How Long Do Mushrooms Last in the Fridge? Do Mushrooms go bad?

A mushroom is one of the unique food ingredients. It has a signature flavor that can not be replaced.

Buying mushrooms from a nearby grocery store is always convenient. You can get the freshest stock in bulk.

But where will you store your mushrooms? Many people opt for refrigerators. And it is an excellent option.

The real question is, how long do mushrooms last in the fridge? Here’s the truth!

How Long Do Mushrooms Last in the Fridge?

Generally, mushrooms can last up to 2 weeks with refrigeration. But, it is best to consume whole mushrooms within 1 week to avoid spoilage.

Mushroom packs are also labeled with the best-by date. Make sure to consume them before that.

A freezer is best if you want to preserve mushrooms for longer. It can extend the lifespan up to 12 months or even more.

Also Read: How Long Does Rice Last in the Fridge

Can You Keep Mushrooms in the Fridge?

Yes, you can keep mushrooms in the fridge.

In fact, it is highly recommended as refrigeration keeps mushrooms fresh for a long time.

Storing mushrooms out of the fridge is not a recommended method. That’s because it only works for 1 day. After that, the mushrooms will be spoiled.

Always use the original packaging or an airtight bag to store mushrooms in the fridge.

Do Mushrooms Go Bad in the Fridge?

Yes, mushrooms can go bad if kept in the fridge for longer.

For mushrooms, 2 weeks is too long. They start showing spoilage signs after that.

It also depends on the type of mushrooms. Some require different temperatures than others. Also, the lifespan may differ from type to type.

How to Know If Mushrooms Have Gone Bad?

Look for wrinkles, darker shades, moldiness, and strong smells.

These are all the signs of mushroom spoilage. If you detect any or all of these, throw the mushrooms out.

What Does a Bad Mushroom Look Like?

 A bad mushroom has a darker color with a wrinkled body.

Usually, bad mushrooms develop darker spots. They also feel duller in color than the original. You can also tell a bad mushroom by holding it.

They become much softer than before. Another common sign is the strong unpleasant smell. It is a common way to identify rancid mushrooms.

How Long Do Sliced Mushrooms Last?

Sliced mushrooms have a shorter shelf life than whole mushrooms. These can only survive up to 1 week at most.

Usually, pre-sliced mushrooms are best consumed within 5 days. That’s because they can spoil quicker than whole ones.

You can also freeze sliced mushrooms in the freezer.

It extends their lifespan up to 8 months. Make sure to use a bag or airtight container for this job.

How Long Can Cooked Mushrooms Last in the Fridge?

Cooked mushrooms have a longer lifespan than sliced mushrooms. They can survive up to 10 days under the right conditions.

You can also reheat mushrooms safely. However, it is important to note that reheating is only recommended if you have kept the mushrooms in the fridge for no more than 24 hours.

Keep the temperature up to 70° C or 158° Fahrenheit.

Another point to consider is that cooked mushrooms are very dependent on other ingredients of the dish.

If they can go bad quicker, they will also affect the mushrooms. Hence, your dish will be spoiled earlier than expected.

How to Store Mushroom in Fridge?

Use the original packaging or a paper bag to store mushrooms in the fridge. It helps keep moisture at bay.  

Here is how to store whole mushrooms in the fridge:

• Take your mushrooms with the original packaging.
• If you do not have the original wrap, use a paper bag.
• Put the mushrooms inside the bag.
• Now, store your mushrooms on one of the main refrigerator shelves.

Here is how to store sliced mushrooms in the fridge:

• Put your mushrooms in an airtight bag.
• You can use a zip-top or plastic bags.
• Make sure it is closed properly so moisture will not affect the mushrooms.
• Store it in the main fridge compartment.

You can follow the same method for cooked mushrooms. The only change will be using an airtight container.

Should Mushroom Be Washed Before Storing?

It is not necessary to wash mushrooms before storing them. The Mushroom Bureau advises wiping the mushrooms with a soft cloth.

If you wash mushrooms before storing them in a refrigerator, that water can stay on them for a long time. Mushrooms already contain a large body of water.

Increasing the level will heavily impact the flavor. Only rinse or clean them with a soft cloth before storing mushrooms in the fridge.

Summing Up

You can easily store mushrooms in your fridge. They can survive up to 2 weeks under proper care.

So, what do you need? Well, start with an appropriate container or bag.

The second thing you need is to prevent humidity and provide consistent cooling for your mushrooms.

You can do so by keeping them in the central body of your fridge. Following this guide can prolong the lifespan of your cooked, uncooked, and sliced mushrooms.

It will help you keep this ingredient fresh for a longer time, allowing you to make excellent dishes.

Crystal Hafley

Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.

With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.