Mushrooms: all you need to know from storing them to all their health benefits

MUSHROOMS pack a punch, in the pot, plate and in your body.

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But what is the best way to store this powerhouse of vitamins?

According to The Washington Post, mushrooms have a high moisture content of around 90 percent.

And their structure is such that they can easily lose that water, which, if trapped on the fungi, can expedite spoilage. So the key to storing mushrooms for longevity is all about moisture control.

The National Library of Medicine states that a higher storage temperature accelerates the senescence (ageing), browning, weight loss and textural loss of mushrooms.

While you can leave freshly harvested mushrooms on the counter for about a day or so, they are best stored in the fridge.

(Since grocery store mushrooms were harvested at least a couple of days before they reached the store shelf, they should immediately be refrigerated.)

Many crisper drawers are set for high humidity to keep vegetables and leafy greens at their best. But that's not the objective for mushrooms, where too much humidity can encourage the condensation of water on their surfaces. It's better to store them elsewhere in the fridge.

In terms of packaging, moderate airflow is key to prevent too much moisture loss while avoiding condensation.