Champignons are a popular type of mushroom that is grown in greenhouses and found in the natural environment.
To prevent the product from deteriorating, it must be stored correctly, taking into account all its features.
We will talk about the features and shelf life of champignons below.
Content
How long can mushrooms be stored at home?
The duration of storage of mushrooms directly depends on their quality and the conditions in which they are located. Collected from the forest, they must be processed and placed in a cool place for 7-9 hours. After this, the product must be used within 12 hours.
If champignons are stored at a temperature of 0-8ºC (for example, in the refrigerator), then they can lie for several days before cooking.
If the mushrooms are washed first, the duration of storage is halved. Therefore, you should not wash mushrooms in advance.
Vacuum packaging deserves special attention. Due to the lack of contact of the product with air, its shelf life increases to 1.5 weeks if stored in a cool place.
If mushroom reserves need to be preserved for several months, they can be canned, dried or frozen. When dried, the product can last up to 1.5-2 years; pickled champignons should be used within a year.
It is possible to keep the workpiece in the freezer at a temperature no higher than -18ºС for up to a year. If the mushrooms were boiled or fried before freezing, their shelf life will be shorter - 6 months.
The shelf life of mushrooms is reduced if the storage conditions are violated. He will tell you about storing champignons at home this article.
At what temperature and humidity?
Fresh mushrooms are very sensitive to growing conditions. Humidity level – up to 80-90%.
Champignon should be stored in a cool (preferably up to +10ºС) place with good air exchange and protection from direct sunlight.
These requirements do not allow mushrooms to be stored in tightly closed bags and airtight containers due to the risk of condensation. High humidity and contact with water will cause the champignons to begin to deteriorate very quickly.
When storing fresh champignons, it is important to avoid the close proximity to them of products that have a pronounced bright aroma, since the mushrooms can absorb it.
Methods
These mushrooms cannot be stored in room conditions, in light or heat.. The best solution is to pre-treat as quickly as possible and store supplies in a cool place.
It is convenient to keep champignons in bulk in an enamel or glass container. If the harvest is large, then boxes made of wood or cardboard can be used. Plastic is not suitable.
Keeping it fresh
Whether purchased in a store or collected from nature, champignons must be inspected and pre-treated. Damaged areas should be cut off and dirt should be removed with a dry cloth..
If mushrooms of different types are found together, they need to be sorted.You can also immediately separate mushrooms that will be pickled, frozen, or cooked in the near future. The rest should be sent for storage.
Fresh mushrooms are not washed in advance, since such processing leads to a reduction in inventory shelf life. This is due to the fact that champignon caps quickly absorb moisture, which leads to rotting. Read more Here.
In a refrigerator
In a refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding +10ºС, champignons can be stored fresh or already cooked. It is recommended to place mushrooms in the vegetable compartment or on a shelf.
The packaging should not be sealed to prevent moisture from accumulating inside it.. It is also important not to keep them near strong-smelling foods - smoked meats and pickles, so that the champignons do not lose their characteristic aroma and taste.
An enamel, glass or ceramic container can be chosen as a container. It is also convenient to use kraft paper bags.
Cooked mushrooms (boiled or fried) can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. A glass container, enamel pan or stainless steel vessel is suitable for them. Plastic food containers can also be used.
Read about storing champignons in the refrigerator here.
Can it be kept in the freezer?
Freezing allows you to constantly have a supply of mushrooms available.to prepare your favorite dishes at any time. Champignons can be sent to the freezer either raw or as semi-finished products - boiled or fried. Read about freezing champignons here.
Various freezing options are possible. Learn more about them in the video:
Signs of damage
The champignons begin to spoil gradually. You can understand that irreversible changes have begun by the following signs:
- the formation of voids in the stem of the fruiting body;
- the mushroom has lost its elasticity and become soft;
- dark spots began to appear on the cap;
- the appearance of mucus on the surface;
- unpleasant smell.
Conclusion
Champignons can be bought in the store almost all year round. If you do not plan to use them right away, it is important to know how to store them correctly so that the product retains its freshness and can be used for preparing various dishes.
