Keep mushrooms fresh for weeks with these simple storage tips
Mushrooms are brilliant. They’re tasty, healthy, and can transform any dish from bland to brilliant. But there’s one small problem: they seem to go off faster than you can say “portobello”.
You know the feeling. You buy a lovely pack of fresh mushrooms on Monday, planning to make a delicious stir-fry. By Thursday, they’re looking a bit sad. By Saturday, they’re definitely past their best. Sound familiar?
The good news is that keeping mushrooms fresh doesn’t require any special equipment or fancy techniques. With a few simple tricks, you can store mushrooms properly and enjoy them for much longer. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your fungi fresh and flavourful.
Why do mushrooms go off so quickly?
Before we dive into storage tips, it’s worth understanding why mushrooms spoil so fast. Unlike most vegetables, mushrooms are actually fungi. They contain lots of water, about 90%, which makes them quite delicate.
When mushrooms are exposed to moisture, they become slimy. When they dry out too much, they shrivel up. They also continue to “breathe” after picking, releasing moisture and carbon dioxide. This natural process speeds up spoilage if they’re not stored correctly.
The key to fresh mushrooms is finding the perfect balance. You need to let them breathe whilst protecting them from too much moisture and air. This will ensure you keep mushrooms fresh as long as possible.
The best way to store mushrooms
Here’s the golden rule for mushroom storage: keep them in the fridge in a paper bag or their original packaging.
Most mushrooms you buy from the supermarket come in plastic containers with holes or paper-wrapped trays. These are actually designed quite cleverly. The holes allow air to circulate whilst the packaging protects the mushrooms from drying out completely.
If your mushrooms came in plastic wrapping without holes, remove them straight away. This type of packaging traps moisture and will make your mushrooms go slimy quickly.
For loose mushrooms, pop them in a paper bag. Paper absorbs excess moisture whilst still allowing the mushrooms to breathe. Never use plastic bags for storage; they’re the enemy of fresh mushrooms. You can rarely keep mushrooms fresh in plastic!
Where to store mushrooms in your fridge
The best spot for storage to keep mushrooms fresh is the main body of your fridge, not the crisper drawer. The crisper drawer is designed to maintain high humidity, which vegetables love. But mushrooms prefer lower humidity.
Keep them on a middle shelf where the temperature stays consistent. Avoid the door, as the temperature changes every time you open the fridge.
Should you wash mushrooms before storing?
This might surprise you, but never wash mushrooms before storing them. Water is mushrooms’ worst enemy when it comes to storage. Even a light rinse can introduce moisture that leads to rapid spoilage.
Instead, wait until you’re ready to cook them. Then give them a quick rinse or wipe with a damp paper towel. For most mushrooms, a gentle brush with a clean tea towel is enough to remove any dirt.
Different mushrooms, different needs
Not all mushrooms are the same when it comes to storage. Here’s how to handle the most common varieties and keep your mushrooms fresh:
Button and chestnut mushrooms
These hardy varieties last longest when stored in their original packaging with air flow. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Portobello mushrooms
Because they’re larger, portobello mushrooms lose moisture faster. Store them gill-side up in a paper bag. They’ll stay good for about a week.
Shiitake mushrooms
Fresh shiitake mushrooms are more delicate. Store them in a paper bag and use within 5-7 days for best flavour.
Oyster mushrooms
These delicate mushrooms should be used quickly. Store them in their original packaging or a paper bag, and aim to use them within 3-5 days.
Signs your mushrooms have gone off
Knowing when mushrooms are past their best helps prevent food waste and keeps you safe. Here are the warning signs:
Slimy texture: Fresh mushrooms should feel firm and dry. If they’re slimy or sticky, they’ve started to spoil.
Dark spots: Small dark spots can be cut away, but if the mushroom is covered in dark patches, it’s time to bin it.
Strong smell: Fresh mushrooms have a mild, earthy smell. A strong, unpleasant odour means they’re off.
Wrinkled appearance: Whilst a few wrinkles are normal for older mushrooms, extensively wrinkled or shrivelled mushrooms won’t taste good.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
Freezing is possible, but it changes the texture of mushrooms significantly. Raw mushrooms become quite soft and watery when defrosted, making them unsuitable for dishes where texture matters.
If you want to freeze mushrooms, it’s better to cook them first. Sauté them lightly, let them cool, then freeze in portions. They’ll keep for up to six months and work well in soups, stews, and pasta sauces.
Keeping your mushrooms fresh
Here are some extra tips to help your mushrooms stay fresh even longer:
Don’t overcrowd: Give mushrooms space in their container. Overcrowding leads to faster spoilage.
Check regularly: Remove any mushrooms that are starting to go off. One bad mushroom can affect the others.
Keep packaging dry: If moisture builds up in the packaging, wipe it out with a clean paper towel.
Buy little and often: Fresh mushrooms taste so much better than older ones. If possible, buy smaller quantities more frequently.
Making the most of your mushrooms
Proper mushroom storage isn’t just about preventing waste, it’s about enjoying mushrooms at their best. Fresh mushrooms have a better texture, stronger flavour, and more nutritional value.
When mushrooms are stored correctly, they maintain their firm texture and earthy taste. This means better stir-fries, tastier pasta dishes, and more satisfying soups.
Your mushroom storage action plan
Keeping mushrooms fresh is simpler than you might think. Store mushrooms in the main part of your fridge, keep them in paper packaging or their original containers, and avoid washing them until you’re ready to cook.
Check them regularly, use the most delicate varieties first, and don’t be afraid to trim away small dark spots on otherwise good mushrooms.
With these storage tips, you’ll spend less money on mushrooms and enjoy better-tasting dishes. Your future self will thank you when you open the fridge to find mushrooms fresh and waiting for dinner.
