If you're as big of a fan of mushrooms as Ree Drummond, then you probably cook with them all the time. In fact, mushrooms are an incredibly versatile food that can be stuffed, grilled, or sautéed, turned into veggie burgers, or used as a topping for your favorite pizza. Ree also likes to add them to pasta recipes or a savory, umami-rich sauce for steak. And with all these mushroom recipes to choose from, you might think that stocking up on mushrooms is the way to go. But that leads us to the question: "How exactly do you store mushrooms?"
Come to think of it, there have been plenty of times when that carton of mushrooms has gone slimy, wrinkly, or even moldy. So, how can you prevent mushrooms from going bad? And what's the best way to extend the freshness of those beautiful mushrooms? Since mushrooms have a short shelf life, these tips for storing mushrooms are sure to come in handy. You'll learn the trick to keeping mushrooms fresh. (Hint: it has to do with the type of container). And we've even included some facts on how to freeze mushrooms for longer storage. Once you know how to store mushrooms, read up on which type of mushroom is best for making Ree's favorite mushroom soup.
What is the best way to store mushrooms?
First things first, the best way to store mushrooms is by taking them out of the plastic container. In fact, any type of plastic should be avoided when storing mushrooms—that includes plastic bags. Plastic is known to trap moisture which can cause your mushrooms to become slimy or moldy. Instead, the best place to store mushrooms is in a brown paper bag. If you want to take an extra step, try lining the bag with a paper towel to absorb even more moisture. It's best to keep your mushrooms dry when storing them, so wait until you're ready to use them before washing or cleaning them.
Where should you store mushrooms?
Mushrooms are best stored in the refrigerator. But there's one exception that you should keep in mind: don't store mushrooms in the crisper drawer! This part of your fridge is often too moist for storing mushrooms. Instead, keep them in the main section of the refrigerator. They'll keep for about five to seven days. Looking for longer storage options? You can also try freezing your mushrooms.
Is it better to freeze mushrooms raw or cooked?
When freezing mushrooms, you'll want to cook them first for the best texture and flavor. Cooking them will help remove some of the moisture and it only takes a couple of minutes of prep. Then, you can use the frozen cooked mushrooms for any dish you like without even thawing them. You'll be in mushroom heaven in no time.
