Prolong the pleasure: Preserving mushroom freshness secrets

The mushroom season is a time of real delight for many nature lovers and culinary enthusiasts. But an important question arises once you return from the woods with baskets brimming with forest bounty: What should you do with the mushrooms after bringing them home? Fresh mushrooms are incredibly aromatic and flavorful but spoil rapidly, necessitating an appropriate storage method. In this article, you will learn how to store fresh mushrooms in the fridge and freeze them to enjoy their taste for longer.

Even though mushrooms are exceedingly tasty and aromatic, they have one significant downside – they spoil very quickly. Even in the fridge, they remain fresh for only a few days. That's why it's important to know how to store them properly.

How to store fresh mushrooms?

• Do not wash before storing: Avoid washing mushrooms before storing, as washing makes them spoil faster.
• Packaging: The ideal packaging for storing mushrooms is a paper bag. It provides proper air circulation and absorbs excess moisture. Alternatively, you can spread the mushrooms on a paper towel.
• Fridge, but not the vegetable drawer: The fridge is the best place to store mushrooms, but avoid it, as it's too humid.
• Not too long: Fresh mushrooms can typically be stored in the fridge for two to three days. Some species, such as chanterelles or porcini, might last slightly longer, but using them sooner is better.

If you want to enjoy mushrooms longer, processing them is worthwhile. Here are a few popular methods:

• Drying: Dried mushrooms retain their aroma and flavour for many months. They can be dried naturally, in a mushroom dryer, or an oven.
• Freezing: Mushrooms can be frozen raw or after a brief heat treatment (e.g., blanching).
• Marinating: Marinated mushrooms are an excellent addition to many dishes. They can be marinated in vinegar, oil, or brine.
• Canning: Mushrooms can be preserved in jars using olive oil, vinegar, and spices.

How long can processed mushrooms be stored?

• Dried mushrooms: In airtight containers, they can be stored for several years.
• Frozen mushrooms: Raw mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for about six months, while heat-treated mushrooms can last up to 12 months.
• Marinated and canned mushrooms: The storage time depends on the recipe and ingredients used, but it is usually a few months.

Mushrooms are a delicacy worth appreciating. To enjoy their flavour as long as possible, follow a few key storage rules. Fresh mushrooms are best stored in the fridge in a paper bag and used within a few days. If you want to preserve them longer, the processing is worthwhile, allowing you to enjoy their taste throughout the year.