You’ve just bought a package of mushrooms to spice up your stir-fries. After a few days, you begin to wonder if mushrooms can go bad.
There are many types of mushrooms. There are many types of mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms can be used to add rich flavor to stir-fries and stews. Caned mushrooms can also be used as appetizers. Dried mushrooms are great for soups. If you don’t buy mushrooms often, it might be difficult to know how to store them or how long they will last.
This article will answer any questions you may have about storage, shelf-life, and going bad of mushrooms. This article focuses primarily on fresh mushrooms but also touches upon dried and canned ones. We have you covered.
How to store mushrooms
Let’s begin with fresh mushrooms. There are many varieties of fresh mushrooms, including white, portabella, button, shiitake and enoki. The storage guidelines and shelf lives are similar for all. We are grateful that we don’t have to carry around a reference card.
Fresh mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerated area unless you are buying them at a farmer’s market. They will keep well at low temperatures so the best place to store them is in the far corner of your fridge.
You can either get them in a paper bag or a plastic punnet. Both are good ways to package mushrooms. Cover the package with a towel after you have opened it. This will prevent the product from drying out and also prevent condensation which could occur if the mushrooms are not stored in an airtight container.
Also, some air circulation must be in order.
The paper towel will not protect the product from strong flavors.
Once you have cooked the mushrooms, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can handle canned mushrooms the same as you would any other canned food like tomato paste or canned jalapenos.
This means that an unopened bottle or can can be kept at room temperature, but in the pantry. Keep it out of direct sunlight and heat sources. After opening the product, place it in the refrigerator and ensure that all mushrooms are covered in the brine. Transfer the remaining product from a tin to an airtight container.
The last but not the least is dried mushrooms. You can store dried mushrooms at room temperature, or slightly lower, just like any other dried product (e.g. chili powder). Keep the mushrooms out of direct sunlight and moisture. Seal the package after opening it.
You can freeze mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms don’t last very long so it makes sense to freeze them to prolong their shelf life.
It is easiest to do this by cleaning them properly, cutting them, and then steaming or sauteeing in butter for a few moments until they wilt. After the mushrooms have cooled down, place them in an airtight container (or a freezer bag) and put them into the freezer. Once they are thawed, they will be ready to go.
Tip: To make it easier to defrost and use, divide large batches into smaller portions.
The safest method of thawing is to keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
Rice, meatballs and mushrooms are all great options.
How long do mushrooms last?
Let’s begin with fresh mushrooms. They last for between 4 and 7 days, but can sometimes last up to 10 days. They can be cooked (e.g. Saute them with green beans, and then store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 more days.
Tip: Cook fresh portabellas if you have them in the fridge for more than a week. This will allow you to keep them for a few days more.
Cannellini mushrooms come with a best by date. The product can be kept for up to two months after its expiration date, as it is canned. There are no quality issues with canned mushrooms. You can finish the entire thing in 4-7 days after opening the jar or tin.
Dried mushrooms are last but not least. You will often find a date printed on the label. This date is great for reference. They will keep their quality for approximately one year if there is no date. Dried mushrooms will not spoil but may lose their quality over time.
PantryFridge
| Fresh mushrooms | 4-7 days | |
| Sauteed mushrooms | 3 - 5 Days | |
| Unopened canned mushrooms | Best-by + 3 Months | |
| Canister mushrooms (open) | 4-7 days | |
| Dry mushrooms | Best-by or 1 Year |
All the above periods are only estimates.
How can you tell if mushrooms are bad?
Fresh mushrooms are easy to spot if they have been spoiled or if the quality is poor.
First, remove any white fur from the mushrooms. If they have an off, or a funky odor, you should throw them out. It’s time to let go of the once plump, smooth mushroom caps.
Other significant changes in appearance, such as the presence of slime or other visible signs, can also be reasons to throw out the product.
Last, but not least: If you keep mushrooms in the fridge for more than 2 weeks, it is time to get rid of them. Even if the mushrooms look fine.
Check the can for any signs of damage. Throw it out if it is damaged, bulging, leaky, or severely dented. The same applies if the tin has rust.
After opening the container, follow the instructions above to determine whether the mushrooms are safe to eat.
