Do Mushrooms Go Bad? How to Tell if They're Spoiled

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Learn how to store fungi properly so they stay fresh as long as possible
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You’re getting ready to prepare some mushrooms, but they don’t look as fresh as when you first bought them. Are they still safe to eat? Just like any other food, mushrooms can go bad, and eating any that are slimy, smelly, or moldy could make you sick. So before you start cooking, we’ll help you catch tell-tale signs that your mushrooms are starting to spoil. We spoke to chef Ollie George Cigliano to bring you the best advice on how to know if mushrooms are spoiled and how to store them properly so they stay fresh longer.

Can mushrooms go bad?

Yes, mushrooms go bad. Fresh mushrooms don’t have a long shelf life and can show signs of spoilage quickly. Bad mushrooms look and feel slimy, have brown spots or discoloration, smell fishy or sour, or have mold. Store mushrooms in the fridge and use them within 4 days.

Section 1 of 5:

Signs of Bad Mushrooms

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  1. Look at the mushrooms to see if they have a coating of slime. If you can’t tell by looking at them, feel the mushrooms to see if they’re wet and slippery. As Cigliano explains, if they don’t feel dry, then throw them away.
    • When the mushrooms are slimy, they have lost their flavor and nutritional volume, and there’s a bigger chance there are bacteria on the surface.

    Safety precaution: Spoiled mushrooms could contain bacteria that make you sick with food poisoning or botulism. Err on the side of caution and throw away food if you think it’s spoiled. [1]

  2. When it comes to food safety, discoloration is never a good sign. If you notice your mushrooms getting darker in color and developing new spots, then your mushrooms are going bad and shouldn’t be eaten. [2]
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  3. Fresh mushrooms should smell slightly sweet and earthy but not foul. Cigliano advises giving them a whiff. If they smell fishy or pungent, it’s time to toss them. This means that the mushrooms are too far gone to eat.
  4. Look for any spots on the mushrooms or areas inside the package that have a white fuzzy coating. If you see any mold in the entire package, get rid of all the mushrooms so you don’t risk exposing yourself to any harmful bacteria. [3]
    • Even if mold only covers a small part, the spores could still have spread to other mushrooms, so they may be dangerous to eat.
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Section 2 of 5:

Storing Mushrooms Safely

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  1. Your standard fridge setting is usually cold enough, but check the temperature with a thermometer to be sure. Mushrooms and other perishable items should be stored at temperatures under 40 °F (4 °C). Store mushrooms on one of your fridge’s shelves rather than keeping them in one of the produce drawers. [4]
    • Avoid leaving your mushrooms at room temperature since they stay fresh longer in the fridge.
  2. This is Cigliano’s go-to method for storing mushrooms. He advises putting all of the mushrooms in a brown paper bag and loosely folding the top of the bag over. Your mushrooms are able to breathe, and the paper bag helps absorb any moisture and prevent mold from growing.
    • Alternatively, put your mushrooms in the smallest plastic container they fit in and cover the top with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap so the mushrooms can breathe. [5]
    • Avoid putting your mushrooms in any tightly sealed containers with a fitted lid, as these can cause moisture build-up and lead to mold growth.
  3. If you’re only using a couple of mushrooms, make a small hole in the packaging at one end of the container. Pick out what you need, then cover the opening with a sheet of plastic wrap. [6]
    • The plastic wrap on the original packaging already has holes in it to let the mushrooms breathe so moisture and mold don’t develop inside.
    • Know that this storage method isn’t foolproof and could still cause your mushrooms to spoil. [7]
  4. Keep fresh produce, like mushrooms, away from any raw items so you don’t cross-contaminate them with bacteria. During prep, use one cutting board and knife for raw meat and another set for your mushrooms and any other ready-to-eat items. [8]
    • Keeping mushrooms away from raw meat and seafood is especially important if you don’t plan on cooking the mushrooms.
    • Mushrooms also absorb odors, so try to store them away from other foods with strong aromas.
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Section 3 of 5:

How long do mushrooms last in the fridge?

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  1. Agaricus bisporus (white, cremini, and portobello mushrooms) are usually safe for about 7 days in your fridge. However, safe storage times depend on how long the mushrooms sat at the grocery store as well. Mushrooms that spent several days at the store may start to go bad within just a few days, so always check your mushrooms before you use them. [9]
    • For the best quality, purchase the freshest mushrooms possible and use them within 3 to 4 days. At the grocery store, look for mushrooms that appear plump, firm, and free of any signs of spoilage.

    Tip: When you’re grocery shopping, choose whole mushrooms with intact caps and stalks. Broken or bruised mushrooms have a shorter shelf life than undamaged items.

