How Long Mushrooms Stay Fresh in Your Refrigerator
Mushrooms last 4 to 10 days in the refrigerator, depending on the variety and how you store them
Most mushrooms—button, cremini, portobello, and oyster—will keep for about a week when stored correctly. Delicate varieties like shiitake and enoki last closer to 4 to 5 days. The difference comes down to moisture and air exposure. Mushrooms are mostly water, and they'll either dry out or develop slime and mold if conditions aren't right. The goal is to keep them dry, cool, and in an environment where air can circulate around them.
The moment you bring mushrooms home, they start losing moisture. Plastic bags trap humidity and speed up decay. Paper bags or breathable containers slow this process. Temperature matters too—mushrooms stored at 32°F (0°C) last longer than those at warmer fridge temperatures, but most home refrigerators run between 35°F and 40°F, which is still cold enough to extend their life significantly compared to the counter.
Key Takeaways
- Store mushrooms in a paper bag or breathable container, never in a sealed plastic bag, because trapped moisture causes them to spoil faster.
- Keep mushrooms in the main refrigerator compartment rather than the crisper drawer, where humidity levels are too high.
- Do not wash mushrooms before storage—moisture on the surface accelerates decay; rinse them only when you're ready to cook.
- Whole mushrooms last longer than sliced ones; once cut, use them within 1 to 2 days.
- Mushrooms with visible slime, dark spots, or a strong ammonia smell have spoiled and should be discarded.
Why the crisper drawer is the wrong place for mushrooms
The crisper drawer is designed to trap humidity for vegetables like lettuce and broccoli. Mushrooms are the opposite—they need dry air. Storing them in a crisper creates a damp environment where mold and bacterial growth accelerate. Even a few days in a crisper can turn firm mushrooms soft and slimy.
Instead, place your paper bag of mushrooms on a shelf in the main refrigerator compartment, ideally toward the back where temperature is most stable. This gives them the cold they need without the excess moisture that kills them.
The right container makes the difference
A paper bag is your best option. It allows air to circulate while absorbing excess moisture from the mushroom surface. If you don't have a paper bag, a cardboard container with small ventilation holes works well. Some people use a clean kitchen towel loosely wrapped around the mushrooms, which also wicks away moisture.
Avoid plastic bags, plastic wrap, and sealed containers. These trap moisture and create the exact conditions where mold thrives. If mushrooms came in a plastic clamshell from the store, transfer them to a paper bag as soon as you get home. Leave the clamshell only if it has ventilation holes and you plan to use the mushrooms within 2 to 3 days.
Washing mushrooms before storage shortens their life
Water on the mushroom surface is the enemy of storage life. Mushrooms are porous and absorb water easily, which leads to faster decay. Wash them only when you're ready to cook. A quick rinse under cold running water or a gentle wipe with a damp cloth removes dirt without soaking them.
If your mushrooms are very dirty, you can brush them gently with a dry cloth or soft brush before storing them. This removes surface soil without adding moisture. Save the water rinse for cooking time.
How to tell when mushrooms have gone bad
Mushrooms spoil in stages. Early signs include a slight darkening of the surface and a softer texture when you press them gently. At this point, they're still safe to cook, though they'll have less firm texture. Use them within a day or two.
Discard mushrooms if you see visible slime, a strong ammonia or sour smell, dark spots that look like bruising, or white or green mold. These are signs of bacterial or fungal growth. Slime in particular means bacteria have colonized the surface, and the mushrooms are no longer safe to eat.
Sliced mushrooms spoil faster than whole ones
Cutting mushrooms exposes the interior flesh and increases the surface area where moisture escapes and bacteria can enter. Whole mushrooms last 7 to 10 days; sliced mushrooms last 1 to 2 days. If you've already sliced them, store them in a paper towel-lined container with a loose paper towel on top to absorb moisture, and use them as soon as possible.
When you're prepping mushrooms for cooking, slice them just before you cook rather than hours in advance. This preserves texture and flavor and keeps them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
Storage times for common mushroom varieties
| Mushroom Type | Refrigerator Life | Storage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Button, cremini, portobello | 7 to 10 days | Sturdy varieties; tolerate slight temperature fluctuation |
| Shiitake | 4 to 7 days | More delicate; store stem-side down to reduce moisture loss |
| Oyster | 5 to 7 days | Cluster varieties; separate into smaller groups if possible |
| Enoki | 4 to 5 days | Very delicate; keep in original container if it has ventilation |
| Chanterelle, morel | 3 to 5 days | Wild varieties; more fragile; use quickly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store mushrooms in the freezer?
Yes, but freezing changes their texture permanently. They become soft and watery when thawed, so they're best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or sauces rather than sautéed as a side. Slice them first, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for 8 to 12 months frozen but should be used within a few months for best flavor.
What if mushrooms smell like ammonia?
Ammonia smell means bacteria have broken down proteins on the mushroom surface. This is a sign of spoilage, and the mushrooms should be discarded. Don't cook with them—the smell indicates microbial activity that cooking won't fully eliminate.
Should I remove mushrooms from the store packaging right away?
Yes, if they're in a sealed plastic bag or clamshell without ventilation holes. Transfer them to a paper bag within a few hours of getting home. If the clamshell has small holes for air circulation, you can leave them in it for 2 to 3 days, but a paper bag is still better for longer storage.
Can I store different mushroom varieties together?
Yes, as long as they're all in the same paper bag or breathable container. Keep them in one layer if possible so air reaches all sides. If you have a mix of sturdy and delicate varieties, place the delicate ones on top so they don't get crushed.
Do mushrooms need to be stored separately from other vegetables?
Not strictly, but keep them away from high-moisture vegetables like tomatoes or leafy greens, which release ethylene gas and moisture that speeds mushroom decay. Storing them in their own paper bag on a separate shelf is ideal, but a shared shelf is fine as long as they're in a breathable container.