Preserve mushrooms: Tips for longer fridge and freezer life

Mushrooms are often sold in plastic packages wrapped in stretch film in 250-gram or 500-gram portions. However, you can't use all of them in one dish. You unwrap the film, take a few pieces, and put the rest back in the fridge. Here's how to make them last longer than 2–3 days.

White mushrooms can be stored in a closed package at temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius for up to 4 days. Brown mushrooms will last a little longer—up to 6 days. However, there are a few conditions.

The mushrooms should not be wet. Under no circumstances should you wash mushrooms that you won't use immediately. Unfortunately, many people do this, and it's a big mistake. It's best to transfer them to a glass container with a lid. Place a paper towel under the lid to absorb moisture and prevent mould growth. A paper bag can also be used to store mushrooms.

Keep the container or paper bag with mushrooms in the fridge's bottom drawer, where it is dry and the temperature is lowest.

An effective way to extend the shelf life of mushrooms is to put them in the freezer. How can you do this while retaining their nice appearance and as many nutrients as possible? Blanching, a short heat treatment, is the answer. It helps the mushrooms maintain their nice, natural colour without losing valuable vitamins and minerals.

Before blanching, wash the mushrooms thoroughly. Then, place them in boiling water. After 2 minutes, remove them and rinse with cold water. Slice them to save space unless you want to keep them whole. Additionally, you can drizzle them with lemon juice.

Before placing the mushrooms in the freezer, they must be dry. Use a paper towel to remove excess water. Once prepared, spread the mushrooms on a tray and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or ziplock bag designed for storing food at low temperatures.

You can store mushrooms in the freezer for up to 6 months.