How to Clean and Store Mushrooms

Mushrooms are porous in nature, because of this, they will absorb water like a paper towel. Once water seeps in the mushrooms, they will lose flavor and texture. This article will show you how to clean mushrooms and then the proper ways to store, if not using them immediately.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A clean damp cloth or paper towel
• Some water
• Brown paper bag/cloth bag, optional

1. To clean fresh mushrooms, use a clean and slightly wet cloth or damp paper towel. If you have one, a soft vegetable brush is also good for cleaning the mushrooms.

2. If you must use water because of thick dirt or excess debris on the mushrooms, rinse them lightly under a small stream of running water. Wipe clean with cloth or paper towel after cleaning with water. Do not soak mushrooms in water, as they will change color, lose nutrients, and become mushy.

3. If you buy mushrooms in package, leave them in there until meal time. Packaged mushrooms are usually pre-cleaned, if in doubt, follow article Steps for cleaning. If you grow your own mushrooms, or buy them bulk/loose, keep them in a brown paper bag or in a cloth bag. Paper bag and cloth bag helps keep them fresh longer.

4. Store fresh mushrooms in the vegetable tray or the bottom shelf in the refrigerator. Consume mushrooms on the "use by date" on the packaging; if it says "sell by", they will be good up to 3 days after the date. For self-cultivate, loose/bulk mushrooms, use within one week after picking or buying.

Tips & Warnings

• This cleaning guide applies to all varieties of mushrooms.

[carolj1]

on 9/26/2009 I hate it when I go to take out the mushrooms and they've turned slimey and brown. I'll try the brown paper bag. Never heard of that before. Thanks

[sonni57]

on 9/25/2009 Good advice on how to clean and store mushrooms.

[edieness]

on 9/25/2009 Useful article on mushrooms.