Mushrooms are sold in any store. For some people, collecting them in the forest becomes a favorite hobby. But, let’s be honest, not every housewife can say with confidence how long mushrooms can be stored. At the same time, even avid mushroom pickers do not think about shelf life. This is a huge omission, because stale ones cause serious poisoning.
It’s stupid to completely exclude healthy foods from your diet because of this. Mushrooms are a source of protein, vitamins, microelements (magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper). You just need to be vigilant when consuming this complete food product. Depending on the planned storage period, choose the appropriate processing method.
Why know the shelf life?
Rules and storage periods for food need to be known primarily to maintain health. Mushroom poisoning is considered one of the most dangerous and can lead to death.
It is difficult to determine the freshness of a product. In fact, fresh champignons or honey mushrooms begin to deteriorate after 4 hours of being outside the refrigerator.
Clear signs of depravity:
- the appearance of mold;
- rotting;
- brown spots;
- mucus on the cap.
Processing the product increases shelf life. Avoid misconceptions about the length of this period. 3 years – maximum. Otherwise, you risk eating spoiled food and harming your health.
What processing methods are there?
Avid cooks will offer many ideas for cooking and processing mushrooms. Most popular:
- cooking;
- frying;
- pickling;
- pickling;
- freezing;
- drying;
- canning.
The list goes on. Processing increases shelf life and imparts a special taste that is missing from fresh mushrooms.
Let's consider the methods of processing the product, as well as the terms and conditions for their long-term preservation.
Storing fresh mushrooms
On average, fresh mushrooms are stored for 1-7 days.
After purchasing them in the store, you need to sort them out. Throw away spoiled ones immediately, cut off any minor damage with a knife. This way you can avoid quick spoilage of the product. If they are stale, but still suitable for consumption, it is advisable to cook them immediately. Heat treatment will eliminate negative effects on the human body.
The product can be stored outside the refrigerator for no more than a day. Therefore, it is better to place it on the shelves of the refrigerator. Without packaging, they will last 3-4 days. Inside a plastic bag – 5 days. It is better to leave it open to allow air to penetrate. Inside a paper bag, glass or plastic container, milk mushrooms and boletus mushrooms will remain suitable for consumption for about a week.
If you like to collect boletuses and chanterelles with your own hands, remember during a forest walk that mushrooms are a perishable product. After 4 hours they become slimy and lose their shape. Upon returning home, you need to sort it out, clean it of soil, leaves, grass, and debris. Soaking in cold salt water for 5-10 minutes will help get rid of insects.
If you have collected several baskets, and there is no opportunity to sort through everything at once, you can place the product in the refrigerator for 12-20 hours. There is no need to wash them before, otherwise they will spoil faster.After initial processing, store as store-bought.
Storage after cooking
Boiled ones are stored better than fresh ones. For example, oyster mushrooms, champignons. At a temperature of +4 degrees and below, in a sterile jar - about a week. If the lid swells after the expiration date, the food has spoiled and should not be consumed.
Keep in a plastic container or other container for no more than 2 days.
It is recommended to re-boil before use.
Storage after salting
Duration – no more than six months.
Best stored inside an airtight glass container. The mushrooms should be completely covered with brine. A refrigerator is suitable for storage. The temperature should be from 0 to +7 degrees. At a lower temperature, beneficial properties may be lost; at a higher temperature, harmful bacteria may begin to develop.
If the package is not sealed, you may find mold when you open it. The taste will be sour. To avoid poisoning, it is better to stop using it.
Storing pickled mushrooms
When buying store-bought pickled mushrooms, read the packaging. As a rule, their shelf life is 2-3 years.
Once the package is opened, store in the refrigerator. Eat within 2 days.
Homemade pickled mushrooms can be stored for 1-2 years. The time is affected by the storage location. The amount of vinegar used is affected. The more added, the less chance of harmful bacteria developing. This means that the food product will last longer.
The higher the temperature of the room where the workpiece is stored, the faster it will deteriorate. In a dark room with a temperature no higher than +18 degrees (basement, cellar), food will last for approximately 1 year. The refrigerator increases the life to 1.5-2 years.
Storage after freezing
Freezing will allow you to enjoy the natural taste of the product even on winter days.
Any fresh mushrooms can be frozen, except chanterelles and milk mushrooms. They become bitter after defrosting. It is better to boil these two varieties in advance and then freeze them.
At a freezer temperature of 18 degrees and below, products are stored for 1 year. At higher temperatures – six months.
The period also depends on whether honey mushrooms, champignons or milk mushrooms are fresh or boiled and frozen. Fresh ones are stored at low temperatures for 1 year, boiled ones - no more than 3-4 months.
We recommend dividing the frozen mass into portions. They cannot be defrosted or re-frozen - they will lose their taste.
Storing dried mushrooms
Drying allows you to get a flavorful product that takes up little space. It does not require jars or lids; it leaves the refrigerator shelves free.
You can dry it in the oven, dryer, or on a thread.
Mushrooms should be kept in a well-ventilated area with low humidity. It is then possible to store the product for up to 3 years.
Plastic bags and plastic containers are not used for storage. Fabric bags, canvas bags, and glassware are suitable. Place the bags away from other edibles, as mushrooms absorb odors well.
During storage, the condition of the product must be monitored. Half-raw ones can rot and become moldy. If you see a need to dry it, do it right away. Be careful, because overdried mushrooms are unsuitable for consumption; they crumble.
The dried mass can be ground into powder.Resealable jars, bottles, and containers are ideal for preserving taste. They require cool, dark rooms. You can grind in advance or shortly before cooking. Before adding to the dish, pre-soak the powder with water.
Just one walk in the forest will diversify your diet for 2-3 years in advance. You just need to adhere to the processing rules. Recycle on the day of collection or purchase. Store them at the specified temperature for the specified time. Throw away spoiled ones. Then mushrooms will become a tasty, healthy dish at the dinner table even in winter, an integral part of the diet.
How long to store mushrooms in a rolled up glass jar in very strong salt brine.