Mushrooms can be enjoyed on their own or combined with other ingredients to create a variety of dishes. Their chewy texture and unique aroma are particularly appreciated, making them delicious whether grilled, stir-fried, used as a stuffing, or added to soups.

However, because mushrooms have a high water content and are relatively fragile, they can easily spoil if not properly stored. However, by following the mushroom selection and storage instructions below, you can extend their shelf life.

Methods of Choosing Fresh Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms should look and feel plump, intact, free of cracks and discoloration, and with the cap and stem still connected.

A little dirt on the surface of the mushroom is fine and can be cleaned off later. However, if the surface is excessively moist, has a slimy, slippery texture, has many wrinkles where they shouldn’t be, or smells strange, avoid choosing them.

Methods of Cleaning Mushrooms

Before cooking, mushrooms should be cleaned. The easiest way to clean mushrooms is to use a clean, slightly damp paper towel or a suitable soft brush to scrub the surface thoroughly. Be gentle and avoid applying too much force to avoid damaging the mushrooms.

After cleaning, you can actually cook the mushrooms directly. Cultivated mushrooms rarely require washing with water, as they are kept in a cleaner environment. However, it depends on the situation. If they are wild mushrooms, or if they are covered in dirt and require washing, it’s recommended to fill a bowl with water first.

Then, place the mushrooms in the water, stir them briefly, and then remove them. Avoid soaking them in water. Alternatively, rinse them directly under running water. Use a gentle stream to avoid damaging the mushrooms. However, if you’ve already cut the mushrooms, avoid using water to clean them, as the insides will absorb the water quickly, resulting in a soft, mushy texture.

How to Store Mushrooms

Mushrooms don’t have a very long shelf life because they’re fragile and contain a lot of water. However, if you follow the storage methods below, you can keep them longer.

• To allow whole mushrooms to breathe without losing moisture, it’s recommended to place them in a perforated paper bag or a perforated ceramic or glass bowl. The holes allow air to circulate.
• Bags or bowls can help preserve moisture in the mushrooms. However, before placing them in the bag or container, wrap them in clean paper towels. Place the wrapped mushrooms in the bag or container and store them at room temperature.
• If you want to use them within 2-3 days, refrigerate them along with the paper bag or container if you want to store them for 5-7 days. Never place mushrooms directly in a sealed bag or other airtight container, as this will cause them to become soft and rotten more quickly.
• If you want to store mushrooms for longer than seven days, or if you’ve already cleaned and cut the mushrooms but decide not to use them or haven’t used them all, we don’t recommend this method.
• Freezing is recommended instead, but it’s best to cook the mushrooms before freezing them. This will help them last longer. Place the cooked mushrooms in a freezer-safe, airtight plastic bag and store them in the freezer, making sure not to overwhelm them with other frozen foods.