Known for their umami flavor and meaty texture, mushrooms are some of the most versatile ingredients you can have in the kitchen. The only catch? The actual practice of storing mushrooms can be tricky to master—the finicky fungi are delicate and perishable.
With that said, by learning the best ways to store mushrooms, you can extend their shelf-life and get the most out of your food. It might be obvious that the refrigerator is the best place to keep the fungi, but how should they be wrapped and where in the fridge is the best? And can you freeze mushrooms if you know you wont use them up in time? We talked to experts to get all the fungi facts.
Just like whole mushrooms, it’s best to store sliced mushrooms, unwashed, in a brown paper bag lined with paper towels. If they’re pre-packaged upon purchase, leave the sliced mushrooms in their original container. Either way, keep the sliced mushrooms in the fridge, where they’ll likely last for four to five days.
Where to Store Mushrooms in the Refrigerator
Regardless of your chosen mushroom storage method, “avoid placing mushrooms near strong smelling food, as theyll absorb those odors,” advises Weintarub. Additionally, while storing mushrooms in a paper bag will prolong their shelf-life, be sure to use the mushrooms within a week of purchase.
The exception is if youve already sliced the mushrooms; in this case, Weintraub suggests placing them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and using them within three days.
Keep Mushrooms Dry
You might be surprised to learn that mushrooms are made of 80 to 90% water, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a meal delivery service and restaurant in Los Angeles. “Mushrooms have a porous texture, meaning they soak up water like a sponge,” she adds.
Because of this, mushrooms need to be kept dry in order to stay firm and fresh. The goal of mushroom storage, then, is to prevent them from releasing water and pulling moisture from the air, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. Its also essential to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them; doing so will shorten their shelf-life.
How To Store Mushrooms For Optimal Freshness
FAQ
How do you keep mushrooms from turning brown after cutting?
How do you keep sliced mushrooms fresh longer?
Can mushrooms be sliced ahead of time?
How long can sliced mushrooms last in the fridge?
How do you stop mushrooms from Browning?
Surfaces that are exposed to air will brown more quickly, so squeeze a bit of lemon over them to stop this from happening. Keeping them in a paper bag may also help to reduce browning, as it minimizes the flow of air and ensures the mushrooms aren’t exposed to more oxygen than is necessary.
Can you eat sliced mushrooms if they turn brown?
While mushrooms that have turned brown are still safe to eat, they may not be as fresh as they once were and may not taste as good. If you notice that your sliced mushrooms have turned brown, it’s best to use them as soon as possible to prevent them from going bad. Why do sliced mushrooms turn brown?
Why do sliced mushrooms turn brown?
Sliced mushrooms turn brown when they’re exposed to oxygen. This is a completely natural process that occurs when the enzymes in the mushrooms react with the air. While it doesn’t affect the safety of the mushrooms, it can make them less visually appealing and affect their flavor. Can you sauté sliced mushrooms before storing them in the fridge?
How do you keep mushrooms from shriveling?
You may also need to keep the mushrooms in a plastic container so that there is enough humidity to make sure they don’t dry out. Put mushrooms in a paper bag with a damp paper towel. Many people use paper bags to let mushrooms breathe while they are in the fridge. However, this can cause them to dry out and become shriveled.