How To Select And Store Mushrooms
Selection
Selection of mushrooms is of prime importance to ensure their freshness and viability. You can either purchase the mushrooms from a local store or supermarket. Avoid picking up wild mushrooms.
For Purchasing Mushrooms
- Select the ones that are firm with a smooth, fresh appearance.They should have a slightly shiny surface and uniform color.
- Their surfaces should be plump and dry but not dried out.
- To determine their freshness, ensure that there are no signs of mold, sliminess or shriveling due to dehydration.
- Fresh mushrooms have a bright, unblemished color whereas older mushrooms tend to shrivel and have a grayer tinge.
Storage
- Once you have got the mushrooms, it is important to store them properly to retain their freshness and firmness.
- Mushrooms bought in packaged form should be kept in their original package or porous paper bags for a longer shelf life.
- Mushrooms will last for a week when they are stored in a brown paper bag on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
- Fresh mushrooms should never be frozen, but sautéed mushrooms can be frozen for up to one month.
- Mushrooms should not be stored in a crisper drawer as it is too moist.
- They should be kept away from other foods with strong flavors or odors as they will absorb them.
- Mushrooms should be frozen or dried if you intend to store them for more than a week.
