How Long Do Mushrooms Last In the Fridge?

Fresh mushrooms typically stay good in the fridge for about a week. However, their shelf life can vary depending on the mushroom variety, preparation method, and how they were sourced.

There are various preservation methods that can extend the shelf life of mushrooms. For instance, dried or frozen mushrooms can remain edible for several years before spoiling.

Fresh Mushroom Species Lifespan in the Fridge | How Long Do Mushrooms Last In the Fridge?

Let’s take a look at the most common types of mushrooms you may encounter and how long they stay fresh in the fridge.

Keep in mind that the storage life can vary depending on factors like your fridge’s temperature (we’ll assume 3ºC or 35ºF), cleanliness (moldy foods in the fridge can contaminate your mushrooms), and humidity levels (higher humidity can cause mushrooms to mold faster).

Now, let’s focus on everyone’s favorite variety — the magic mushrooms.

1. Magic Mushrooms

The most commonly found magic mushroom is Psilocybe cubensis. However, you might also come across other species like Panaeolus cyanescens (blue meanies), Psilocybe tampanensis (truffles), Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps), and Psilocybe baeocystis, which can be foraged in many regions around the world.

• Fresh Psilocybe cubensis typically lasts up to 7 days in the fridge when stored in paper bags, but they can deteriorate quickly.
• Smaller species like those in the Panaeolus genus tend to spoil faster, lasting only around 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
• Magic truffles from Psilocybe tampanensis or Psilocybe mexicana have a longer shelf life, usually 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, and can last much longer in the freezer — up to 6 months to 1 year.

Many people prefer to dry their magic mushrooms for storage to avoid worrying about them going bad.

How Long Do Mushrooms Last In the Fridge?

The Amanita muscaria, or Fly Agaric, is one of the most iconic mushrooms in the world 🍄.

This species has distinct psychoactive and dream-inducing properties when consumed. However, it is crucial not to eat them fresh, as they can be toxic in their raw state.

When stored in the fridge, Amanita muscaria mushrooms will remain viable for 3 to 7 days. However, they should always be dried gently before consumption. It’s best to dry them immediately after harvesting to preserve their quality and ensure safety.

3. Button Mushrooms, Cremini, & Portabello (Agaricus bisporus)

Button mushrooms, cremini, and portabello are all popular varieties you’ll find at the grocery store, and they all come from the same species. Button mushrooms are the young, white variety, creminis are a brown-capped version, and portabellos are the mature, fully grown brown mushrooms.

• Agaricus bisporus mushrooms typically last 4 to 7 days in the fridge when stored properly. These mushrooms often come in plastic packaging, which can cause them to sweat and deteriorate more quickly. To extend their shelf life, it’s best to remove them from the plastic and place them in a paper bag or open container.

The main factor that affects their freshness is humidity. To combat excess moisture, you can place a paper towel with the mushrooms to help absorb any extra moisture and keep them fresh longer.

4. Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) | How Long Do Mushrooms Last In the Fridge?

Shiitake mushrooms, a popular variety in East Asian cuisine, are becoming increasingly common in Western grocery stores. Known for their large size, shiitakes are also valued for their medicinal properties, which include protecting against cell damage, boosting the immune system, and fighting inflammation.

However, grocery store shiitake mushrooms — at least the ones I’ve encountered — often aren’t very fresh. You can typically expect them to stay good for 4 to 5 days if you remove them from any plastic packaging and store them in an open paper bag.

5. Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.)

Oyster mushrooms are a popular choice among gourmet varieties, commonly found in grocery stores. These mushrooms, which thrive on wood, typically last 5 to 7 days in the fridge when stored in an open container or paper bag.

Oyster mushrooms that are grown at home generally have a longer shelf life compared to store-bought ones.

6. Enoki Mushrooms (Flammulina filiformis) | How Long Do Mushrooms Last In the Fridge?

Enoki mushrooms are small, slender, pin-like mushrooms that grow in dense clusters. Popular in Asian cuisine, they are often sold in grocery stores. Due to their delicate size, enoki mushrooms lose moisture quickly and can become limp and lose their texture if not stored properly.

Enoki mushrooms require a different storage method than most other varieties. They should be wrapped in kitchen paper and placed in an airtight plastic bag or container, stored in the coldest part of the fridge. When stored this way, enoki mushrooms can last over 14 days.

7. Wine Cap Mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata)

Wine cap mushrooms are a popular choice for home mushroom growers. While they can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors, they are most commonly grown in vegetable beds outside.

When harvested at their peak and kept free from contaminants, wine cap mushrooms can stay fresh in the fridge for 7 to 10 days when stored in a paper bag or an open container.