Here’s what you should know before cooking with a mushroom that looks a bit too funky.
Your shrooms should feel dry and firm to the touch with a smooth outer appearance.
If you see dirt on your mushrooms, don’t worry!
Photo: Getty Images / hsvrs (porcini), Getty Images / 653049845 (portobello), Getty Images / Joff Lee (enokitake)
Grab a dry paper towel or cloth and wipe off any grime before storing.
Then give them a quick rinse in water, drain, dry and get to cooking!
Similarly, the open paper bag allows air to flow freely and keeps your shrooms feeling and looking fresh.
Place the bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator with the vents open to lower the humidity.
How Long Do Mushrooms Last?
If they’re properly stored, your mushrooms can last longer than you might think.
However, they are best within the first week.
After that, their quality decreases.
Mushrooms left out of a refrigerator will last up to a day, depending on the temperature."
However, the 10-day rule does not apply to all mushrooms.
Similarly, if they are drying out or downright shriveled, it’s time to say goodbye.
“Some of the more delicate varieties of mushrooms, like enoki, may spoil more quickly.
Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Technically,mushrooms can be frozen, but freezing them raw may not yield the most ideal results.
“Mushrooms are best cooked and consumed when they are fresh.
Do not wash the mushrooms!
Mushrooms have a high water content and can act like a sponge when more water is added.
Freezing mushrooms after washing them will leave you with very poor-quality and -textured mushrooms when you cook them.”
The Bottom Line
Fresh mushrooms are dry, firm and smooth and have a pleasant earthy smell.
