Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. They add flavor, texture, and nutrients to dishes. However, there is some debate around whether or not mushrooms should be refrigerated. Some people claim refrigerating mushrooms helps preserve texture and flavor. Others argue room temperature storage is fine and refrigeration damages mushrooms. So what’s the verdict – should you refrigerate mushrooms or not?
Quick Answers
– Refrigerating mushrooms can extend shelf life by retaining moisture and slowing spoilage. Recommended refrigerator temperature is 35-40°F.
– Certain varieties like button, cremini, portobello, and white mushrooms fare best refrigerated. Shiitakes, oyster, maitake, and enoki are more delicate and best left at room temp.
– Keep mushrooms in their original packaging or loose in a paper bag in the refrigerator, not in plastic bags which can lead to spoilage.
– Store refrigerated mushrooms for 3-7 days max. Signs they’re going bad include sliminess, dark spots, drying out, and foul odor.
– Leaving mushrooms at room temperature can lead to faster moisture loss and deterioration within just 1-2 days.
Should All Mushrooms Be Refrigerated?
Not necessarily. Some varieties of mushrooms are more delicate and prone to damage from the cold, damp environment of the refrigerator. Mushrooms contain a high percentage of water – around 90%. When stored in the fridge, the cold temperature causes this moisture to evaporate more rapidly.
Button, cremini, portobello, and standard white mushrooms are heartier and contain less moisture. These types tolerate refrigeration quite well. In fact, cold storage helps slow their respiration, moisture loss, and other processes that cause mushrooms to deteriorate. Refrigerating extends the shelf life of these varieties.
Other mushroom varieties like shiitake, oyster, maitake, and enoki contain even higher water content. Their textures tend to suffer from refrigeration, becoming soggy and slimy. These types are best left at room temperature. Just be sure to consume them soon within 1-2 days.
| Mushroom Varieties Best Refrigerated | Mushroom Varieties Best at Room Temp |
|---|---|
| Button | Shiitake |
| Cremini | Oyster |
| Portobello | Maitake |
| White | Enoki |
Factors that Shorten Shelf Life
Why do mushrooms deteriorate quickly without refrigeration? A few key factors lead to their decline:
1. Moisture loss – Mushrooms are about 90% water. When left at room temperature, moisture rapidly evaporates causing the mushrooms to shrivel and dry out.
2. Respiration – Like other produce, mushrooms “breathe” by consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, moisture, and heat. Higher temperatures accelerate this process.
3. Oxidation – Exposure to air causes oxidation reactions, leading to discoloration and off-flavors. Refrigeration slows this down.
4. Microbes – Bacteria, molds, and yeasts thrive at room temperature and enzymatically break down mushrooms.
Refrigeration retards all of these detrimental effects and keeps mushrooms in a temporarily suspended, fresher state.
Proper Mushroom Refrigeration Methods
To get the most out of refrigerated storage, use these tips for maximizing mushroom freshness and shelf life:
– Store mushrooms in the high humidity drawer of your refrigerator if possible. Typical fridge temperature of 35-40°F is ideal.
– Keep mushrooms in their original packaging or transfer to a paper bag. Avoid sealing in plastic bags which can lead to spoilage.
– Don’t wash mushrooms before refrigeration. Washing accelerates spoilage. Only wash right before eating.
– Consume refrigerated mushrooms within 3-7 days for best quality. Use older mushrooms soon in cooked dishes rather than raw.
– Check for signs of spoilage like softness, sliminess, spotting, drying out, or off smell. Discard any mushrooms showing decay.
– Display mushrooms in a single layer rather than stacking to allow for air circulation and prevent bruising.
– Keep mushrooms away from ethylene gas producing fruits like apples, pears, and avocados which can hasten ripening and deterioration.
What Temperature is Best?
Ideally, refrigerate mushrooms at a temperature range of 35-40°F. Most refrigerator units maintain this ambient environment. You can verify the temperature by placing a thermometer in the fridge.
Higher temperatures above 40°F allow more microbial growth and moisture loss. Temperatures dipping below 35°F can damage mushrooms by freezing their water content.
The high humidity drawer found in many fridges provides an excellent storage spot. Otherwise store mushrooms on a middle shelf. The bottom drawers tend to be coldest while the door contains the warmest, most humid air.
