Mushrooms are like the introverts of the produce aisle. They’re happiest in their own space, away from too much attention (or moisture). But store them the wrong way, and they’ll transform from firm and fabulous to slimy and sad faster than you can agree upon the correct spelling of portobello (or is it portabella?). Here’s how to store mushrooms so your favorite fungi varieties are always recipe-ready.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Whether you’re sautéing them for pasta, folding them into an omelet, or tossing them into a hearty stroganoff, fresh mushrooms are a versatile kitchen staple for any alpha-gal friendly kitchen. But mushrooms can be a little high-maintenance.
The good news? Mushrooms aren’t that hard to please. Here’s how to store mushrooms to keep them fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure.
In This Article
Different Methods for How to Store Mushrooms
Before we jump into the variety of storage options that work best for storing mushrooms, it’s important to note that all these methods assume you’re storing whole mushrooms. While it may be tempting to prep and clean mushrooms when you get home from the store, they’ll last longer when kept whole. That’s why those pre-sliced mushrooms in the grocery store often look slimy before you even take them home.
Option 1: Storing Mushrooms in Their Original Container
For most of us, this is probably the most popular mushroom storage method out there — buy a package of mushrooms and throw it in the crisper drawer in the fridge until you’re ready to toss them in a soup or serve them as a side dish.
If you plan to cook the mushrooms within two or three days, leaving them in their original packaging is fine. The packaging is designed to allow some airflow while limiting moisture buildup, which helps keep mushrooms fresh in the short term.
Option 2: In a Bowl with Paper Towels
This method works well for medium-duration storage of about four to five days. To use this method, start by lining a large bowl with paper towels. Then, arrange the mushrooms in a single layer — ensuring you don’t pack them too tightly — and cover the top of the bowl with more paper towels.
The paper towels help absorb moisture from the mushrooms as well as condensation from the refrigerator. This method is nice because, unlike the previous approach, you can easily remove the paper towels to check their freshness without disturbing the mushrooms. This makes it easier to meal plan while avoiding food waste.
Option 3: In a Brown Paper Bag
Considering this is how vendors at farmers’ markets hand you freshly purchased mushrooms, I would’ve expected this to be the best way to store mushrooms. While it’s not too shabby, it’s not the front-runner either.
This approach allows you to safely store your mushrooms for five to seven days, although there may be a few discolored spots on the mushrooms toward the end of that timeframe. Don’t let minor discoloration scare you off! According to Cook’s Illustrated, those brown spots on white button mushrooms can actually enhance their flavor, giving them a richer, earthier taste.
Option 4: In a Paper Bag with Paper Towels
The winning mushroom storage option combines the best of both worlds: a paper bag with paper towels. Its double protection against moisture will keep mushrooms freshest for the longest period. You can safely expect mushrooms stored in this manner to last seven to eight days, but up to 10 days isn’t out of the question.
To store mushrooms this way, line a brown paper bag with a layer of paper towels. Add the mushrooms in a loose layer (don’t overpack), and fold the top of the bag to close it. The paper bag allows for airflow while the paper towels absorb excess moisture, creating an ideal environment to keep mushrooms fresh longer.
While these four storage options are the most common, you can certainly experiment with other methods and see what works best for you. For instance, Zuzana Paar of Best Clean Eating suggests cleaning wild mushrooms after foraging, drying them in a shaded area, and storing them in a glass container or plastic bag with bay leaves. This method is said to keep mushrooms fresh for up to a month.
How to Freeze Mushrooms
Freezing mushrooms is a simple way to extend their shelf life, but starting with fresh mushrooms is important. No matter how you’ve been storing them, if your mushrooms are already on the verge of spoiling, freezing won’t save them.
Begin by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and trimming any tough stems. Cut them into evenly sized pieces, then cook them, either by sautéing or steaming. This step is crucial, as uncooked mushrooms retain too much water, leading to a soggy texture after freezing.
Once cooked and thoroughly cooled, arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Store them in the freezer for up to nine months, and use them directly in soups, sautés, or casseroles without thawing.
How to Use Frozen Mushrooms
When you’re ready to use the frozen mushrooms, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply add them directly to your cooking, such as in soups, stews, or sautés. This method helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
How to Dehydrate Mushrooms
Dehydrating mushrooms is one of the best ways to preserve their flavor and texture for long-term storage. Just like freezing mushrooms, you should start with fresh, firm mushrooms.
Begin by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and slicing them into evenly sized pieces, about ¼-inch thick, for even drying. Arrange the slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays or a parchment-lined baking sheet if you’re using an oven. Set your dehydrator to 125°F or your oven to its lowest temperature (around 140°F), and dry the mushrooms until they become brittle, typically 3 to 8 hours.
Once completely dried, store the mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly dehydrated and stored mushrooms can last 6 to 12 months. To rehydrate, soak them in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes or add them directly to soups and stews for a burst of earthy flavor.
The Secrets to Long-Lasting Mushrooms
With mushroom consumption on the rise as a new wellness trend, knowing how to store them is more important than ever. Plastic wrap is a mushroom’s worst enemy. It traps moisture and causes dampness, which results in slimy mushrooms. Whether you prefer the simplicity of leaving them in their original container or the longevity of paper bag methods, the key is minimizing moisture while allowing airflow.
To play it safe, use all mushrooms within three to five days of purchasing them. However, if you absolutely must store them longer, make the extra effort to store them in a brown paper bag with paper towels to extend their shelf life.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
