Mushrooms are a key staple in many dishes and a highly nutritious ingredient that adds flavour and texture to recipes like soups, stir-fries, and steak sauce.
That’s why so many households tend to keep a tray of them in the fridge, so they are within easy reach when needed.
However, one common and easy mistake some people make before storing them can lead to their “accelerated spoilage”, meaning they may not be getting as much freshness as they could out of their mushrooms.
Mushroom expert Elliot Webb from Urban Farm-It has shared his top tip to extend their freshness and keep them from loosing moisture or becoming slimy so quickly.
He explained: “Mushrooms are incredibly delicate due to their high water content, which makes proper storage essential to maintaining their freshness.”
The storage pro added: “One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving them in the plastic packaging they come in, as this traps moisture and accelerates spoilage.
“Instead, transferring them to a paper bag lined with kitchen towel provides better airflow and absorbs excess moisture, significantly extending their shelf life.”
Storing whole mushrooms in the fridge can extend their shelf life up to seven days, significantly longer than sliced mushrooms, which typically only last one to two days.
The key to preserving their freshness is to keep them whole and avoid washing them before storage, according to the expert.
Pre-washing can speed up their deterioration, but if your mushrooms begin to soften, don’t toss them out just yet.
They’re still ideal for cooked meals such as risotto, stir-fries, and soups. In fact, cooking them not only enhances their taste but also helps minimise food waste.
Mushrooms should be viewed as living organisms even after they’ve been harvested, requiring the right storage environment to stay fresh.
By making these simple adjustments, you can prolong the freshness of your mushrooms while also reducing unnecessary waste.
To conclude, the expert recommended: “Mushroom growing kits are also an excellent way to reduce waste and your carbon footprint. By growing at home, you’re minimising packaging waste and the environmental impact of transportation.
“Plus, they’re incredibly rewarding – watching your mushrooms grow is not only fascinating but also a great way to reconnect with nature.”
