In this guide we’ll explore the best way to keep mushrooms fresh for longer after foraging or buying them in the shops. We’ll also look at effective methods of preserving mushrooms, from freezing to dehydrating and canning, so you can enjoy them long after they’ve been picked.
Whether you’re a forager or a home cook, these tips will help you store mushrooms for longer without losing their quality.
Table of Contents
How long do mushrooms live?
Mushrooms are a fantastic ingredient for cooking. They add a lot of umami flavour to lots of different dishes. However, keeping them fresh for a long time can be a bit of a challenge.
If you don’t handle mushrooms properly, they’ll go bad quickly and lose their quality and appeal.
How can you tell if mushrooms are too old to eat?
Mushrooms are delicate organisms with a high water content, which makes them prone to spoilage. They also have a neutral pH, unlike fruits, which have a high acid content, allowing bacteria to multiply much faster. Mushrooms are a good source of protein, but as they age, bacteria break down that protein, creating harmful substances that can make you sick.
As mushrooms age, the protein they contain breaks down into chemicals called putrescine and cadaverine. These chemicals can make you feel like you’ve been poisoned, causing dizziness, bloating, sweating, fever, stomach cramps, facial redness, heat, circulation problems, and chills.
If you think you’ve been poisoned by mushrooms, call emergency medical assistance straight away. The experts will ask you a few questions to figure out whether the mushrooms were poisonous or just old.
Most fresh mushrooms only last 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
How to Check if Mushrooms Are Still Good
- Fresh mushrooms should smell like their specific type and have smooth skin without any bruises.
- If the mushrooms are soft to the touch and you can easily put your finger through them, or if they’ve lost their firm texture, it’s probably time to throw them away.
- If they look watery or have changed coloration, they could potentialy be old and no longer fresh.
This short shelf life often leads to wasted food, which can be frustrating, especially if you’ve purchased a large batch.
What’s the best way to keep mushrooms fresh once you’ve brought them home?
The best way to keep mushrooms fresh is to store them properly in the fridge. While refrigeration isn’t the best for long-term storage, it’s great for short-term needs. It’s best not to wash them before putting them in the fridge, as moisture can cause them to spoil.
Give the wild mushrooms a good clean right before you start cooking (see my how to section for cleaning methods).
It’s important to think about the type of mushrooms you want to keep, as the storage method might be different for each type.
Firmer mushrooms
- If you’re keeping firmer mushrooms like button mushrooms, shiitake, porcini or chanterelle, it’s best to store them in paper bags or ventilated plastic containers that allow air circulation.
It’s best not to store mushrooms in plastic bags, as this traps moisture and makes them slimy, which means they’ll go bad faster.
Delicate mushrooms
- If you’re storing more delicate mushrooms like parasol and oyster mushrooms, which can absorb moisture and become mushy, try layering them with paper towels. Just put a paper towel between each mushroom and stack them on top of each other.
If I know I’ll use them within two days, I usually store them like a ‘mushroom tower’ in my fridge. If I’m planning to store them for longer, I use preservation techniques, which I’ll describe below.
Here are a few tips for keeping mushrooms fresh in the fridge:
- Don’t wash mushrooms before storing them, as moisture can cause them to spoil. Only wash them right before cooking.
- If you don’t have a paper bag, store mushrooms in a bowl or container, but leave it uncovered or loosely covered with a paper towel to allow airflow.
- Keep them in the main fridge compartment, not the crisper drawer, as it can be too humid.
- Check them regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as sliminess or discolouration. Fresh mushrooms should last about three-five days.
Preserving Wild Mushrooms: 3 Top Long-Term Storage Methods
There are a few good ways to preserve wild mushrooms and keep them for a long time. These techniques will ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh taste of the mushrooms for months after you’ve bought them. In the following text, I’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to freeze, dehydrate and preserve wild mushrooms at home.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
Freezing is a great way to keep mushrooms fresh for several months. To freeze mushrooms, first clean them thoroughly, but don’t soak them. You can freeze them raw or cooked, blanched or saueed.
When using frozen mushrooms, it’s best to cook them directly from frozen. Thawing them before cooking can cause them to become mushy, especially if they were frozen raw.
I’ve put together a couple of guides to help you get to grips with freezing mushrooms, whether they’re raw or cooked:
Dehydration: One of the Best Methods to Preserve Mushrooms
Dehydrating mushrooms is a tried-and-true method for preserving food that’s still one of the best for long-term storage. By getting rid of all the moisture in the mushrooms, you’re left with a dry, lightweight product that can be stored for over a year. You can dehydrate mushrooms using a food dehydrator or by air drying them.
If you don’t have a dehydrator and you’re looking for the best way to keep mushrooms, you can read here to find out how to dry mushrooms in the oven.
I’ve put together a few guides to help you get to grips with drying mushrooms at home. In the guides, I’m showing you three different techniques: air drying, oven drying and using a dehydrator.
Canning Mushrooms: A Unique Long-Term Storage Option
Canning is an excellent way to preservewild mushrooms for long periods. Properly canned mushrooms can last up to a year, providing you with a ready-to-use ingredient that retains its flavor and texture.
How to Can Mushrooms at Home
FAQs
What is the best way to keep mushrooms long term?
Freezing and dehydrating are the most effective methods for long-term mushroom storage. Both methods help maintain flavor and texture for months.
Can you freeze mushrooms without blanching them?
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms without blanching. Have a look at some of the guides in this article to get a feel for how to freeze mushrooms.
How long do dried mushrooms last?
Dried mushrooms can last up to a year or more if stored in airtight containers away from moisture and light.
Should you wash mushrooms before storing them?
It’s best not to wash mushrooms before storing them. Washing introduces excess moisture, which can lead to quicker spoilage.
What are the signs that mushrooms have gone bad?
Spoiled mushrooms may develop a slimy texture, discoloration, and a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard them. For more details read this article.
Is it safe to eat mushrooms that have become slimy?
It’s probably best to get rid of them if they start to look too slimy. They might not be dangerous, but their texture and flavour is affected, so I still wouldn’t risk it.
Conclusion
In short, the best way to keep mushrooms fresh, store-bought mushrooms, is to remove them from the plastic packaging and store them in a paper bag or an airy container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage.
The same applies to wild mushrooms—ensure they have enough air and watch for spoilage. To store them long-term, it’s essential to use one of the preservation techniques described in the guides. By using these methods, you can enjoy mushrooms in your meals year-round without worrying about spoilage.
Turbo Tasty’s Collection of Wild Mushroom Recipes
Among the many wild mushroom recipes on my blog, canned wild mushrooms (pickled chanterelle recipe), chanterelle & sparassis crispa soup, sparassis crispa recipes stand out from the crowd. If you are interested, please check them out.
