Oyster mushrooms are delicious, but have you ever bought them and put them into the refrigerator with the best intentions, only to pull them out for a recipe, and they are slimy and inedible? Let me help you make sure that never happens again! Learn how to store oyster mushrooms using our helpful guide, complete with tips and tricks for optimal storage and freshness.
What is an Oyster Mushroom?
Oyster mushrooms are edible mushrooms named for their appearance, which resemble an open oyster shell. Oyster mushrooms are known for their delicate texture and mild, nutty flavor, and that’s why they are popular in many cuisines and regarded for their versatility in cooking. Use them to make stir-fries, soups, stews, pasta dishes, and salads. They are also great as a meat replacement in vegetarian or vegan recipes.
Types of Oyster Mushrooms
1. Pearl Oyster:
Pearl oyster, known as the common oyster mushroom, is the most widely cultivated and recognized type. It has a gray to light brown cap, a white to off-white stem, and a delicate, mild flavor.
2. Phoenix Oyster:
Commonly referred to as the Phoenix oyster or summer oyster mushroom, this variety is similar in appearance to the pearl oyster mushroom, but it has a lighter-colored cap.
3. Golden Oyster:
Golden oyster mushrooms have a vibrant yellow to golden cap and a thin, curved stem. It has a strong, peppery flavor, and it’s sought after in the culinary world for its appearance.
4. King Oyster:
King oysters, or king trumpet mushrooms, feature a thick, meaty stem and a small cap. The cap is commonly brown or tan, and the mushroom has a rich, savory flavor. King oyster mushrooms have a firm texture, making them a popular meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian recipes.
5. Pink Oyster:
Pink oyster mushrooms stand out because of their vibrant pink or salmon-colored cap. It has a slightly fruity aroma and a mild, delicate taste.
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How to Store Oyster Mushrooms
How Do you Store Oyster Mushrooms in the Fridge?
1. Packaging and Container
It’s helpful to know how to store oyster mushrooms – so they don’t spoil before you’re ready to cook them. If you purchased oyster mushrooms in a plastic bag or container, remove them from their original packaging before putting them in the refrigerator. Otherwise, moisture will build up inside the packaging, leading the mushrooms to spoil and become slimy – no one wants that.
Instead, transfer the mushrooms to a container that allows air to circulate more freely. The best way to store oyster mushrooms is to wrap them in paper towels and place them inside a brown paper bag. I have tried other methods, and this is hands down the best way to extend the life of mushrooms. You should avoid using airtight containers or plastic bags, as they create a humid environment and cause the mushrooms to deteriorate quickly.
However you decided to store oyster mushrooms, be sure to consume them within one week of purchase.
2. Temperature
For best results, it is recommended to adjust your refrigerator’s temperature to a range of 32-39°F to slow down the aging process of mushrooms and maintain their quality.
3. Placement
Store the mushrooms in the refrigerator’s main compartment, wrapped in paper towels inside an open paper bag. Avoid storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer, as the high humidity can cause them to spoil more quickly.
How to Store Oyster Mushrooms in the Freezer?
Clean the mushrooms with a paper towel (not in water), and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for 3-6 months. But recognize that freezing mushrooms will change their consistency and texture, so I like to use frozen oyster mushrooms in stock, soup, or stir fry recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do oyster mushrooms last in the fridge?
Oyster mushrooms are best consumed within a week of purchase, but I try to use them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.
How do you store oyster mushrooms long term?
If you can’t eat the oyster mushrooms within the recommended timeframe and don’t feel like freezing them, you can extend their shelf life by drying or dehydrating them. Store dried oyster mushrooms in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a year.
Here’s a helpful tutorial for how to dehydrate mushrooms.
Recipes Using Oyster Mushrooms:
Karishma
Friday 18th of August 2023
Ahh, this is so helpful! I buy a lot of oyster mushrooms, and I'm always looking for the best ways to store them; definitely going to buy some brown paper bags for storage. Thanks for sharing!
Tressa Jamil
Friday 18th of August 2023
I always keep them handy because we love mushrooms in our home, and this storage works for most mushrooms.