Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
You can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days when stored properly.
That’s the sweet spot for most common varieties like white button, cremini, and portobello.
But how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator really depends on a few key factors.
The way you store them, whether they’re whole or sliced, and how fresh they were when you bought them all play a huge role.
If you’ve ever pulled a slimy, sad pack of mushrooms from the crisper drawer, you know the frustration.
The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can maximize how long mushrooms last in the refrigerator.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator, what affects their shelf life, and how to tell when they’ve gone bad.
Let’s dig in and make sure your mushrooms stay fresh for as long as possible.
How Long Can You Keep Mushrooms In The Refrigerator
The answer to how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator is generally 7 to 10 days for unopened, fresh mushrooms.
But once you open the package or slice them, that window gets shorter.
Sliced mushrooms will only last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator because cutting them exposes more surface area to air and moisture.
Whole mushrooms keep longer since their protective outer layer stays intact.
The key to keeping mushrooms in the refrigerator for the full 10 days is controlling moisture.
Mushrooms are about 90% water, and excess moisture is their worst enemy.
When they sit in a damp environment, they turn slimy and spoil fast.
So, if you’re wondering how long can you keep mushrooms in the refrigerator, the answer is tied directly to how dry you can keep them.
1. Whole Mushrooms Last Longer
Whole mushrooms are your best bet for long-term refrigeration.
When you keep mushrooms in the refrigerator without slicing them, they stay fresh closer to 10 days.
The intact surface prevents bacteria and mold from penetrating too quickly.
Just make sure they’re dry before storing.
If they came in a plastic-wrapped tray, it’s a good idea to remove the plastic or poke a few holes in it.
This lets excess moisture escape, which extends how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator.
2. Sliced Mushrooms Spoil Faster
Once you slice mushrooms, the clock starts ticking faster.
Sliced mushrooms in the refrigerator will only last about 3 to 5 days.
That’s because cutting exposes the inner flesh, which absorbs moisture and breeds bacteria quickly.
If you need sliced mushrooms for a recipe, try to use them within a few days.
Or better yet, slice them right before cooking to get the most out of how long mushrooms last in the refrigerator.
3. The Best Way To Store Mushrooms
The best way to keep mushrooms in the refrigerator is in a paper bag.
Paper bags allow airflow while absorbing excess moisture.
Plastic bags trap humidity, which causes mushrooms to get slimy and spoil faster.
If you only have the original plastic container, just open it and lay a paper towel on top.
The paper towel will soak up extra moisture, helping you keep mushrooms in the refrigerator closer to the full 10 days.
Another option is to store them in a bowl covered with a damp cloth, though the paper bag method is the most effective.
Factors That Affect How Long Mushrooms Last In The Refrigerator
Several variables can change how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator.
Let’s look at the most important ones so you can adjust your storage strategy.
1. Freshness At Purchase
The shelf life of mushrooms starts at the store.
If you buy mushrooms that are already soft or have dark spots, they won’t last as long.
Look for firm, dry mushrooms with no visible slime.
Fresher mushrooms mean you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator for a longer period.
Try to buy mushrooms from a bin where you can pick individual ones rather than pre-packaged boxes.
2. Temperature Consistency
Mushrooms prefer a consistent, cold environment.
Your refrigerator should be set between 34°F and 38°F (1°C to 3°C).
Avoid storing mushrooms in the door where the temperature fluctuates.
Instead, place them in the main body of the fridge or the crisper drawer.
Stable temperatures help you keep mushrooms in the refrigerator for the maximum time.
3. Moisture Control
Moisture is the biggest culprit behind spoiled mushrooms.
Never wash mushrooms before storing them.
Washing adds water, which shortens how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator.
Instead, wipe them with a dry paper towel to remove dirt.
If you must rinse them, do it right before cooking, not before storing.
The drier they stay, the longer they last.
How To Tell If Mushrooms Have Gone Bad
Knowing how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator is only half the battle.
You also need to recognize when they’ve crossed the line.
Here are the key signs that your mushrooms are no longer safe to eat.
1. Slimy Texture
The most obvious sign is a slimy or sticky film on the surface.
Once mushrooms get slimy, they’re past their prime.
This happens when moisture builds up and bacteria start to multiply.
If just a few mushrooms are slimy, you can remove them and use the rest immediately, but don’t push your luck.
Slimy mushrooms mean you kept them in the refrigerator a bit too long.
2. Dark Spots And Bruising
Fresh mushrooms have a uniform color.
When they start to develop dark, soft spots or deep bruises, they’re turning.
Small blemishes are okay, but large areas of discoloration mean they’re nearly done.
The question of how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator is answered when you see these spots telling you it’s time to cook them or toss them.
3. Off Smell
Fresh mushrooms have a mild, earthy aroma.
If they start to smell sour, fishy, or ammonia-like, that’s a red flag.
A strong odor means bacteria are thriving.
When it comes to how long mushrooms last in the refrigerator, trust your nose.
If they smell bad, they are bad.
So, How Long Can You Keep Mushrooms In The Refrigerator?
You can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days under ideal conditions.
That means fresh, whole mushrooms stored in a paper bag in the cold part of your fridge.
Sliced mushrooms will only last about 3 to 5 days, so plan to use them quickly.
The answer to how long you can keep mushrooms in the refrigerator always comes back to moisture control and temperature.
If you keep them dry and cool, you’ll maximize their shelf life.
So the next time you bring home a pack, skip the plastic bag, grab a paper one, and enjoy your mushrooms for up to a week and a half.