Preserve your mushrooms: Tips for longer-lasting freshness
Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes. They make an excellent addition to pizza, pasta, meat dishes, and sauces. Grilled, fried, or baked, they are an essential part of a full English breakfast. Imagine the disappointment when you discover the mushrooms in the fridge are no longer edible.
9 November 2024 15:38
Mushrooms are most often sold in plastic packages wrapped in cling film in 250-gram or 500-gram portions. However, it often happens that 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.
How long can you keep mushrooms in the fridge?
In a closed package, white mushrooms can be stored 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 vegetables 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 sheet of kitchen paper under the lid to absorb any 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.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
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 pleasant appearance and as many nutrients as possible? Blanching, a short heat treatment, is the answer. It helps the vegetables maintain their attractive, natural colour without losing valuable vitamins and minerals.
Before blanching, wash the mushrooms thoroughly. Then, place them into boiling water. After 2 minutes, remove them and rinse with cold water. Slice them to save space unless you wish to keep them whole. Additionally, you can drizzle them with lemon juice.
What is the best way to freeze mushrooms?
Before placing the vegetables in the freezer, they must be dry. Use kitchen paper 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.