Effects of Refrigeration on Mushrooms
Refrigerating mushrooms does impact their quality in various ways both good and bad:
Benefits of Refrigeration
– Slows enzymatic and microbial breakdown, keeping mushrooms fresher longer
– Reduces metabolic activity like respiration and moisture loss
– Retains crispiness and extends shelf life 3-7 days vs. 1-2 at room temp
Downsides of Refrigeration
– Accelerates moisture loss for delicate varieties like enoki, shiitake
– Can cause sogginess and texture changes
– Oxidation still occurs leading to some spoilage
– Condensation from humidity can trigger bacterial growth
– Chilling injury possible if stored below 32°F
Overall for sturdier mushrooms, the benefits outweigh the downsides. Just avoid keeping more fragile varieties like enoki in the fridge.
Effects on Texture
Texture changes from refrigeration depend on the mushroom variety:
– Button, cremini, portobello – Refrigeration helps these mushrooms retain their firm, meaty texture longer.
– Shiitake, oyster – They tend to become soggy and lose their chewiness faster in the fridge.
– Enoki, maitake – Can become excessively slimy and soft from condensation.
– All mushrooms eventually show drying out from moisture loss after 1-2 weeks refrigerated.
If you notice excessive softness, sliminess or changes in density, it’s best to discard the mushrooms. Use refrigerated mushrooms soon for optimal texture.
Effects on Flavor
Refrigerating mushrooms slows the enzymatic breakdown that causes off-flavors andacterial growth. But some negative impacts include:
– Slight loss of flavor complexity and intensity over time.
– Oxidation produces “refrigerator stales” flavors.
– Condensation moisture can make flavors diluted.
– Drying out concentrates umami flavors.
For best flavor, use refrigerated mushrooms within 3-5 days. Cook older mushrooms rather than eating raw for enhanced flavor.
Mushroom Storage Guidelines by Variety
Follow these refrigeration guidelines for common mushroom types:
White button mushrooms
– Refrigerate for 5-7 days maximum
– Keep loose in original box or paper bag
– Watch for dark spots, drying, sliminess
Cremini mushrooms
– Refrigerate for 1 week max
– Store in packaging or paper bag
– Use once brown gills start to darken
Portobello mushrooms
– Fridge for 5-6 days
– Lay flat on shelf in single layer
– Cook once caps start to curl under
Shiitake mushrooms
– Best left at room temperature
– Refrigerate only 1-2 days
– Watch for sogginess
Oyster mushrooms
– Store at room temp for up to 2 days
– Refrigerate for only 2-3 days max
– Discard if water pools in caps
Enoki mushrooms
– Keep at room temp, avoid refrigeration
– Use within same day of purchase
– Toss if any sliminess develops
Cleaning Mushrooms Before Storage
It’s best not to wash mushrooms before refrigerating. Exposure to moisture encourages spoilage. Washing also removes some of the mushroom’s natural protective cuticle.
Wait to clean mushrooms right before eating. Give them just a brief rinse or wipe with a damp towel to remove any dirt. Pat dry thoroughly before slicing.
You can also use a soft mushroom brush or soft cloth to gently brush away any debris without water if needed.
Refrain from soaking mushrooms or letting moisture sit on them for any length of time.
How Long Do Mushrooms Last Refrigerated?
Approximate fridge shelf life for common varieties:
– White button – 5-7 days
– Cremini – 5-7 days
– Portobello – 5-6 days
– Shiitake – 1-2 days
– Oyster – 2-3 days
– Enoki – 0-1 day
General signs refrigerated mushrooms are expiring include:
– Dark/black spots
– Noticeable moisture loss, shriveling
– Slimy texture
– Wrinkled, sagging appearance
– Foul, sour smell
– Presence of mold
Err on the side of caution and use refrigerated mushrooms sooner if you notice any of these warning signs. Cook older mushrooms rather than eating them raw.
Short Term vs. Long Term Refrigeration
– Short term fridge storage (3-7 days) offers the best results for retaining freshness and extending shelf life of common mushrooms.
– Long term storage (1-2 weeks) leads to more moisture loss, texture changes, and risk of spoilage.
– Maximum fridge storage:
– White button – 7 days
– Cremini – 7 days
– Portobello – 6 days
– Shiitake – Don’t recommend
– Oyster – Don’t recommend
– Enoki – Don’t recommend
For long term storage, it’s best to freeze or dry mushrooms rather than relying on refrigeration alone. Follow proper preparation methods for maximum preservation.
