Determining the longevity of mushrooms at the time of purchase is required for healthy consumption. It is essential to look at the best before date on the packaging in the supermarket and purchase based on how soon you would like to relish this nutrition filled nature’s bounties.
While mushrooms are best consumed fresh, they can also be stored and enjoyed later.
Fresh mushrooms last up to 10 days under refrigeration while sliced and cooked mushrooms may last about 4-5 days. They can also be frozen under constant temperatures to last as long as 12 months.
How Long Do Mushrooms Last?
If stored well mushrooms will last up to 10 days.
If you intend to consume within a week it would suffice to merely refrigerate whole uncut and unpeeled mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container.
It’s best advised to also keep them away from other food with strong odours and not stock heavy or bulky food over them. They easily tend to absorb odours being porous in nature and would get damaged if stored beneath bulky items.
Another tip is do not store them in moist shelves of the fridge like the chiller as they easily tend to absorb moisture and get somewhat slimy and unfit for consumption. Storing them in the dry shelves of the refrigerator should be the best tip.
How to store mushrooms in a freezer?
Both fresh and cooked mushrooms can very well be stored in a freezer for up to 12 months. The fresh mushrooms are dry and spongy, it is advisable to remove the sticks, pat them dry and store them in full in heavy duty freezer bags at constant temperatures.
If wet or washed they need to be patted dry prior to freezing or storing.
How to store cooked mushrooms?
Cooked mushrooms too can be stored both in whole form as well as sliced under refrigeration.
Mushrooms can be cooked for 3-5 minutes until they are almost done (not squashed) and stored in the refrigerator or freezer in airtight containers or zip lock plastic bags. If stored under refrigeration they should be consumed within 3-4 days while frozen ones can last up to 12 months depending on the condition of storing.
How long can the mushrooms be stored under room temperature?
The mushrooms would last just about a day or two if stored in room temperature without refrigeration, as bacteria get to cultivate them on this edible fungus.
Also, if cooked, it is best advisable to consume them within 3-4 hours if kept at room temperature as otherwise they become unfit for consumption.
How do you spot bad from good?
Just a look, a sniff and a touch would let you know which ones are off your plate. The mushrooms that have gone bad would either be slimy, have a strong odour or wrinkled and dry. They also get slippery, discoloured and patchy.
These are signs that indicate that they need to be discarded immediately from the fresh lot.
Can you dry mushrooms before storing?
Yes, mushrooms can be sun dried and stored for later consumption. Mushrooms can be either sun dried naturally by dehydrating them under the sun or use a dehydrator.
Sun drying your mushrooms naturally may take longer, you may want to slice them before sun drying until all the moisture is dried up and storing them in dry glass containers or zip lock plastic bags and enjoy for up to 12 months.
How about pickled mushrooms?
Ever enjoyed the pickled variety? They can add zest to any meal and be consumed as a side dish on your platter. Pickled mushrooms can last up to 4-6 months if pickled, stored and canned under appropriate conditions.
So how do we pickle mushrooms? You can either pickle mushrooms in vinegar or even oil .Just bring a pot of vinegar to boil and add mushrooms and cook them for 15 -20 minutes ,cool and drain and add diced garlic for additional flavour .When completely cooled store in mason jars and enjoy for up to 2-3 months .
Alternatively sauté them in some oil for a few minutes until done and add a dash of garlic and any other spice or herb you would enjoy with your pickle .Again store them appropriately and there you go ,you have this amazing side dish to add that extra flavour to your meal any day.
Ever consumed mushrooms that have gone bad?
I know that feeling in my tummy. Yes, gastric trouble and diarrhoea!
If you ever are doubtful that you have consumed mushrooms that have gone bad, there is no need to panic in the first place. It will help to go on a fast or have mild food and have some over the counter medicine for diarrhoea unless it is severe you may want to consult a doctor.
Mostly you should be okay in a day or two, if not seek medical help urgently.
By and large, those mouth-watering and appetizing mushrooms that come in various varieties can be enjoyed throughout the year in different forms if stored correctly and consumed with caution.