All About Shiitake mushrooms
Your complete guide to shiitake mushrooms - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Shiitake mushrooms Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for shiitake 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.
Freezer (Cooked or Blanched)6-10 months
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), strong off-odors after thawing, extremely mushy or rubbery texture upon thawing (indicating severe quality degradation). While generally safe for longer, quality diminishes.
How to Check
Visually inspect for extensive freezer burn. After thawing, check for any unusual smells. The texture will be softer than fresh, but if it's excessively mushy or unappetizingly rubbery, the quality has degraded significantly.
Storage Tips
To blanch: Clean and slice mushrooms, boil for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly, pat very dry, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Cooked shiitake can also be frozen in an airtight container after cooling completely.
Raw in Fridge (Unwashed)7-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky texture, dark brown to black discoloration (especially on gills or stem), shriveled or dried-out caps, fuzzy mold growth, strong pungent, sour, or fishy odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for dark spots, mushy areas, or mold. Gently touch to check for sliminess or excessive moisture. Smell for any off-odors; fresh shiitake have an earthy, slightly woody scent. Do not taste if spoilage signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store in a paper bag or the original breathable packaging (e.g., a cardboard tray with plastic wrap that has air holes) in the main compartment of the fridge. Avoid airtight plastic bags or containers, as trapped moisture accelerates spoilage. Do not wash mushrooms until just before use, as moisture encourages bacterial growth.
Cooked in Fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (any color), strong sour, fermented, or unpleasant odor, slimy or excessively mushy texture, significant discoloration beyond what's expected from cooking.
How to Check
Look for visible mold or unusual color changes. Smell for any off-odors; a sour or rotten smell indicates spoilage. Do not taste if any spoilage signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store cooked shiitake in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure they are cooled quickly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).