Mushrooms are difficult to store due to the high speed with which they absorb excess moisture and spoil. Keeping them in their original packaging as much as possible, storing loose mushrooms in a paper bag or paper towel, and freezing can keep them fresh longer.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the original packaging
Step 1. Keep the mushrooms in their original packaging
If you're not going to use them right away, it's okay to leave them in their cardboard and plastic packaging. Film usually contains holes that allow excess moisture to escape without drying out the mushrooms.
Step 2. Wrap the mushrooms again with the wrapping paper
If you need some right away, make as few holes as possible in the original film. After removing the mushrooms you need to use, re-roll the hole area with wrapping paper.
Step 3. Cool
After taking the mushrooms home, refrigerate them in their original packaging. This slows down the growth process and prevents them from spoiling too quickly. Using this technique keeps them fresh for about a week.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Paper Bag
Step 1. Put the mushrooms in a paper bag if you don't want to leave them in their original packaging
Bag size may vary depending on how much you are storing, but brown bags are generally the best option.
Another option is to wrap them in moistened paper towels before putting them in the bag
Step 2. Leave the paper bag open
Do not bend the opening of the mushroom bag to maintain a balance in the moisture level. The bag will hold some of the moisture, so leaving it open prevents the mushrooms from absorbing too much moisture.
Step 3. Store the bag in one of the refrigerator drawers
This prevents the aroma and flavor of other foods from being transmitted to the mushrooms. Bottom drawers are made to keep vegetables fresh longer. Using this method keeps them fresh for a week to 10 days.
Method 3 of 3: Freezing Mushrooms
Step 1. Clean the mushrooms first
If you are not going to use them within a week, you need to freeze them to preserve the mushrooms. Start by washing under running water and letting it dry naturally. Spread them out on a paper towel to absorb excess water.
Step 2. Brush the vegetables with a towel or brush
When the mushrooms are relatively dry, clean the dirt with one of these materials.
Step 3. Slice and saute the mushrooms
Use an egg cutter to slice into equal pieces. Saute in one or two tablespoons of olive oil with a little salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4. Allow to cool
After cooking, let the mushrooms cool before freezing them. Spread them in a pan in a single layer until they are cool enough to touch.
Step 5. Freeze in resealable plastic bags when they have cooled down
Cooking before freezing prevents mushrooms from absorbing too much moisture when thawing.