What’s the best way to store mushrooms?

Q. What’s the best way to store mushrooms? I have not had this issue before, but last week and this week I had mushrooms start to smell BAD inside of a few days. I have them in a mesh produce bag, in the veggie crisper. Too humid? Put them in the main body of the fridge? On the counter? In a closed container? Something else entirely?

A. Mushrooms have a high moisture content of around 90%. And their structure is such that they can easily lose that water, which if trapped on the fungi can expedite spoilage. So the key to storing mushrooms for longevity is all about moisture control.

According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, “A higher storage temperature accelerates the senescence [aging], browning, weight loss, and textural loss of mushrooms.” While you can leave freshly harvested mushrooms on the counter for about a day or so, they are best stored in the fridge. (Since grocery store mushrooms were harvested at least a couple of days before they reached the store shelf, they should immediately be refrigerated.)

Many crisper drawers are set for high humidity to keep vegetables and leafy greens at their best. But that’s not the objective for mushrooms, where too much humidity can encourage the condensation of water on their surfaces. It’s better to store them elsewhere in the fridge.

In terms of packaging, moderate airflow is key to prevent too much moisture loss while avoiding condensation. Mushrooms purchased at a grocery store are typically sold in containers covered in plastic wrap. You should be fine with poking a few holes in the plastic wrap (if they aren’t already there) if you plan to eat them within a day or two. Beyond that, opt for a breathable paper bag, which is often how the fungi are packaged and sold at farmers markets. (A mesh produce bag is usually a fine alternative.) To control condensation, line the bag with a paper or cloth towel to absorb any moisture that the mushrooms release. According to The Kitchn, the paper bag plus towel storage method allows them to last up to 10 days. If you wish to store them for longer, dry them or cook and freeze them.

Just note that fresh mushrooms are among the most perishable food products. As the National Library of Medicine study says, “they experience a rapid degradation of their quality,” so it’s best to use them as soon as possible.