How to Store Mushrooms: Refrigeration and Drying Techniques
Drying mushrooms is one approach, but there are options for shorter term storage.
Mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal, but their shelf life can be disappointingly short if they're not stored properly. After a painstaking mushroom cultivation process, knowing how to store mushrooms effectively can extend their usability, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase or harvest. In this blog post, we'll explore two primary methods for mushroom storage: refrigeration and drying. These techniques will help you keep your mushrooms fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
Refrigeration: Keeping Mushrooms Fresh
Refrigeration is the go-to method for short-term mushroom storage. It's ideal for preserving the freshness and texture of mushrooms for several days to a week. Here's how to store mushrooms in the fridge:
Avoid Airtight Containers: Mushrooms need to breathe. Storing them in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags can lead to moisture buildup, which promotes spoilage. Instead, use a paper bag, which allows air circulation and absorbs excess moisture. This keeps your mushrooms dry and prevents them from getting slimy.
Clean Wisely: It's a common misconception that mushrooms should not be washed before storage. You can lightly rinse mushrooms to remove any dirt or substrate, but be sure to pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Excess moisture is a mushroom's enemy, so they should be as dry as possible before refrigeration.
Store in the Main Compartment: The best place to store mushrooms in the refrigerator is in the main compartment, where the temperature is consistent. Avoid storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer, where humidity levels are higher.
Using these refrigeration tips, most mushroom varieties can be kept fresh for up to a week. Regularly check your mushrooms and remove any that start to spoil to prevent them from affecting the rest.
Drying: Long-Term Mushroom Storage
Drying is an excellent way to preserve mushrooms for long-term storage. Dried mushrooms can last for months, even years, if stored correctly, and they can be consumed dry as a powder in the case of functional mushrooms, or easily rehydrated for use in cooking in the case of gourmet mushrooms. Here's how to store mushrooms by drying them:
Use a Dehydrator or Fan-Dry: While air-drying is possible using a fan and a sieve or colander, using a food dehydrator if you have one is the most consistent. Low temperature and slow is best for mushrooms. Lay the mushrooms on a dehydrator tray or baking sheet in a single layer. If drying in air, ensure adequate airflow to the mushrooms, ideally with a fan that is set to a low speed. Consistent air movement is more important than speed. Wait until the mushrooms are “crispy” and crackle when bent before moving to storage.
Store in Airtight Containers: Once completely dry, store your mushrooms in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags work well for this purpose. Use a desiccant pack in the container to prevent moisture from re-entering and to remove small amounts of latent moisture that may remain in the mushrooms after drying.
Conclusion
Knowing how to store mushrooms, whether by refrigeration for short-term use or drying for long-term storage, can significantly reduce waste and ensure you always have this flavorful ingredient on hand. Both methods have their advantages and can be chosen based on your immediate or future culinary needs. So next time you find yourself with an abundance of mushrooms, remember these storage tips to preserve their freshness and flavor.
