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Mushroom Purchasing, Storing and Handling

Fresh mushroom producers use state-of-the-art growing methods and handling practices to ensure high quality. A few simple steps will help preserve your supplies.

• For optimum shelf life, fresh mushrooms should arrive between 34 and 35 degrees F.
• Inspect mushrooms for crushing during shipping.
• Mushrooms should smell fresh and earthy.
• Mushrooms with soft spots or bruising should be rejected.
• Remember open caps and exposed gill tissue (White and Crimini) are not a sign of poor quality, but of maturity.
• Immediately refrigerate both bulk and prepackaged mushrooms between 34 and 35 degrees F.
• Optimum humidity for storage is 85 to 90%, which also helps maintain quality and shelf life.
• Store in original containers. Do not store in non-porous plastic bags, as plastic accelerates mushroom deterioration.
• Do not store near pungent items as mushrooms may absorb strong odors.
• Do not stack heavy items on top of mushroom containers.
• Do not wash before storage.