In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long can cooked mushrooms last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of cooked mushrooms. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled cooked mushrooms.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can cooked mushrooms last in the fridge?
Cooked mushrooms last in the fridge for 7-10 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit but it is recommended to eat cooked mushrooms within 1-2 days to enjoy their optimum quality. It is worth mentioning that cooked mushrooms should be kept in plastic zipper bags or air-tight containers on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for cooked mushrooms’ expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep cooked mushrooms at?
Cooked mushrooms should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your cooked mushrooms at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long do cooked mushrooms last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, cooked mushrooms last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, cooked mushrooms left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and cooked mushrooms left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long do cooked mushrooms last in the freezer?
Cooked mushrooms last for 10-12 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the cooked mushrooms extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the cooked mushrooms.
How to defrost frozen cooked mushrooms?
You can quickly defrost frozen cooked mushrooms by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed cooked mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before reheating and consuming them.
If you’re defrosting frozen cooked mushrooms in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal cooked mushrooms?
You may even vacuum seal your cooked mushrooms at home to extend their shelf life. It involves placing the cooked mushrooms in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal cooked mushrooms at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated cooked mushrooms?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen mushrooms have been reheated, they should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the cooked mushrooms goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your cooked mushrooms, and reheated cooked mushrooms should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume them completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled cooked mushrooms?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your cooked mushrooms have gone bad. To determine if cooked mushrooms have gone bad, look at their appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your cooked mushrooms, it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy cooked mushrooms since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the cooked mushrooms and they feel sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw them out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or foul while sniffing your cooked mushrooms, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked mushrooms with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled cooked mushrooms. They will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your cooked mushrooms and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
How to properly store cooked mushrooms?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the cooked mushrooms within 2 hours they are cooked in airtight containers to extend their shelf life while keeping their quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared cooked mushrooms, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked mushrooms that have been frozen at 0°C are safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Cooked mushrooms should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
You can read how to cook mushrooms here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can cooked mushrooms last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of cooked mushrooms. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled cooked mushrooms.