The biggest mistake we all make is leaving them in that plastic death trap they come in. Those containers trap moisture, which is enemy number one. As soon as you get home, give them a little air.
Here’s the easy trick: take them out of the original container, wrap them loosely in a paper towel, and put them in a paper bag. Or just open the plastic lid a crack. The paper towel will soak up extra moisture like a thirsty puppy.
I started doing this after watching a cooking show where the chef called a soggy mushroom “a crime against fungi.” Now I keep a paper bag in my fridge door, and my mushrooms last closer to nine days without turning into science experiments.
The “Wash When You Cook” Rule
Never, ever wash mushrooms before you store them. I know it’s tempting to prep for the week, but that’s like giving them a bath and then locking them in a humid closet. Bad idea.
How Long Do Mushrooms Last in Fridge? 7-10 Day Storage Guide
Instead, just brush off any visible dirt with a dry paper towel or your fingers. Wait to rinse them until you’re ready to slice and sauté. A colleague of mine learned this the hard way when she pre-washed a whole pound for Monday’s dinner—by Friday, she had a tub of mushroom slime. We still laugh about it.
