Keep mushrooms slime-free and fresh for ‘1 week’ longer by storing in one kitchen item

Mushrooms are a delicious and that can be added into pastas, salads or star on their own in a risotto.

But there’s nothing more frustrating than going to grab some mushrooms out of your fridge only to realise they’ve gone slimy and smelly in their container.

If you find yourself forgetting your fungi in the fridge, then these can help you keep them fresh for longer meaning more chances to use them in your favourite meals.

Elliot Webb, founder of Urban Farm-It and author of Growing Mushrooms at Home: The Complete Guide to Knowing, Growing and Loving Fungi, has shared his top tips for keeping them tasting delicious.

“One of the simplest and most effective ways to store mushrooms is to place whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top to seal it,” he advised.

“The paper absorbs excess moisture, which is crucial to keeping mushrooms dry and preventing slime.”

If you don’t have a paper bag on hand, Webb suggests an alternative method. “Wrapping the mushrooms in a paper towel and placing them in a bowl in the fridge works well too. Both methods help maintain freshness by reducing moisture buildup.”

It’s also crucial to avoid plastic where you can. Webb said: “Plastic traps moisture, which accelerates spoilage and can lead to that slimy texture everyone dreads.

“If your mushrooms come in sealed plastic packaging, transfer them to a paper bag or wrap them in paper towels as soon as possible to prolong their shelf life.”

Even when you’re storing them properly it’s important to use mushrooms within the recommended timeframe.

“Whole mushrooms can typically last up to a week if stored correctly, but sliced mushrooms should be used within three days,” he explains. “Proper storage methods can help, but mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh.”