All About Wild mushrooms
Your complete guide to wild mushrooms - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Wild mushrooms Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for wild 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 Refrigerator3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or unpleasant odor, visible mold growth, slimy or mushy texture, unusual discoloration (darkening or off-colors).
How to Check
Smell the cooked mushrooms for any sour, rancid, or 'off' odors. Visually check for any fuzzy mold spots or unusual color changes. Use a fork or spoon to check for a slimy or excessively soft texture.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked mushrooms quickly (within 2 hours) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Raw in Refrigerator3-7 days (highly dependent on variety and initial freshness)
Signs of Spoilage
Sliminess, dark spots, excessive softness/mushiness, fuzzy mold (white, green, or black), strong fishy or ammonia-like odor, shriveling beyond normal dehydration.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any discoloration, mold growth, or shrunken appearance. Touch the mushrooms to check for a slimy or overly soft texture. Smell for any off-putting, sour, fishy, or ammonia-like odors; fresh mushrooms should have an earthy, mild aroma.
Storage Tips
Store unwashed in a paper bag or a container lined with paper towels (not airtight plastic) in the coldest part of the refrigerator. This allows for air circulation and absorbs excess moisture, which is crucial for preventing spoilage. Do not wash until just before use.
Dried (pantry storage)1-2 years (or longer if stored optimally)
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black spots), insect infestation (small bugs, webbing), musty or stale odor, loss of characteristic mushroom aroma, becoming excessively powdery without rehydration.
How to Check
Visually inspect the dried mushrooms thoroughly for any signs of mold or insects. Smell for a strong, pleasant mushroom aroma; if it smells musty, stale, or otherwise 'off', it may have degraded. They should be completely dry and brittle.
Storage Tips
Store dried wild mushrooms in an airtight container (glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags work best) in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Moisture is the biggest enemy of dried goods, leading to mold.
Frozen (prepared)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), strong unpleasant odor upon thawing, significant textural degradation (excessively mushy beyond normal freezing effects) coupled with off-flavors.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. Upon thawing, smell for any sour or 'off' odors. While texture will be softer after freezing, discard if it's excessively mushy and accompanied by a bad smell or taste.
Storage Tips
Wild mushrooms generally freeze best after being blanched or sautéed. Flash freeze individual pieces on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag or container to prevent clumping and freezer burn. Label with the date.