  2. Keep an eye on your mushrooms since different varieties and fridge conditions could cause faster spoilage. Because sliced mushrooms have more surface area, they can spoil up to twice as quickly as whole mushrooms. [10]
  3. Most cooked foods, including mushrooms, meat, seafood, and veggies, can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you have some cooked mushrooms you forgot about in your fridge, it’s best to just toss them out so you don’t risk getting sick. [11]
    • Be sure to refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Cooked leftovers should be reheated to a temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to prevent foodborne illness.
  4. If your mushrooms start to develop dry patches and don’t look as plump as they used to, they’re the first signs that your mushrooms are about to go bad. As long as your mushrooms aren’t discolored, slimy, or smelly, they’re still safe to use if you rehydrate them . [12]
  5. Many gourmet mushrooms, such as chanterelles and oysters , can only be stored for 12 to 24 hours before they start to go bad. Because they’re much pricier than buttons or baby bellas, use these gourmet varieties in a meal promptly after you buy them to get the biggest bang for your buck. [13]
    • Some gourmet varieties, such as morel and shiitake mushrooms, can be stored for 1 to 2 weeks. However, for the best quality, use them as soon as possible. [14]
  6. Before you freeze your mushrooms , sauté them in oil for 5 minutes and let them cool completely. Put the mushrooms into freezer bags with 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of space at the top. Whenever your recipe calls for mushrooms, just take them right out of the freezer and toss them into your dish to heat up. [15]
    • Instead of sauteing the mushrooms, you can steam them. Soak the mushrooms in a mixture that’s 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of lemon juice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water for 5–10 minutes. Then, put them in a steamer basket for 3–4 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to an ice bath and let them cool.
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Select Fresh Mushrooms

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  1. Select mushrooms that are firm and consistent in color. When purchasing fresh mushrooms , choose those that are firm to the touch, have a consistent color, and don’t smell sour or off. [16]
    • If mushrooms are soft, have dark spots, or have a foul smell, they’re likely bad and should not be purchased.
Section 5 of 5:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Do mushrooms go bad in the fridge? Yes, mushrooms can go bad in the fridge after 7 days. If stored at 40 °F (4 °C) or lower, whole fresh mushrooms can last up to a week in the refrigerator. [17]
    • Keep in mind that mushrooms can last up to 7 days, but they may spoil before then, depending on how long they’ve been sitting out at the grocery store. Aim to use fresh mushrooms within 3 to 4 days of purchasing.
  2. 2
    Is it okay to eat mushrooms with brown spots? No, it’s not okay to eat mushrooms with brown or dark spots. While mushrooms come in a variety of colors, toss them out if they start to look discolored or bruised. [18]
  3. 3
    Can you eat out-of-date mushrooms? It’s possible to eat out-of-date mushrooms if they're still fresh. Look for signs of spoilage before consuming them. If you missed the best by or expiration date on your mushrooms by a couple of days, check to ensure they’re not slimy, discolored, stinky, or moldy. If they are, throw them out, as eating them could cause food poisoning.
  4. 4
    What happens if you eat spoiled mushrooms? If you eat bad mushrooms, you can get sick. Bad mushrooms may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning or botulism. [19]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What does a good mushroom look like?
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Expert Answer
    Good, fresh mushrooms are dry and light with an earthy scent—basically, how you would imagine a mushroom to smell. If they smell bad, then they are bad.
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  • Question
    I just cooked up a batch mushrooms with spinach, onion, and garlic cloves. The mushrooms, sliced, were a bit slimy and had dark brown gills. Safe?
    Community Answer
    Probably not safe, as two of the most common signs of bad mushrooms are a slimy texture and darkening.
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  • Question
    How long after expiration day you can eat mushrooms?
    Joshua Chambers
    Community Answer
    Do not eat mushrooms past their expiration date. Fresh mushrooms will keep for 7 days in the fridge. Cooked mushrooms keep for about 10 days.
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      Warnings

      • If you're trying to tell if wild mushrooms are bad, stay on the safe side. Avoid trying to determine whether wild mushrooms are edible or poisonous on your own. Don’t eat wild mushrooms unless a trained mushroom identification professional has given you the okay. [21]
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        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you find mold on your mushrooms and you develop shortness of breath, nausea, or a fever, seek medical attention since it could be an allergic reaction. [22]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety-fruits-vegetables/mushrooms.html
      2. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-if-you-eat-moldy-food/
      4. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-store-mushrooms-skills-showdown-23228612
      6. ↑ https://food52.com/blog/25752-how-to-store-mushrooms
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-store-mushrooms-skills-showdown-23228612
      8. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely
      9. ↑ https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1183&context=extension_curall
      1. ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17752
      2. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
      3. ↑ https://publications.ca.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/FOR86.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/seasonal-spotlight-pink-oyster-63738
      5. ↑ https://publications.ca.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/FOR86.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-freeze-mushrooms-23325491
      7. ↑ https://www.thechefandthedish.com/post/mushroom-101-the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-select-store-clean-cook-the-best-mushroom-varieties
      8. ↑ https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1183&context=extension_curall
      9. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous
      10. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety-fruits-vegetables/mushrooms.html
      11. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely
      12. ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/wild-mushroom-warning
      13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-if-you-eat-moldy-food/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tell if your mushrooms have gone bad, look for any wrinkles or dry, shriveled patches, which are the first sign that mushrooms are going bad. If you notice any bruises or brown and black spots on the mushrooms, throw them in the trash, since they could make you sick. Or, if you see a slimy coating on the mushrooms, don’t eat them. You can also tell bad mushrooms from a sour or fishy smell. In general, you shouldn’t eat fresh mushrooms after 10 days of buying them, although some mushrooms can start to go bad after a few days. For more tips, including how to safely store your mushrooms, read on!

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