How to Store Mushrooms So They Stay Fresh

From beech to button, porcini to portobello, mushrooms offer an earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture that shine in a range of dishes. But because these delicate fungi have such a high water content—between 80% to 90%—they can spoil very quickly. In order to keep your mushrooms fresh for as long as possible, you’ll want to follow some basic storage guidelines. Here, Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager Sarah Brekke, M.S. shares tips and tricks for how to store mushrooms.

Where to Store Mushrooms

The best place to store mushrooms is inside your refrigerator, as the cooler temperature slows down any bacterial or fungal growth that will naturally occur. But while your refrigerator is the ideal place to store mushrooms, avoid the crisper drawer at all costs.

“Moisture is the number one enemy of mushrooms,” Brekke says. “Even though the humidity level can be adjusted in a crisper drawer, it's best to store your mushrooms in the main compartment of your refrigerator.”

With good storage conditions, you can expect fresh mushrooms to last a solid 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. If you’re looking to store your shrooms a little longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to a month—just make sure to cook them first.

What Type of Container to Store Mushrooms In

Unless you plan to use your mushrooms right away, avoid storing them in the container they came in. You should also avoid storing mushrooms in a plastic bag. A paper bag is ideal.

“Many foodies have found that the best method for longer storage of mushrooms is to place them in a paper bag lined with a paper towel and then store them in the fridge,” Brekke says. “Both the paper bag and the paper towel allow the mushrooms to ‘breathe’ while helping to absorb any excess moisture or humidity that would otherwise contribute to the mushrooms spoiling. With these conditions, you should get a good 7 days of life out of your mushrooms before they start to spoil.”

No paper bag? No problem. Simply line a bowl with paper towels, place the mushrooms in the bowl and cover the mushrooms with another layer of paper towels. Brekke says this method will offer about 5 days of optimal storage before signs of spoilage begin to appear.

Should I Wash Mushrooms Before Storing Them?

Since mushrooms usually still have a little dirt on them after they come home from the farmers’ market or grocery store, you’ll want to clean mushrooms before tossing them into your favorite recipe. But make sure to hold off on doing so until right before you’re ready to use them. Mushrooms can contain up to 90% water, and washing them before storage can cause them to absorb too much moisture and spoil more quickly.

What to Look For When Buying Fresh Mushrooms

For the longest lasting mushrooms, make sure you’re buying them at their peak freshness.

“Don’t be afraid to use all of your senses when determining if your mushrooms are still fresh,” Brekke says. “If any of your mushrooms look slimy or smell sour, fishy, or similar to cabbage, get rid of them.”

Here’s what Brekke says to look for when buying mushrooms:

• Cremini or button mushrooms should be firm (not wrinkly) with their stems still attached.
• Shiitake mushrooms should be tender. If they feel dry or slimy, or the caps have a woody feeling, avoid them.
• Oyster mushrooms should be a creamy off-white color with smooth tops and no spots.
• Portobello caps should be firm (not slimy!), smell earthy and have fresh-looking gills.