All About Mushrooms
Your complete guide to mushrooms - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Mushrooms Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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.
frozen (raw, blanched)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large dry, discolored spots), strong off-odor (rare if properly frozen), significant mushiness upon thawing beyond expected texture change.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or dry, leathery patches indicating freezer burn. While texture will be softer after thawing, they should not be completely mushy or slimy. A slight mushroomy smell should remain, not a foul odor.
Storage Tips
To freeze raw mushrooms effectively, clean them, slice if desired, then blanch them in boiling water for 1-3 minutes (depending on size). Immediately cool in ice water, drain thoroughly, pat dry, and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to airtight freezer bags or containers. Freezing changes their texture, making them best suited for cooked dishes like soups, stews, or sauces.
raw in fridge (opened or transferred)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky film, dark patches or overall darkening, soft or mushy texture, noticeable shriveling, strong unpleasant odor (fishy, sour, ammonia-like).
How to Check
Visually check for any changes in color (beyond natural browning), shriveling, or mold. Feel the mushrooms; they should be firm and dry, not sticky or slimy. A sniff test is crucial: a fresh, mild, earthy scent is good; an off, pungent, or sour smell means they're bad.
Storage Tips
Best practice: Store fresh mushrooms in a paper bag (like a brown lunch bag) in the main compartment of the refrigerator. The paper absorbs excess moisture and allows the mushrooms to breathe, extending their freshness. Do not wash mushrooms until just before use, as moisture encourages spoilage.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (fuzzy patches), sour or unpleasant odor, unusually slimy texture, significant discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any signs of mold. Perform a smell test; cooked mushrooms should smell like the ingredients they were cooked with, not sour or off. Check texture for excessive sliminess or an unusually soft, mushy consistency.
Storage Tips
Store cooked mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and absorption of other food odors. Ensure they are cooled quickly before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking).
frozen (cooked)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn, development of an off-flavor or odor, mushy or unpleasant texture upon thawing.
How to Check
Check for freezer burn. While thawed cooked mushrooms will have a softer texture, they should not be completely disintegrated or slimy. A sniff test can confirm if any off-odors have developed.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked mushrooms completely before freezing. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date. Frozen cooked mushrooms are excellent for adding to casseroles, sauces, or stir-fries.
raw in fridge (unopened original packaging)5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy film on the surface, dark brown or black spots, shriveled or wrinkled appearance, strong unpleasant odor (fishy, sour, or overly earthy).
How to Check
Visually inspect for discoloration, shriveling, or any visible slime. Gently touch them to feel for stickiness or sliminess. Smell for a fresh, earthy aroma; discard if it smells pungent, sour, or off.
Storage Tips
While convenient, plastic-wrapped packaging can trap moisture, accelerating spoilage. If you don't plan to use them quickly, consider transferring them to a paper bag upon purchase.