Avoid Slimy Mushrooms With This Simple Storage Hack
Mushrooms are one of my favorite vegetables. Their hearty, umami flavor adds depth to every dish they’re in. I prefer using fresh mushrooms personally, but unfortunately, these little caps don’t always last so long in the fridge. With that in mind, I went in search for a storage hack that could prevent slimy mushrooms from ruining my dinner plans.
The Cure for Slimy Mushrooms
According to experts over at The Kitchn, the key to avoiding slimy mushrooms is to store them properly. You’d think that you’d be able to simply keep your mushrooms in the packaging they came in at the store, but that isn’t the wisest choice.
Since mushrooms have a sponge-like structure, they absorb moisture fairly easily and can be harder to store and keep than other produce. Those plastic cartons your mushrooms are packaged in (which are often wrapped in even more plastic) tend to collect a lot of moisture, making them a pretty unideal place for them long term. And if you’ve ever reached into your your fridge only to feel gooey, slimy mushrooms, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Luckily, you can avoid the slimy grossness by removing your mushrooms from their plastic container as soon as you get home from the grocery store. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any moisture that’s already accumulated, and let them dry out for 15 minutes or so. Once dry, grab your mushrooms and toss them into a brown paper bag. That’s it!
Brown paper absorbs moisture and encourages air flow, so this will help your mushrooms stay dry and retain their consistency and freshness over time. The pros at The Kitchn say that mushrooms stored in paper can last in the fridge for up to 10 days!
One important note: Don’t wash your mushrooms before storing them! Since they absorb water and moisture, it’s better to wait to rinse or wash your fungi until you’re ready to use them.
So next time you’re feeling concerned about buying the bulk-size mushroom container, worry not. With mushroom season coming up this fall, we’re sure you’ll put this hack to good use!
