Mushrooms are a superfood, packed with nutrients and health benefits. If you’re growing mushrooms at home or experimenting with mushroom recipes, it’s important to get the basics right. Knowing how to store mushrooms correctly can maximize their flavour and longevity. While mushrooms are a versatile food, they can perish quickly and are delicate.

A refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms. Although they can be left on your countertop for short periods – like after coming home from the store or before cooking – you’ll get optimal results by keeping them in the fridge.

We’re sharing everything you need to know about storing mushrooms, whether you’ve grown them at home or bought them from your local store.

How to Store Mushrooms in the Refrigerator 

You’ll want to follow the same guidelines for storing all types of mushrooms, including white mushrooms and lion’s mane. It’s best to store mushrooms in a paper bag to help absorb any moisture. Seal the bag by folding it at the top to store your whole mushrooms.

Alternatively, you can use paper towels instead of a bag. Wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them into a glass bowl to store in your fridge. By absorbing moisture with the paper towels, you can keep your mushrooms fresh for longer.

Place your mushrooms somewhere in your fridge away from foods with a strong smell, as they can absorb nearby odours. If you’ve purchased your mushrooms from a store, remove them from their plastic container and place them in a paper bag or wrap them in a paper towel. Seal plastic containers trap moisture and shorten the lifespan of your mushrooms.

If you have leftover mushrooms after cooking, place your sliced mushrooms into an airtight container. Most mushrooms are good for a week after purchase, but sliced mushrooms should be used within three days. Another benefit of Home Grown, Merryhill Mushrooms is that they will keep longer in the fridge as they have been picked fresh, the mushrooms bought in the supermarket have spent many days in transit before even reaching the shelves.

Can You Freeze Mushrooms?

Freezing is one of the best ways to get the most out of your home-grown mushrooms. The best method of freezing mushrooms is to pre-cook them using a small amount of oil and salt until they’re almost finished. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet before freezing.

Once the mushrooms are frozen, move them into a vacuum-sealed bag at the back of your freezer. You can use these mushrooms for up to a year after freezing with them still tasting fresh afterwards. See our full guide on freezing mushrooms.

Can You Dry Mushrooms?
Absolutely! For some mushrooms it is a very common way of storing them and using them, take Shiitake for example, our Grow your own Shiitake kits yield very heavily, approx. 1kg of mushrooms, so drying them can be a must if you are not able to use them all in one go. You can do this with an oven or dehydrator if you have one, low and slow until the moisture within is all gone, typically this takes a few hours and we have a guide on how to dehydrate mushrooms at home for you to read.

FAQs about Mushrooms

Incorporating mushrooms into your everyday diet is easier than you think. We’re answering some of the most popular questions about mushrooms to show just how versatile they are. Looking for mushroom recipes and how-to guides? Check out the Merryhill Mushrooms blog.

Can you eat raw mushrooms?

It’s safe to eat most common types of mushrooms in their raw state, including chestnut, oyster, and white button mushrooms. Our in-depth guide answers the question of “Can You Eat Raw Mushrooms?” with advice on the best types of mushrooms to eat raw. 

Are mushrooms keto-friendly?

Mushrooms are keto-friendly as they’re naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a staple of the diet. Eat them raw in salads or toss them into soups and stir-fry dishes. Learn how to cook mushrooms in an air fryer to make it easier to incorporate them into your everyday diet.

Explore Our At-Home Mushroom Growing Kit

Our ready-growing mushroom kits make growing mushrooms at home easy. We’ve already started the growing process, ensuring a healthy crop, and giving you your first cookable mushrooms in just days. Got a question about mushrooms? Contact our team, follow us on Instagram, and explore our blog for more mushroom growing tips and tricks.