How To Store Mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of the tastiest, most versatile vegetables you can cook, so you’ll want to make the most of them while they’re at their best. There are plenty of ways you can preserve the quality of your mushrooms for longer – read on to discover some of our top tips.

STORING MUSHROOMS FOR A SHORT WHILE

To prolong the freshness of your mushrooms, we suggest placing them in a paper bag. The bag will absorb any excess moisture and help to prevent them from becoming mouldy. Storing mushrooms in the original packaging and placing these in the main compartment in the fridge will also ensure they last a full week.

Tip 1: Avoid storing mushrooms in places that are too moist (such as the vegetable drawer in the fridge) as it will lead to your mushrooms spoiling quickly.

Tip 2: Steep clear of storing mushrooms near foods with a strong odour. Mushrooms absorb aromas very easily which can lead them to lose their freshness quickly.

Tip 3: Handle mushrooms with care to avoid squishing and bruising them and they’ll keep for longer.

HOW TO DRY AND STORE MUSHROOMS

Dried mushrooms can last for up to a whole year and are very low maintenance. If your freezer space is limited, why not try drying mushrooms instead for longer lasting results?.

Step 1: Start by preheating the oven to 150 degrees.

Step 2: Slice fresh mushrooms into ½ inch cubes.

Step 3: Arrange the sliced mushrooms onto an oven tray, cover with a baking sheet and leave a suitable gap between them

Step 4: Place the tray into the oven and let cook for an hour.

Step 5: After an hour, flip the mushrooms over and continue to keep drying. Keep on baking them until your mushrooms are completely dry.

Step 6: A helpful tip is to leave your oven slightly ajar to allow the moisture from your mushrooms to escape.

Step 7: Once the mushrooms are suitably dry and crisp, place them in an airtight container and store them in a dark, dry place.

HOW TO STORE FROZEN MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms that are frozen can last for 6-8 months, making them easy to use in your recipes straight from the freezer. A handy stand-by ingredient!

Step 1: Mushrooms should be cooked before freezing in order to stay intact whilst frozen. Give fresh mushrooms a wipe clean with a paper towel and slice into cubes around ½ inch thick.

Step 2: Pan-fry with butter or oil for five minutes to cook the mushrooms through and remove them when most of the liquid in the pan has evaporated.

Step 3: Lay your mushrooms out onto a baking sheet and allow them cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Once cooled, move your mushrooms from the sheet to a small container and then freeze.

Step 5: Make sure your container is air-tight as mushrooms can be prone to freezer burn.