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You can store mushrooms in the refrigerator by keeping them dry, well-ventilated, and in their original packaging or a paper bag.
The best way to store mushrooms in the refrigerator is to mimic the conditions they love: cool, dark, and with plenty of airflow.
If you’ve ever tossed a carton of mushrooms into the crisper drawer only to find them slimy and sad a few days later, you’re not alone.
Storing mushrooms in the refrigerator the right way makes all the difference between firm, earthy buttons and a soggy mess.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to store mushrooms in the refrigerator, what to avoid, and how to make them last for up to two weeks.
Let’s dig in.
Why Proper Storage for Mushrooms in the Refrigerator Matters
Mushrooms are like little sponges, and that’s both a blessing and a curse when you’re trying to store mushrooms in the refrigerator.
They absorb moisture from the air, which is great for growing but terrible for long-term storage.
When you store mushrooms in the refrigerator with excess moisture, they turn slimy, darken quickly, and develop an off-putting smell.
On the flip side, storing mushrooms in the refrigerator with too little humidity can make them shrivel up like raisins.
The goal is to strike a perfect balance between keeping them hydrated and keeping them dry.
So, how to store mushrooms in the refrigerator without losing that delicate balance?
It all comes down to packaging, temperature, and a little bit of prep work.
1. Keep Them in the Original Packaging
Most store-bought mushrooms come in a plastic clamshell or a tray wrapped in plastic wrap, and that’s actually a decent starting point.
The holes in the clamshell allow for some airflow, which helps when you store mushrooms in the refrigerator.
If the packaging has no holes, poke a few small slits with a knife to let excess moisture escape.
This simple trick prevents condensation from building up and keeps your mushrooms from getting waterlogged.
2. Switch to a Paper Bag for Better Ventilation
The absolute best way to store mushrooms in the refrigerator is in a brown paper bag.
Paper bags absorb excess moisture while still letting your mushrooms breathe.
Just place your mushrooms in the bag, fold the top loosely (don’t seal it tight), and pop it in the fridge.
This method is a game-changer because it wicks away humidity without drying out the mushrooms completely.
Whatever you do, avoid plastic bags with no holes, because those trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
3. Place Them on the Right Shelf
Where you put mushrooms in the refrigerator matters a lot.
The crisper drawer is your best bet because it has slightly higher humidity than the main shelves.
But don’t just toss them in loosely.
Put your paper bag or ventilated clamshell on a shelf in the crisper drawer, away from the back wall where it’s coldest.
The back of the fridge can get too cold and cause ice crystals to form on your mushrooms, which ruins their texture.
Aim for a spot in the middle of the fridge, around 34–38°F (1–3°C), for optimal storage for mushrooms in the refrigerator.
How to Prep Mushrooms Before Refrigerating Them
Before you even think about how to store mushrooms in the refrigerator, you need to prep them correctly.
This step is where most people go wrong, and it’s the number one reason mushrooms go bad fast.
1. Don’t Wash Them Until You’re Ready to Cook
Washing mushrooms before storing them in the refrigerator is a big no-no.
Water gets absorbed into the caps and stems, and that extra moisture accelerates decay.
Instead, leave them dirty until you’re about to use them.
When you’re ready to cook, give them a quick rinse and pat them dry immediately.
But for storage, keep them as dry as possible.
2. Remove Any Damaged or Bruised Mushrooms
One bad mushroom can spoil the whole batch.
Before you store mushrooms in the refrigerator, check for any that are slimy, mushy, or have dark spots.
Remove those immediately and use them right away if they’re still edible.
Damaged mushrooms release more moisture and speed up the spoilage of their neighbors.
3. Don’t Crowd Them in the Container
Mushrooms need space to breathe.
If you pack them too tightly in a container, they’ll trap moisture and warmth in between each other.
Spread them out in a single layer if possible, or at least give them some breathing room in the paper bag.
This simple step helps you store mushrooms in the refrigerator more effectively.
Can You Freeze Mushrooms as an Alternative to Refrigerating?
Freezing is a great backup option, but it’s not the same as storing mushrooms in the refrigerator.
Freezing changes the texture of mushrooms, making them softer and more watery when thawed.
That’s fine for soups, stews, and sauces, but not ideal for sautéing them crispy.
If you want to freeze them, sauté them first in butter or oil, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container.
But for short-term use, storing mushrooms in the refrigerator is your best bet for maintaining that firm, meaty texture.
1. How Long Do Mushrooms Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly, most mushrooms last 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Some firmer varieties like shiitake or portobello can last up to two weeks.
Delicate varieties like enoki or oyster mushrooms might only last 3 to 5 days.
Always check for slime, dark spots, or a sour smell as signs they’ve gone bad.
2. Use a Paper Towel as a Humidity Buffer
Another trick to store mushrooms in the refrigerator is to line the bottom of your container with a dry paper towel.
The paper towel absorbs any condensation that forms inside the package.
You can also wrap mushrooms loosely in a paper towel before placing them in a ventilated bag.
Just make sure to check the towel after a few days and swap it out if it feels damp.
So, How to Store Mushrooms in the Refrigerator Effectively?
You can store mushrooms in the refrigerator by keeping them dry, in a paper bag, and on the middle shelf of the crisper drawer.
Don’t wash them ahead of time, remove damaged ones, and give them plenty of airflow.
With these simple steps, you’ll keep your mushrooms fresh, firm, and ready for your next meal.
Storing mushrooms in the refrigerator isn’t complicated, but it does require a little attention to moisture and temperature.
Follow these tips, and you’ll never waste another slimy batch of mushrooms again.
Happy cooking!