ShelfLife
How long do mushrooms last?
Fresh mushrooms keep 3 to 7 days in the fridge from the day you buy them, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Dried mushrooms keep 1 to 2 years in the pantry, and about 3 months once opened.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh mushrooms | 3–7 daysfrom purchase | 10–12 monthsfrom purchase | — |
| Dried mushrooms | — | — | 1–2 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 3 months |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if mushrooms have gone bad
- A slimy, sticky surface: the clearest sign.
- Dark brown or black spots, or a darkened, wet look all over.
- Wrinkled, shriveled caps and a spongy feel.
- A sour, fishy or ammonia smell, or mold.
How to store mushrooms
- Keep fresh mushrooms in a paper bag, or in their box loosely covered, on a fridge shelf. Plastic traps moisture and makes them slimy.
- Don't wash them until just before cooking. Wipe or brush off dirt, or rinse quickly and dry them.
- Keep dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Refrigerate cooked mushrooms within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
Yes, for 10 to 12 months, but cook them first: raw mushrooms turn rubbery and watery. Slice and sauté them in a little butter or oil until their liquid evaporates, cool them, and freeze them flat in a bag. Add them straight from frozen to sauces, soups, omelets and risottos.
Questions
Are slimy mushrooms safe to eat?
No. A slimy coating means they're starting to rot: throw them out. Slightly dry or wrinkled mushrooms with no slime are still fine to cook.
Should mushrooms be washed?
Only just before cooking, and quickly. They soak up water, which makes them soggy when stored and watery when cooked.
How long do cooked mushrooms last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Add mushrooms to ShelfLife, and get a reminder before they turn slimy.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.