Can mushrooms go bad?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can mushrooms go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not mushrooms can go bad. Moreover, we are going to discuss different ways to spot bad mushrooms, the shelf life of mushrooms in different mediums, and the proper way to store mushrooms.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

Can mushrooms go bad?

So like every other food item mushrooms also go bad after a certain time. They develop off-smell, off-flavor, their texture also changes and you can even spot a mold on the mushroom that has gone bad.

How to tell if mushrooms have gone bad?

There are a couple of indications that point out that your mushrooms have gone bad. You should consider the appearance, color, smell, and texture of mushrooms along with the condition of the can in which mushrooms are stored to give a final verdict about whether or not your mushrooms have gone bad.

Appearance

If you spot some white fur growing on your fresh mushrooms then it is better to get rid of such mushrooms. Moreover, if you spot some dark spots on your fresh mushrooms or if you notice that the mushroom caps have become wrinkled then it is time to discard such mushrooms.

Color

If the color of mushrooms has darkened or if there are dark spots on your mushrooms then it is the indication that your mushrooms are past their prime age and they are going to go bad in some time.

Texture

If you notice that the otherwise plump texture of your mushrooms has turned slimy or mushy then it is an indication that your mushrooms have gone bad and you should discard them.

Smell

Fresh mushrooms generally do not have any noticeable odor so if you smell some strong odor while taking a sniff test of your mushrooms then it is an indication that they have gone bad.

Condition of can

Moreover in the case of canned mushrooms if you notice that the can is heavily dented or has leakage, rust, or is bulging, then it is better to discard it.

Other FAQs about Mushrooms which you may be interested in.

How long do mushrooms last in the fridge?

Can out-of-date mushrooms make you sick?

Can mushroom spores survive in space?

How long do mushrooms last?

Mushrooms have different shelf life depending upon whether they were fresh or canned or if they were raw or cooked and also the storage conditions in which they are kept affects their shelf life.

Fresh mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms last for about 4-7 days when they are kept in the fridge properly at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooked mushrooms

Cooked mushrooms last for about 3-5 days when they are stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fridge.

On the other hand, cooked mushrooms last for about 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria grow at a faster pace between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit therefore it is recommended to discard the cooked mushrooms that are left in open for more than 2 hours as there is a great chance that the bacteria would have already spread over them and would have spoiled them.

If the outside temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit then cooked mushrooms last for only about an hour when left out in the open. 

You can read how to cook garlic mushrooms here.

Canned mushrooms

Unopened canned mushrooms have a long shelf life and the last 3 months past their best by date easily provided they were stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.

Once opened, the shelf life of canned mushrooms decreases and they last for about 4-7 days when kept properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dried mushrooms

Dried mushrooms have a very long shelf life and they last for about a year or even more if stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. You should not store your dried mushrooms in a humid environment because if somehow moisture finds its way to your dried mushrooms it can mess up their quality and can decrease their shelf life.

It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of mushrooms and mushrooms can even last longer than this, provided that they were stored properly.

How to properly store mushrooms?

1. In case of fresh mushrooms, when you are going to refrigerate them, what you can do is to put them in a plastic zipper bag wrapped in a paper towel, and when you are going to seal the bag, leave some space open to make sure that they get the required steady airflow.
2. In the case of the dried mushrooms, you should store them in an air-tight container in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
3. You should cool your cooked mushrooms before putting them in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag. If you store hot cooked mushrooms inside the air-tight container, moisture will build up inside it and will provide a suitable environment for microbes to grow.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “can mushrooms go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not mushrooms can go bad. Moreover, we discussed different ways to spot bad mushrooms, the shelf life of mushrooms in different mediums, and the proper way to store mushrooms.

Citations

Do Mushrooms Go Bad?

https://delishably.com/vegetable-dishes/How_Do_You_Know_When_Mushrooms_Go_Bad