Signs Your Refrigerated Mushrooms Have Gone Bad
Watch for these visible signs mushrooms are past their prime after refrigerated storage:
Appearance
– Discoloration – grayish, brownish tints
– Dark/black spotting
– Wrinkled, water-soaked skin
– Dry, shriveled, deflated look
– Growing mold
Texture
– Rubbery, mushy feel
– Slimy surface
– Brittle and dried out
Smell
– Sour, fermented odor
– Ammonia-like smell
– Rotten stench
The key is discarding mushrooms at the first signs of spoilage before they become unsafe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
Should You Remove Moldy Parts?
No, do not try to salvage moldy mushrooms by cutting away the mold. The fungi can spread spores and toxic byproducts deep into the mushroom that you can’t see. Mold also indicates the mushroom is breaking down and losing quality.
Err on the side of caution and discard the entire batch of mushrooms if any mold appears, even if just on a small portion. Mold growth suggests the storage conditions allowed bacterial growth that could be harmful if consumed.
Mushroom Refrigeration Troubleshooting
Having mushroom storage issues? Use this troubleshooting guide:
Fast moisture loss
– Store mushrooms in less humid refrigerator sections
– Use original packaging or paper bags, avoid plastic wrap
– Maintain optimal 35-40°F temperature range
Condensation and sogginess
– Keep mushrooms away from high humidity drawers/bins
– Allow for air circulation by spacing apart mushrooms
– Refrigerate only 1-2 days for delicate varieties
Premature spoilage
– Check refrigerator temperature, aim for 35-40°F
– Inspect drawers/bins for ethylene gas producers like apples
– Ensure no door leaks providing excess humidity
– Discard mushrooms at first signs of trouble spots
Texture and flavor decline
– Use within recommended days for variety stored
– Cook mushrooms rather than eating raw after 4-5 days
– Rinse mushrooms to revive flavors of older ones
Best Practices for Refrigerating Mushrooms
Follow these tips for maximizing refrigerator shelf life:
– Choose vented packaging or paper bags – avoid sealed plastic bags
– Refrigerate soon after purchasing, don’t leave at room temp more than few hours
– Designate a humidity drawer or shelf away from ethylene gas fruits
– Maintain consistent temperature between 35-40°F
– Store mushrooms in a single layer with space between for air flow
– Keep shelf life within recommended days for that variety
– Check frequently for signs of moisture loss, decomposing
– Discard at first indication mushrooms are going bad
– Cook mushrooms that are past their prime rather than eating raw
Proper refrigeration preserves freshness and delays spoilage of mushrooms. Follow guidelines for your particular mushroom variety to optimize their storage. With some trial and error, you can determine refrigeration strategies that work best in your refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my mushrooms get slimy in the fridge?
Excess moisture from condensation and improper storage is typically the culprit. Try storing mushrooms in less humid areas of the fridge in vented packaging rather than sealed bags. Discard slimy mushrooms rather than consuming.
How can I revive limp mushrooms?
To revive mushrooms that have lost their crispness, you can rinse or soak them briefly in cold water before using. Don’t leave soaking too long or they will get waterlogged. Pat dry thoroughly after reviving.
Do mushrooms last longer refrigerated or frozen?
Frozen mushrooms generally have a longer shelf life up to 6 months. Refrigerated, mushrooms only last 1-2 weeks max before significant quality declines occur. Freezing stops enzymatic breakdown.
Why do my mushrooms turn black in the fridge?
Dark spotting is a sign of oxidation taking place and spoilage setting in. Make sure you refrigerate mushrooms quickly after purchasing before oxidation begins. Discard any that show black spots.
Can refrigerated mushrooms make you sick?
If stored properly within recommended fridge days, refrigerated mushrooms are perfectly safe to eat. However, mushrooms harboring mold or showing signs of spoilage can potentially cause illness and should be discarded.
Conclusion
Proper refrigerated storage helps retain the quality and extend the shelf life of mushrooms. Sturdy varieties like cremini, portobello and white button fare best in the fridge while more delicate shiitake, oyster and enoki are better left at room temp.
Use vented packaging, maintain ideal storage temperature of 35-40°F, and avoid excess moisture to get the most out of refrigeration. Consume refrigerated mushrooms within 3-7 days for maximum freshness and flavor. Always discard mushrooms at the first sign of spoilage.
When stored appropriately for their variety, refrigeration can help mushroom lovers enjoy these flavorful fungi while reducing food waste. Just be sure to follow best practices based on the specific mushroom type for optimizing their preservation.
