How Long Do Mushrooms Last in the Fridge?

how long do mushrooms last in the fridge

Mushrooms are a tasty and healthy addition to many dishes. They are delicate and can easily lose their freshness if exposed to air, moisture, or heat. When stored properly in the fridge, they can last anywhere from 5 to 7 days, but this depends on the type of mushroom and how fresh they were when purchased.

Generally, fresh mushrooms should be kept in a breathable container, such as a paper bag or the original packaging. This allows air to circulate while preventing excess moisture, which can lead to mold or spoilage. Plastic bags or sealed containers trap moisture, which is why they’re not ideal for mushroom storage.

Get ready to learn how long do mushrooms last in the fridge?

Beside the quick answer below in Table, in this article, we will discuss the Methods to freeze mushrooms.

How Long Do Mushrooms Last?

Frozen Mushrooms: It is possible to freeze raw mushrooms, but they tend to lose their structure and turn mushy when thawed. You can help lock in the flavor and texture of mushrooms by cooking, blanching, sautéing, poaching, or steaming them before freezing. Now, its time to freeze each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a few hours until it’s solid. Keep frozen, loose mushrooms in an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag to avoid freezer burn.

Do mushrooms store well in the freezer?

The shelf-life of mushrooms even in the fridge is relatively short, so you might wonder if it is possible to freeze them. Although you can freeze mushrooms for later use, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing you need to do is freeze mushrooms while they are fresh. Don’t wait until they are about to expire before freezing them. Mushrooms that have past their prime will be slimy and unpleasant when defrosted.

Sautéing or steaming the mushrooms will preserve their texture. When thawed, this can prevent a rubbery texture. Once the mushrooms are about 90% done, place them in an airtight bag for freezing. It is best to lay your frozen food bags flat in your freezer to maximize freezer space and speed up the thawing process when you are ready to use them. The mushrooms should be thawed in the fridge or at room temperature if you plan to use them immediately.

Methods to freeze mushrooms

Mushrooms last longer in the freezer if they are fresh when they are frozen. Fresh mushrooms smell earthy and have a firm texture. Moreover, there are no mushy or dark spots on them.

Remove any visible dirt from mushrooms before freezing. When mushrooms are washed before freezing, they tend to become mushier when cooked. Place the raw mushrooms in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Be sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing and freezing the bag.

There are several methods to store the mushrooms. Freezing is one of them. Below are the methods for freezing mushrooms.

Store-packed Method

It’s easy if you buy pre-packaged mushrooms. Simply place the mushrooms in the refrigerator, as the perforations of the package will allow air into the package to dry them out. Once the mushrooms are ready for use, wipe away any dirt and begin cooking.

Using paper bags

Whenever you buy loose mushrooms at the grocery store or farmers market, store them in a paper bag to prolong their life. Unlike plastic bags, paper bags allow mushrooms to breathe, which helps prevent moisture buildup. The paper absorbs excess moisture, keep the mushrooms dry and extend their shelf life.

To store mushrooms in a paper bag, simply place them in the bag without washing them. Fold the top of the bag loosely to allow air circulation, and store it in the refrigerator. This method helps preserve their texture and flavor for several days.

Freezer method

For freezing, follow the steps below:

Clean and Slice: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them with water, as they can absorb moisture. Slice the mushrooms, or leave them whole.

Blanching: To preserve the flavor and texture, blanch the mushrooms before freezing. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the mushrooms and cook them for 2-3 minutes. After blanching, immediately transfer the mushrooms into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Drain and Dry: Once the mushrooms are cool, drain them well and dry.

Flash Freezing: Spread the mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. This step prevents them from sticking together when stored.

Storage: Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to airtight freezer bags or containers. Label with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.

To sum up

When you have more mushrooms, freezing them extends their shelf life and reduces food waste. Your mushrooms will last for 7-10 days if you keep them in the fridge rather than on your kitchen counter. That’s plenty of time to find some awesome mushroom recipes!

If that’s not enough time, you can freeze them. Although they can keep for almost a year. Keep in mind that they may lose a touch of nutritional value while thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Are the Signs That Mushrooms Have Gone Bad?

A: Spots, shriveling, and sliminess are indications that they have been spoiled. Discoloration can indicate spoilage, such as turning dark or developing unusual colors. They are likely no longer edible if they feel slimy or sticky.

Q: Is it possible to use mushrooms after 10 days?

It is possible if mushrooms have been stored in freezing. When kept in the fridge, mushrooms can last up to 5-7 days.

Q; Can cooked mushrooms be stored in the Fridge?

Yes. The shelf life of cooked mushrooms in the fridge is usually 7 to 10 days.

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