Q&A for How to Preserve Fresh Mushrooms

Store fresh mushrooms in a brown paper bag in your refrigerator and they will last 7-10 days.

I've always had trouble keeping mushrooms for longer than 5-6 days, they don't seem to last much longer in the fridge before starting to turn brown and getting soft. I would leave them in the container they came in, in the fridge until ready to prepare.

I've dried mushrooms in a dehydrator, but you can do the same in the oven. Dry on a very low temp, until they are pretty "crispy". The biggest caution when drying anything is making sure you get all the moisture out of the item as leftover moisture breeds bacteria.

Mushrooms can get "soggy" pretty quickly. Instead of blanching, wash them in cool water (water does NOT get absorbed into the mushrooms) and pat them dry. Stuff them when you're ready to cook and put them in the oven to warm the stuffing. That's all the cooking mushrooms need.

No, mushrooms stored in water will become waterlogged and tasteless.

It depends on the type. There are quite a few which are or may get slimy if touched by water so you need to be more specific. If the type is edible slime, then it is not an issue. Use them for Asian soups or sauces to get the 'slimy' consistency of the food from the mushroom.

Yes, you can freeze fresh mushrooms, but you need to follow a certain procedure. Before you add them to freezer bags, arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on a tray lined with parchment paper for about 15 minutes. Then, place them into freezer bags and squeeze out as much air as you can. That way, there won't be excess moisture that can cause the mushrooms to turn slimy or rotten.

Mushrooms that have been frozen may be slightly slimy and mush after they thaw. But, that doesn't mean they don't still have a great flavor. Because their texture isn't great for certain dishes, try using them in soups or sauteed in a dish. That way, they'll have a chance to release their flavors and won't have a rubbery, chewy consistency.

Fresh mushrooms can be stored in your refrigerator for about a week before they start to get rubbery and eventually rot. If they're a little slimy, they can still be good. Just give them a good rinse before you use them. Place the mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag or container in your fridge, but check them before you use them. If they smell rotten, don't eat them!