Mushrooms are one of the most popular edible mushrooms. The mushrooms have a long shelf life. There are some signs that indicate when the mushrooms are too old and no longer edible.
To the point
- Color should be white and not gray or yellowish
- Hat is solid and lamellae are maximally light brown
- Look for a fresh and light mushroom smell
- Always remove the plastic wrap from store-bought mushrooms
- store in the vegetable compartment
Table of contents
- Color
- cap
- slats
- surface
- consistency
- Odor
- Extend shelf life
- Storage tips
- frequently asked Questions
Color
Mushrooms are white to slightly grayish-white in color. If the mushrooms are injured or are exposed to pressure for a longer period of time, such as in a bowl in which they are sold, they will discolor in spots. A few spots are normal for commercial goods, but if there are many bruises, you should no longer buy such mushrooms because these spots have yellowed.
Further color changes in inedible mushrooms:
- dark gray
- yellow
- black
You can cut out smaller bruises from the mushroom. If the discoloration is widespread due to pressure or damage, you should no longer use the mushroom.
cap
Another sign that determines whether mushrooms are bad or edible is the hat.
Features hat:
- firmly
- closed or maximally slightly opened
- no frayed edges
- firmly attached to the stem
If the hat is already wide open, which means the edges of the cap may already be frayed, the mushroom is too old to eat. This also applies if the handle is loose or can already be pressed easily.
slats
The lamellae are an important feature of mushrooms when you grow them yourself in the meadow collect.
Appearance of the slats:
- old pink to light brown
- When very young it is also gray (with the hat closed)
If the slats are already chocolate brown or possibly black, do not eat the mushroom. It is significantly outdated and can lead to health problems such as stomach problems if consumed.
surface
The mushroom should not be slimy or moist. Fresh mushrooms feel dry. In addition, mushrooms should not give in under pressure or only give in slightly. If a mushroom is deeply indented, this is a sure sign that it is too old.
It is normal for the surface of the hat area to be cracked or is flaky. This is often the case with commercial mushrooms as they grow very quickly, which can cause the surface to crack.
consistency
Fresh mushrooms are crunchy and easy to cut. The interfaces should be light and not fibrous or able to be pushed together like cotton. If the mushrooms appear tough when cut, they are too old.
Odor
Mushrooms have a mild, mushroom-like smell. If the mushrooms smell unpleasant or musty, they are spoiled and no longer suitable for consumption. Pay particular attention to this when buying, because spoiled mushrooms can often be hidden in a bowl at the bottom and can only be detected by an unpleasant smell.
Extend shelf life
Mushrooms are usually bought and rarely grown or collected themselves. To make it easier to transport the mushrooms to stores, they are packed in plastic cups and sealed with foil. This prevents the mushrooms from drying out quickly. The high humidity promotes mold. Therefore, you should remove the foil from the mushrooms immediately after purchasing them and store them properly.
Storage tips
To enjoy your mushrooms for longer, you should store correctly and store. The following points must be taken into account
- Wrap mushrooms in a kitchen towel or paper towel
- store in the vegetable compartment
- ensure sufficient ventilation (e.g. place on a grid)
- Do not store next to intensely smelling foods such as spring onions
You can store mushrooms in the refrigerator for an average of four days. If the mushrooms have been stored for a longer period of time, you should check carefully whether the mushrooms are still edible. Mushrooms should not be cleaned before storing to avoid additional bruises. You can only remove coarse dirt from mushrooms that you have collected yourself.
frequently asked Questions
When some fungi become overaged, they develop toxins as a result of degradation processes. In addition, mold can settle on the fruit bodies, which also makes the mushroom inedible.
Yes, it is possible to grow new mushrooms from old mushrooms. You need a suitable nutrient medium such as straw or coffee grounds. However, the fungus must under no circumstances be infected by foreign fungi such as mold cultures, as these would also develop further in the nutrient medium.
Mushrooms, for example, can be frozen. To do this, they are simply cut into pieces or slices. It is also suitable for drying and can be used as mushroom powder for sauces. Dried mushroom pieces can also be rehydrated.
