Mushrooms are a crowd pleaser, present in many delicious gourmet dishes that foodies and casual diners alike love. These versatile ingredients add depth of flavor to everything from pastas and risottos to stir-fries and vegetarian main courses. At South Mill Champs, we know that freshness is paramount. That’s why we source the highest quality mushrooms and provide expert storage tips to ensure they stay perfect until you’re ready to use them.
How Long Do Fresh Mushrooms Last?
Fresh mushrooms should be refrigerated as soon as soon as you return from the supermarket to preserve their quality. If you store them in their original packaging or in a brown paper bag, they will last 3-6 days.
Best Practices for Storing Mushrooms at Home
Extending the shelf life of mushrooms is simple with proper storage techniques. Thankfully, there are several options to make sure your mushrooms retain their peak freshness and flavor.
Refrigeration
Fresh mushrooms should be refrigerated as soon as you return home from the supermarket. Storing fresh mushrooms in paper bags also allows for air circulation and absorbs any excess moisture, keeping your mushrooms fresher for longer.
Canning or Pickling
While refrigerating is great for short-term storage, canning is the way to go for long-term preservation up to one year unopened. However, it’s important to note that canning mushrooms is a safety-sensitive process and requires following a pressure canning recipe from a reputable source to prevent harmful bacteria growth. Canning jars and lids should also be thoroughly sterilized prior to canning, and jars should be processed in a water bath.
Freezing
Many mushroom varieties can be frozen for up to one year. Mushrooms should be blanched or sautéed prior to freezing, then packed tightly in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
Drying
Using a dehydrator, mushrooms can be sliced and dried for up to one year of storage. They should be stored in airtight containers to prevent spoilage due to moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing in Airtight Containers
Fresh mushrooms need air flow to avoid spoilage. Airtight containers lead to moisture buildup and faster spoilage of mushrooms.
Washing Mushrooms When You Get Them Home
Mushrooms are like little sponges and can absorb moisture very quickly. Washing them before popping them into your refrigerator is not advised. It’s best to wipe mushrooms right before use to prevent any unwanted moisture build-up that can make mushrooms slimy.
Not Checking Regularly
Always check mushrooms regularly for freshness and discard at first signs of spoilage.
Placing Mushrooms Too Close to Other Produce
Keep mushrooms away from wet rack items (like celery and lettuce) and from produce that emits ethylene gas, like apples, pears, and avocados, as this can accelerate spoilage.
Stacking Items on Top of Mushrooms
Mushrooms bruise easily, which can affect their shelf life and appearance. Since they’re delicate, avoid placing heavy groceries or other produce on top. This gentle handling helps prevent bruising and ensures your mushrooms stay fresh and delicious longer.
