Storing Mushrooms: The Best Tips and Advice

If you store mushrooms properly, they not only stay fresh longer but also retain their aroma. We explain all the tips and tricks for correct storage in this article.

How to properly store mushrooms

With proper storage, you can enjoy mushrooms that you collect or buy for longer. If they are not stored correctly, they are usually inedible after a short time. In addition, some types of mushrooms can develop toxins over time.

• If possible, store mushrooms in the refrigerator in the crisper. A paper bag works great for this. Do not use plastic trays or foils.
• Mushrooms don’t like being crushed at all. Mold can grow here very quickly. So leave enough space for your find.
• Even when transporting them home, you should make sure that the mushrooms are neither crushed nor suffocated. Leave them enough air in air-permeable packaging.
• You can also keep the mushrooms in the cold cellar or outside when the temperatures are low. Paper bags, made from newspapers, for example, are also best here.
• Make sure there is enough space and air here, too, so that no mold can develop. This can cause mushrooms to become poisonous.
• Wild mushrooms in particular should always be eaten as soon as possible. Stored ones can be eaten within four days if stored properly. So you are on the safe side.

How to make mushrooms last longer

Especially when you collect mushrooms in the forest yourself, larger quantities can arise. So that you don’t have to eat them all right away, we’ll explain how you can preserve your find.

• The easiest way is to freeze mushrooms. To do this, cut the fresh specimens into slices, place them in a freezer bag and place them in the freezer.
• The mushrooms will keep for about six months. You don’t need to thaw them before eating, just throw them straight into the saucepan from frozen.
• You can also dry mushrooms to make your mushrooms last longer. There is a specific way to do this.
• Always make sure you first find out if the type of mushroom is suitable for drying or freezing. You can read about this in a mushroom book, for example.