How Long Do Mushrooms Last?
By James OkaforReviewed 2026-01-01
Mushrooms keep 3–7 days in the fridge stored in a paper bag in the crisper — plastic bags trap moisture and make them slimy. Cook mushrooms before freezing (8–12 months). Slimy, sour-smelling, or soft mushrooms are past saving.
Mushrooms are the driest-looking food that actually despises dry air, and the one most people suffocate in plastic. They're about 90% water, so everything comes down to one balance: keep them from drying out without trapping the moisture that turns them slimy. A paper bag in the crisper drawer is the whole system.
How long mushrooms last
| Storage method | Duration | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Counter | 1 day | Deteriorate fast at room temperature |
| Fridge (whole, paper bag) | 3–7 days | Paper bag in the crisper drawer |
| Fridge (sliced) | 3–5 days | Loosely covered container |
| Freezer (cooked) | 8–12 months | Sauté or roast first |
Storage conditions for mushrooms
Refrigerate mushrooms immediately in their original packaging or a paper bag, in the crisper drawer. Paper is the trick: it lets moisture escape while keeping the mushrooms from drying out. If you only have plastic, leave the bag open or poke holes. Handle mushrooms as little as possible — bruising releases moisture, and moisture is what leads to slime.
Do not wash mushrooms until you're about to use them. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, and wet mushrooms go slimy fast. Wipe them with a dry paper towel or give them a quick rinse and thorough pat-dry right before cooking — never before storage.
Storage tip
Buy mushrooms loose, not pre-sliced, if you can — whole mushrooms keep a full week while sliced ones last half that. Slice them at cooking time and store the whole ones in a paper bag. ::
How to tell mushrooms are past their prime
Fresh mushrooms are firm, dry, and smell mild and earthy. Warning signs: a slimy or sticky surface, wrinkles and shriveling, dark or mushy bruises, and a sour, musty smell — the "mushroom gone wrong" odor. Slight darkening of the gills is normal aging, not spoilage. Once mushrooms are slimy or smell off, they're done; compost them.
Freezing mushrooms
Freeze mushrooms cooked, not raw. Raw mushrooms are mostly water and turn into mush; sautéed or roasted mushrooms freeze beautifully. Cook them until the liquid evaporates, cool completely, freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to an airtight bag. They keep 8–12 months and go straight from the freezer into soups, sauces, risotto, and stir-fries.
See the refrigerator storage guide and how to freeze vegetables for the full methods.
Frequently asked questions
How long do mushrooms last in the fridge?
Fresh mushrooms keep 3–7 days in the refrigerator when stored in a paper bag or their original packaging in the crisper drawer. The paper bag is key: it lets moisture escape while keeping the mushrooms from drying out. Mushrooms are 90% water, so sealed plastic bags turn them slimy within days.
Should mushrooms be stored in a paper bag or plastic?
Paper, for whole mushrooms. Paper lets excess moisture evaporate, which keeps mushrooms dry and fresh longer — sealed plastic traps the moisture that makes them slimy. Once cut or sliced, mushrooms can go in a loosely covered container. Always keep them refrigerated.
Why do mushrooms get slimy?
Sliminess is trapped moisture. Mushrooms release water as they sit, and in a sealed plastic bag that water has nowhere to go, so the surface gets sticky and then rots. The fix is storage that breathes — a paper bag or open container — plus handling them as little as possible, since bruising releases more moisture.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
Yes, but cook them first. Raw mushrooms are mostly water and turn to mush in the freezer; sautéed or roasted mushrooms freeze beautifully for 8–12 months. Freeze cooked mushrooms flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Use frozen cooked mushrooms in soups, sauces, risotto, and stir-fries.
How can you tell if mushrooms have gone bad?
Fresh mushrooms are firm, dry, and evenly colored. Bad ones are slimy, sticky, or wrinkled, with dark or bruised patches, and give off a sour, musty, or "earthy gone wrong" smell. A little darkening on the gills is normal as they age. Slimy, smelly, or soft mushrooms go in the compost.
Sources
Shelf-life and temperature claims on this page are cited from tier-1 food-safety authorities. Always confirm current guidance before relying on dated information.
Written by
Senior food storage writer
Writer covering food storage shelf life, storage methods, and kitchen organization.
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