How to Store Mushrooms So They Stay Fresh and Slime-Free

Mushrooms, known for their meaty texture and umami flavor, are a versatile staple in any kitchen. Properly storing mushrooms is essential to preserve their quality and flavor, but it can be challenging due to their delicate and perishable nature. The refrigerator is the ideal location for storage, though the exact spot you select can influence their longevity. We spoke with experts for the best ways to keep your mushrooms fresh and full of flavor.

Keep Mushrooms Dry

Mushrooms are made of 80 to 90 percent water, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a meal delivery service and restaurant. "Mushrooms have a porous texture, meaning they soak up water like a sponge," she adds.

Because of their water content, mushrooms must be kept dry to stay firm and fresh. The goal of mushroom storage, then, is to prevent them from releasing water and pulling moisture from the air, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. It's also essential to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them; doing so will shorten their shelf life.

How to Store Mushrooms in the Refrigerator

Whether you're storing common mushrooms (like white button or shiitake) or fancier varieties (like chanterelle), the proper storage method is generally the same.

• Brown bag them: "Simply put whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal it up. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping your mushrooms safe," says Weintraub.
• Use paper towels: If you don't have a brown paper bag, Weintraub recommends wrapping the mushrooms in a paper towel and placing them in a bowl in the refrigerator. Like the bag, the paper towel will absorb moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh.
• Avoid plastic: If your mushrooms come in a sealed plastic container, take them out and store them using one of the methods above. This is especially important if the plastic wrap has no holes, which can trap moisture and speed up spoilage, says LaMarita.
• Where to store: "Avoid placing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they'll absorb those odors," advises Weintarub.
• Sliced mushrooms: If you've already sliced the mushrooms (or bought them sliced), Weintraub suggests storing them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Even when using the storage methods above, whole mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.

How to Freeze Mushrooms

If you're unable use mushrooms in recipes within a week, consider freezing them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so do this sooner rather than later—and remember that you'll need to cook them first.

Yes, the first step is to briefly cook the mushrooms, which will help preserve their quality and flavor when frozen. To do this, lightly sauté them in butter until they are just cooked or steam them whole for 5 minutes (quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for roughly 3 minutes).

For the best color post-freezing, you can also dip mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint water and 1 teaspoon lemon juice before cooking, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Once the cooked mushrooms cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months, says Weintraub.

How to Dehydrate Mushrooms for Long-Term Storage

Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms. Compared to freezing, this method better preserves the quality of the fungi while indefinitely extending their shelf-life. Dried mushrooms also have an intense umami flavor, and they reconstitute beautifully in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry says LaMarita.

To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or the simple technique of air-drying, which involves placing mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow (like a circular mesh strainer) for about a week. Once they are totally dry, store them in an airtight glass jar, says LaMarita.

Signs Mushrooms Have Gone Bad

Even when stored properly, mushrooms won't last forever. You can tell mushrooms have spoiled if they're slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy, and darker than their original color. They'll also be smelly and moldy, says LaMarita. But if your mushrooms only have a few dark spots, they're still safe to eat—just take it as a sign that they're in decline and should be used up soon, he adds.