Mushrooms are a versatile, healthy addition to almost any meal. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, from the common button mushroom to shiitakes and portabellas. They can be eaten raw or cooked, but they’re best when they’re sautéed with butter or olive oil and maybe some seasoning.
In this article we’ll cover what to do with them once you’ve purchased them: how long cooked mushrooms last in the refrigerator before going bad, how long fresh mushrooms last on the shelf unopened at room temperature before going bad, and more!
How Long Do Cooked Mushrooms Last In The Fridge?
Properly stored, cooked mushrooms will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If they are dry, they can last longer.
If you store your cooked mushrooms in a covered container, with no liquid on top of them and they are not wet, the shelf life of cooked mushrooms is increased by several days.
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of freshness in raw and cooked mushrooms. Cooked mushrooms will spoil faster than raw ones because they absorb water from their containers more easily than raw ones do.
How To Store Cooked Mushrooms In The Fridge
The next time you make a batch of mushrooms, cook them up and store them in the fridge. They’re great for adding to dishes throughout the week or for using in recipes that call for cooked mushrooms.
Here’s how to store cooked mushrooms:
Step 1: Rinse and drain the mushrooms before storing them in an airtight container.
Step 2: Put a piece of paper towel or a paper napkin on top of the mushrooms to absorb excess moisture from the cooking process.
Step 3: Cover with another layer of paper towel or napkin and seal the container with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Step 4: Store the container in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer, which is typically located at the bottom of your refrigerator’s door, until ready to use.
How To Tell When Cooked Mushrooms Are Bad
So, you’re wondering just how to tell if cooked mushrooms have gone bad. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Slimy appearance and texture: The mushrooms should not appear slimy in any way. If they do, this is an indication that something has gone wrong and the mushrooms may be spoiled.
- Bad odor: Even if they don’t look bad, there’s also a chance they’ll smell sour or even rancid if they’ve gone bad—just like pretty much anything else in the fridge!
- Dark discoloration: This is another sign that something has gone wrong with your cooked mushrooms!
How To Keep Cooked Mushrooms Fresh Longer In The Fridge
Cooked mushrooms are versatile ingredients, and they can be used in a number of different dishes. But if you aren’t using them right away, keeping them in the fridge for later use can be challenging.
The good news is that there are some easy ways to keep cooked mushrooms fresh longer in the fridge. These tips will help you keep your cooked mushrooms from spoiling and tasting bland.
Below are some tips to keep your cooked mushrooms in the fridge longer:
1) Store Them In A Freezer Bag Or Container With A Tight-Fitting Lid
Cooked mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container or sealed freezer bag to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
You can also try wrapping each individual mushroom in foil before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help keep moisture locked inside of each mushroom so it doesn’t dry out while it sits in the fridge waiting for you to use it again later on down the road.
2) Avoid Putting Them In The Same Container As Other Foods That Are Known For Spoilage
Cooked mushrooms shouldn’t be stored with strongly flavored sauces or dips because those flavors will transfer over onto the mushrooms. It’s best to separate other foods from the mushrooms when storing them in the fridge.
Conclusion
Cooked mushrooms are a delicious, nutritious addition to any meal. They’re also a great way to add flavor without adding calories or fat. The good news is that cooked mushrooms can last in the fridge for several days if stored properly.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
