microplastics-soren-funk-unsplash
The Problem with Plastic: Microplastics are Everywhere, Including in Your Fashion
manduka-hero
How Manduka Is Making Sustainable Strides in the Yoga Industry
does-coconut-milk-go-bad
Does Coconut Milk Go Bad? Here's What a Registered Dietitian Says
january-sustainability-news
Sustainable News Roundup: January Edition
homemade-playdough
The Best Homemade Playdough Recipe for Kids—And How to Naturally Dye It
landfill-makeovers
11 Landfills That Have Undergone Stunning Makeovers
7 Ways to Store Mushrooms So They Stay Fresh for Longer
how-to-store-mushrooms

Supposedly mushrooms can last for up to two weeks in the fridge with proper storage. Well, I’m definitely not doing things right, because it seems like mine go from delicious-looking to inedible in just a few days. So what’s the secret to keeping ‘shrooms fresh for longer?

If you’re like me and are looking to minimize food waste in your home, taking steps to extend the life of your produce is a great place to start.

Why Do Mushrooms Go Bad So Quickly?

how to store mushrooms

There tend to be two prime factors that contribute to mushrooms becoming discolored or slimy in record time.

First, mushrooms have a high water content, ranging from 80 to 90%, which makes them more prone to microbial growth. With improper storage, even just a few days in the fridge can cause them to spoil. Mushrooms are also highly sensitive to ethylene gas, which is produced by some fruits and veggies. If your mushrooms are sitting next to ethylene-producing produce (like apples, avocados, peppers, and tomatoes), they’ll go bad more quickly.

Luckily, with some easy tricks up your sleeve, you can keep your mushrooms fresher for longer (and keep more food out of landfills). Here’s how to store mushrooms like a pro.

How to Store Mushrooms: 7 Tricks That Work

1. Avoid Washing Them

Don’t wash your mushrooms before storing them. Mushrooms act like sponges, absorbing any water they come into contact with. The more moisture there is, the quicker your mushrooms will spoil. Keep mushrooms unwashed and dry until you’re ready to cook with them.

2. Use a Paper Bag or Cloth Bag

how to store mushrooms

Have a small paper bag or cloth bag on hand? It can be a useful tool for keeping mushrooms fresh. Placing dry, unwashed mushrooms inside the bag helps absorb excess moisture, which can otherwise accelerate spoilage.

3. Avoid the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer in your fridge isn’t going to keep your mushrooms crisp. Because it’s a moist environment, it will only cause them to spoil more quickly.

4. Wrap Them in a Towel

One of the best ways to store mushrooms in the fridge is by wrapping them (dry and unwashed) in a kitchen towel or paper towel and setting them in an open container. The towel effectively absorbs excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry. This, in turn, helps maintain their freshness and extend their shelf life.

5. Avoid Plastic Bags

how to store mushrooms

Plastic produce bags or Ziplocs are a no-go for storing mushrooms in the fridge. The plastic traps moisture, leaving your mushrooms damp and more likely to become moldy, slimy, or discolored.

6. Store Away From Ethylene Producers

As previously mentioned, some fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas. Storing your mushrooms in close proximity to these items in the fridge can speed up their spoilage.

Prime ethylene producers include apples, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, peaches, pears, peppers, and tomatoes. If you avoid storing mushrooms near these items in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for longer.

7. Freeze Them

how to store mushrooms

Not convinced you’ll finish your mushrooms before they go bad? Freeze them to ensure they don’t wind up in the trash.

Prior to freezing, clean the mushrooms to eliminate any dirt. Then choose to either slice them or keep them whole. Next, spread the mushrooms out on a cookie sheet and allow them to freeze completely—typically 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a reusable silicone bag, where they can be stored until you’re ready to use them.

cropped-site-icon-white-png.png

Written By:

Related Posts

does-coconut-milk-go-bad
Does Coconut Milk Go Bad? Here's What a Registered Dietitian Says
We asked a registered dietitian if coconut milk goes bad, how to tell if it's expired, and how to store...
does-olive-oil-go-bad
Does Olive Oil Go Bad? Here's What You Should Know
How long has that olive oil been sitting in your pantry—and is it still good? Here's everything you should know.
sustainability-organization
4 Ways Sustainability and Organization Go Hand-in-Hand
Sustainability has a lot of secret sisters, including organization. Here, Brightly founder Laura Wittig shares four hacks that save her...