way to store mushrooms at home is to keep them in the brown paper bag that they came in. Then, keep them in the fridge in an area with good air flow for up to 2 weeks.

Do you need some more tips and tricks? Check this out: How to Keep Asparagus Fresh.

Have your Say about Storing Mushrooms

Would you have any other ways of storing fresh mushrooms at home? Or, a recipe that uses up a lot of them. Tell us about them by making a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.

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Last update on 2021-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API