The speciality about mushrooms is that unlike other vegetables suchc as potato or capsicum, mushrooms are required in a very small quantity. But, it becomes troubling if you or someone else has accidentally brought mushrooms extra or unplanned.
Mushrooms are expensive, so, we really are not looking to use just for sake of using them that made me wonder, can I store mushrooms in refrigerator to increase its shelf life!
Here’s how long mushrooms last in refrigerator –
On average, store brought mushrooms can stay fresh as long as 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator from the date of packaging provided the seal is not opened. If you have opened it, then mushrooms will last for 1 week in the refrigerator at max. If the mushrooms are chopped, they last for up to 7 days.
Mushrooms are delicate food items and should be used, handle & store with proper knowledge. This article aims to guide you on how to properly store mushrooms in refrigerator for longest shelf life.
We’ve also answered the most important questions you need to know about mushrooms. Read on!
Do storing mushroom in refrigerator increase its shelf life?
Yes, a refrigerator definitely increases your mushroom’s shelf life. Mushrooms should be kept in the fridge to keep them as fresh as possible. They contain about 85-90% water content, the refrigerator helps them keep them firm and fresh. You can probably keep them on the counter for a day or two, but if you want to store them for several days, or perhaps a week, store them on a refrigerator shelf.
But refrigerating them is not enough, proper storage is the key to the long life of mushrooms. Store packed, plastic wrap with punched holes, paper bags, and zip locks for the freezer are good options to store your mushrooms.
Let us understand various methods that one can adopt to store their mushroom in the refrigerator for lasting freshness-
Store-bought package
If your mushrooms are already store sealed your work is almost done, just toss them on your refrigerator shelf. Unpack them when you need them for cooking.
If there are any leftovers or you do not use all the mushrooms, put them back in the store sealed box punch some holes for ventilation and you are good to go.
Paper bag packing
This method is for storing loose grocery brought mushrooms. In this case paper bag is recommended because mushrooms have high water content. They might release some moisture, the paper wrap will absorb the moisture and keep the mushrooms from rotting.
Deep freezing method
If you have brought extra mushrooms and you know as a fact that you will not be able to use them up before the end of the season, clean them thoroughly and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Important note when choosing deep-freezing method: Freezing mushrooms may change their texture, so instead of frying them into a crispy pasta topping, use these for flavoring stocks or cut them into vegetarian burgers.
Dry Mushrooms
To dry your mushrooms, use a low-temperature oven or a food dehydrator. Then, until you’re ready to use them, store them in an air-tight container. Note that Dried mushrooms may be rehydrated as required, just toss them in the veggies, pasta, or soup and give it a boil or good heat and it’s ready.
Should I Store Mushrooms Products in Refrigerator?
Mushroom is very versatile, we eat mushroom pickles, tossed veggies, kinds of pasta,k soups and so many more products. Refrigerating mushrooms is by far the best method to keep your mushrooms fresh and avoid any molds forming. But not every product is to be stored in the same way.
Let us learn how to store different products of mushrooms in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Marinated mushrooms
Reseal the jar after use and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the brine covers the tops of the remaining mushrooms. Keeping these two points in marinated and picked mushrooms lasts for about 45 days or more in the refrigerator.
Fresh mushrooms
If you keep fresh mushrooms whole in the fridge, they should last approximately 7-10 days. Depending on how long they’ve been sitting with the vendor or at the shop, refrigerated entire mushrooms can go rotten after 4 days.
Mushrooms Sliced
The shelf life of sliced mushrooms is shortened by a few days. Sliced mushrooms should survive for approximately 5-7 days at the most. They will go bad after 1-2 days if they have been in the fridge or grocery shop for a long time.
Cooked Mushroom
Mushrooms that have been cooked and refrigerated are less likely to spoil. So, if you sauté the mushrooms at the appropriate temperature and then refrigerate the dish, it will keep fresh for 3-5 days. Cooked mushrooms can be stored safely for up to 10 days if properly stored.
Canned Mushrooms
Canned mushrooms have a lengthy shelf life than the fresh store brought ones. You can always check the expiry and best before use date mentioned in the can as it varies from brand to brand. In general, sealed or bottled mushrooms are considered pantry items and can be stored for as long as 3 to 5 years safely.
However, once canned mushrooms are opened, their shelf life is significantly reduced. An open can of mushrooms should only be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, after which they should be discarded.
Why My Mushrooms Went Bad in Fridge?
The freshness of mushrooms is affected by other factors such as fridge temperature and moisture levels, the reason is because of their high water content.
Now fridges have cold and slightly damp atmosphere sometimes this damp atmosphere makes the mushrooms bad. Your mushrooms will have dark patches, it’d be spongy with water and can have foul smell signaling that the mushrooms have rotten.
To avoid this mushrooms should be stored in containers, zip locks, or paper bags. This helps the mushroom from losing its moisture content in the fridge.
How to properly store mushrooms?
Properly storing the mushrooms is the key to their long-lasting shelf life. Here is a list of precautions to take to make sure mushrooms are stored properly-
- Storing mushrooms in zip locks for freezers, and paper made for the fridge.
- Mushrooms should not be stored in the crisper drawer since it is too wet.
- Make sure you don’t put anything else on top of them. Mushrooms that have been squished and damaged don’t seem very appealing, and they won’t last long.
- Consider freezing or drying mushrooms if you need to keep them for more than a week.
How to tell if mushrooms are rotten?
Mushrooms give very obvious reasons telling it’s time to really use them or the time is expired. Check your mushrooms according to below-listed symptoms to check whether your mushrooms have been rot or are still fresh –
Look slimy in texture.
If your mushrooms are slimy, they’re no longer edible. Mushrooms that have been lying in the fridge for too long frequently get slimy.
Lines forming on the head
Older mushrooms may not get slimy, but instead, dry up and wrinkle. While it’s fine to let your mushrooms dry out a little, but If they appear to be shriveled, it’s best to dump them rather than eat them.
Black patches
Dark and brownish patches indicate that your mushroom is beginning to rot. Keep checking your mushrooms when in the fridge for any signs of patches forming.
Sharp odor.
Your mushrooms should not have a strong or detectable odor. They’ve gone rotten if you can smell them. You will detect a mushroom odor if you put your nose close up to them. Get them out of here if you have to turn your head away!
Conclusion
According to most chefs and experts. Some mushroom species have a longer shelf life than others, whereas others deteriorate more quickly.
When it comes to mushroom shelf-life/storage period, the widespread belief is that two weeks in the fridge is the absolute maximum but usually, try to use the mushrooms within a week not only to avoid any health risk but also to make sure that you get the best flavour & texture of mushrooms.
