Mushrooms🍄 are a tasty and nutritious complement to any meal. They are flexible ingredients that may be utilized in a variety of dishes🍲, whether sautéed, roasted & grilled. But how to store mushrooms in the fridge?
However, one of the most difficult aspects of cooking with mushrooms is understanding how to store them correctly. Without proper storage, mushrooms may quickly turn slimy or moldy.
In this article📄, we will discuss the process of storing mushrooms in the fridge so that they remain tasty & fresh for a longer duration.
Understanding Mushroom Storage
Before discussing the particular techniques for storing mushrooms🍄 in the fridge, it is essential to understand why they spoil so rapidly.
Due to their fragile nature and high concentration of water, mushrooms are vulnerable to moisture💦 and bacterial growth. Within a couple of days, they can become sticky or moldy if improperly stored.
How to Store Mushrooms in Fridge: Tips and Tricks
Below are a few tips & tricks for mushroom storage in the fridge: 👇
1. Store Mushrooms in the Original Packaging
Mushrooms sold in stores🏪 are frequently packaged in paper or plastic containers. It is best to preserve them in this packaging, which is specially designed to maintain their freshness.
If the packaging is damaged or shredded, the mushrooms should be transferred to a new container before being stored.
2. Use Paper Towels
Place several layers of tissue paper in the container with the mushrooms to soak up the extra moisture while avoiding them from becoming sticky.
The tissue paper will absorb any moisture and aid in maintaining the mushrooms’ dryness.
3. Avoid Washing Mushrooms Before Storing
Before storing mushrooms, they should not be washed, as this may add moisture💦 and increase bacterial growth. Instead, do not wash them till you are set to cook with them.
4. Store Mushrooms in the Fridge as Soon as Possible
After purchase, store mushrooms in the fridge as quickly as possible, to make sure their optimum freshness. Avoid leaving them out on the shelf for too long, as this may speed up their spoilage.
5. Keep Mushrooms in the Back of the Fridge
You should store the mushrooms in the last corner of the fridge, where it is typically the coldest🥶. This will help preserve their freshness.
6. Use airtight Containers
You should keep the mushrooms in sealed containers or zippered plastic bags to stop moisture💦 from entering. This will help preserve their freshness.
Also Read: How to Microdose Mushrooms For Migraines?
How Long Can You Store Mushrooms in the Fridge?
You can store mushrooms in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days based on their freshness at the time of purchase. In order to extend their storage life, it is ideal to store them unwashed in an airtight container or paper bag🛍️.
Avoid keeping them in plastic containers, which may hold moisture and speed up their spoilage.
Additionally, it is essential to routinely inspect the mushroom for spoilage signs, like an oily or discolored exterior or an unpleasant smell, and eliminate those, that have passed their age.
Also Read: How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup
Signs of Spoiled Mushrooms
There are multiple signs that mushrooms have gone bad: 👇
- Slimy texture: Mushrooms that have become oily or slippery to the touch have likely gone bad. This may result from too much moisture & the growth of bacteria.
- Discoloration: If the mushrooms have darkened or developed brown patches, this may indicate that they are starting to rot.
- Foul smell: Spoiled mushrooms emanate an unwanted, foul, or musty smell.
- Noticeable mold: If there is visible mold on the mushrooms, you should discard them quickly.
- Wrinkled looks: The mushrooms may have passed their age if they have become wrinkled, shriveled, and started to dry out.
- Soft or mushy texture: If the texture of the mushrooms is soft or mushy, this may signify spoilage or degradation.
It’s essential to note✍️ that eating spoiled mushrooms may result in food poisoning, it is advisable to stay on the side of precaution and throw them out if you have any concerns regarding their freshness.
Conclusion
Keeping mushrooms🍄 fresh and tasty in the fridge can be difficult, but if you follow these tips and techniques, you can do so for longer. Ensure to store them in their original packaging, absorb excess moisture with tissue paper, and do not wash them before storage.
Also, put them in the last corner of the fridge, use sealed containers, and consume them within 2 to 3 days. By sticking to these instructions, you will be able to include fresh and tasty mushrooms in all of your meals🥘.
Also Read: How to Keep Mushrooms Fresh
FAQs
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms to increase their storage life. Simply clean and slice the mushrooms, then put them in a sealed container or freezer bag & store them in the fridge.
Yes, you can store mushrooms in the fridge to help extend their freshness.
Mushrooms can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days in the fridge, based on their freshness when you purchased them.
No, it is best to not wash mushrooms till you are ready to use them, as extra moisture can speed up their decomposition.
The most effective way to store mushrooms in the fridge is to put them in a paper bag or in their original packaging in the cold section.
Brown mushrooms are still edible, but they may lack the freshness and flavor of white mushrooms.
To determine whether mushrooms have gone bad, look for signs of the sliminess, discoloration, and mold growth. You should discard mushrooms with a slimy texture or an unusual smell.
Yes, you can store mushrooms in plastic bags, but they can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil more rapidly. Paper bags are more beneficial.
Yes, if you store different varieties of mushrooms in the same container and follow the same storage instructions, you can store them together.
It is not necessary to remove the stem before storing mushrooms, but you may if you would like.
The most effective method for cleaning mushrooms is to use a moist paper towel or a soft-bristled brush. Washing them with water may give them moisture & lead them to rot quickly.
Generally, cooked mushrooms will last longer than raw mushrooms in the fridge, but still, you should consume them within a week.