Mushrooms can make a delicious dish, but these gastronomic fungi are very delicate and perishable, and the wrong kind of storage can turn them to into a soggy, spoilt mess in no time.  Here are some handy tips to store mushrooms safely:

• If the mushrooms are already packaged, let them remain in the packaging. They will keep safe for a few days at least. If the mushrooms are in a plastic package, you can perforate the plastic to allow some circulation of air. 

• While refrigerating mushrooms, do not keep them in a crisper. Mushrooms need cross ventilation to remain fresh; the crisper will only make them go soggy.  Keep mushrooms partially covered all the time in the refrigerator.

• Another method you can use to store mushrooms is to store them in a paper bag. The paper will absorb the excess moisture of the mushrooms and give them a bigger shelf life. You can substitute paper towels placed above and below the mushrooms in place of a paper bag. Also, use a plastic, perforated bag outside the paper bag to prevent the paper bag from falling apart due to moisture.

• To freeze mushrooms, blanch them first, and try to freeze them in the same water that you blanched them in. freezing, however, may affect the texture of the mushrooms.

• Dried or pickled mushrooms which have been stored away from moisture can last forever. To store dried mushrooms, store in an airtight container, and soak in hot water for at least an hour before using it in cooking. The soaking water can also be used for additional flavor. 

• Since they have such a short shelf-life, use up fresh mushrooms within a few days of buying them.  Also, mushrooms should be stored whole, and not chopped. Chop up or process the mushrooms only just before cooking them. 

Pic courtesy: http://www.leftoverqueen.com