All About Button mushrooms
Your complete guide to button mushrooms - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Button mushrooms Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for button mushrooms in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Unpleasant sour, fermented, or musty odor. Slimy or mushy texture. Visible mold growth, especially if stored for too long. Significant discoloration (beyond normal cooked appearance).
How to Check
Smell is the primary indicator; any 'off' or sour smell means it's time to discard. Visually inspect for mold or unusual colors. Check the texture – it should not be excessively slimy or watery.
Storage Tips
Store cooked mushrooms in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other fridge odors and to maintain their quality. Ensure they are cooled quickly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
frozen (blanched or sautéed)10-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
While rarely 'spoiled' in the safety sense if properly frozen, quality degrades over time. Signs include severe freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), very mushy texture upon thawing, or a significant loss of flavor. Any strong, off-putting smell after thawing indicates spoilage.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. After thawing, check for any sour or unpleasant odors. The texture will be softer than fresh, but shouldn't be completely disintegrated. If it smells bad, discard.
Storage Tips
For best results, clean mushrooms (do not wash), then blanch them (boil for 1-2 minutes, then plunge into ice water) or sauté them lightly before freezing. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Frozen mushrooms are best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or sauces, as their texture changes significantly.
raw in fridge (unopened original packaging)5-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Darkening of caps and stems, development of a slimy or sticky film, visible mold (white, green, or black fuzzy spots), strong sour or fishy odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for discoloration or mold. Gently touch the surface to check for sliminess. Smell the mushrooms; a fresh mushroom has a mild, earthy aroma, while a spoiled one will have a distinctly unpleasant, sour, or fishy smell.
Storage Tips
Many mushroom packages are designed to be breathable. If the packaging is a sealed plastic bag, it's often best to open it slightly or transfer them to a paper bag to prevent moisture buildup, which accelerates spoilage.
raw in fridge (opened/re-packaged)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to unopened, but spoilage may occur slightly faster: darkening, sliminess, visible mold, strong sour or fishy odor.
How to Check
Visually check for any dark spots, shriveling, or fuzzy mold. Touch them to feel for sliminess or an overly soft texture. Use your nose to detect any off-putting, sour, or ammonia-like smells.
Storage Tips
Do NOT wash mushrooms until immediately before use, as moisture encourages spoilage. Store them in a paper bag or a container lined with a paper towel in the main compartment of the fridge. Avoid airtight plastic containers or bags, as they trap moisture.