How To Select And Store Mushrooms

 

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.