How Long Are Mushrooms Good For? A Storage Guide

There are hundreds of varieties of edible mushrooms, many with unique tastes and textures, making them a delicious culinary ingredient enjoyed around the world. If you’re a home cook looking to add mushrooms to your regular diet, the options are endless as well – just looking at the sheer number of cultures and cuisines that incorporate mushrooms into their recipes. 

However, if you’re relatively new to cooking and using mushrooms, you might not be sure how to tell if a mushroom is still good or if it needs to be thrown out. Like other perishable ingredients such as meats and fresh produce, mushrooms can spoil over time, with the spoiling process accelerated by improper storage conditions.

In this post, we examine some of the signs that your mushrooms have gone bad and provide you with a storage guide to help you ensure that your mushrooms remain in top shape for cooking as long as possible!

How Long Are Mushrooms Good For?

The lifespan of mushrooms can depend on several factors – including not only whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried, but also how they’re stored and their freshness when they are purchased.

As a general rule of thumb, fresh mushrooms can typically last between 5-7 days if stored properly in the refrigerator, and dehydrated mushrooms that are stored properly in a cool, dry place can last several years without going bad! 

How to Tell if Mushrooms Have Gone Bad?

If you are ever in doubt about whether your mushrooms have gone bad, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw them out.

Nonetheless, there are several telltale signs that can alert you to the fact that your mushrooms have gone bad. Some of these signs that you ought to look out for before consuming a batch of mushrooms include:

Texture

This indicator is often more applicable to fresh mushrooms. Specifically, if you find that the fresh mushrooms you have in your refrigerator have a slimy texture or if they feel slippery to the touch, it likely means that they have begun to spoil. Fresh mushrooms should have a firm texture if they are still good and edible. 

Visual Appearance

Another indicator that mushrooms have gone bad is if there’s been a change in their visual appearance. For instance, fresh mushrooms tend to shrivel or wrinkle as they spoil and become increasingly dehydrated. They may also start to exhibit dark spots and patches or may become discolored as they begin to spoil. 

On the other hand, dried mushrooms tend to be more susceptible to spoilage from mold, which can usually take the form of fuzzy white, green or black patches on the surface of the mushroom. If you spot any such patches in your container of dried mushrooms, consider throwing out the entire container to be safe.

Smell

If you find that your mushrooms have begun to give off a bad smell, they have likely gone bad. The earthy and mild aroma that is typically associated with mushrooms tends to become sour or musty as the mushrooms become spoiled. 

How to Store Fresh Mushrooms?

Here are some tips that you should take into consideration when storing fresh mushrooms:

Refrigerate Immediately and Use Promptly

Store your mushrooms in the refrigerator as soon as you are able to after purchasing them. Before storing them, ensure that you keep them dry, as moisture can promote spoilage. Only wash off the dirt and debris from your mushrooms when you intend to use them.

In addition, fresh mushrooms typically only have a shelf life of a few days. It’s ideal to use them immediately if they begin to show signs that they are losing their freshness.

Choosing the Right Packaging

Choose a storage solution that does not trap moisture, such as a paper bag or a perforated plastic bag. These storage options also encourage airflow, preventing the buildup of moisture. 

Freezing

If you don’t expect to finish the fresh mushrooms you’ve bought within a few days, consider freezing them to extend their shelf life. Before freezing, you’ll need to:

• Clean the mushrooms to get rid of any dirt and debris
• Optionally slice and/or blanch the mushrooms before freezing to preserve their texture and color

Frozen mushrooms can last for up to a year when kept under the right conditions, although it is often best to consume them within several months. 

How to Store Dried Mushrooms?

If you want to ensure that your dried mushrooms are able to last for years, it’s crucial to bear these pointers in mind:

Using Airtight Containers

Dried mushrooms are similarly susceptible to moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Thus, before storing any newly purchased dried mushrooms, ensure that they are completely dry.

In addition, use an airtight container to prevent external moisture or contaminants from getting to the mushrooms.

Storing in a Cool, Dark and Dry Place

You will also want to limit your dried mushrooms’ exposure to excess heat and direct sunlight as these can cause them to spoil more quickly.

A dry environment such as a pantry or cupboard also makes for a great storage area with low humidity.

Grow Your Own Mushrooms at Home

At the end of the day, the freshness of the mushrooms at the time you buy them will be a major factor influencing how long they can keep for.

If you want to ensure that the mushrooms you consume are as fresh as possible, consider growing your own mushrooms at home! Doing so can help you maintain a higher standard of quality and freshness than you would be able to with store-bought mushrooms. 

If you’d like to try your hand at growing some mushrooms at home, you’re in the right place!

Here at Good Mushroom, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality, beginner-friendly mushroom growing kits on the market. Each of our grow kits comes complete with a grow bag, premium liquid cultures and everything else you would need to grow fresh mushrooms at home.

We’ve also got dozens of mushroom liquid culture varieties for you to choose from — offering you the opportunity to grow your favorite or discover something new. Check out our online store and begin your mushroom growing journey with us today!