Do Mushrooms Go Bad? How to dry and store your mushrooms
After harvesting or picking mushrooms, it’s important to dry and store them properly to remove their moisture so they don’t spoil. Excess moisture causes mushrooms to decompose and rot, and then they are no longer safe to eat. Although mushrooms can be stored moist, we recommend drying them as they will keep better that way. Wet mushrooms must be consumed within a few days.
Once dried, mushrooms need to be kept in a dark place with moderate temperature and humidity to preserve their life. Light and oxygen degrade mushrooms much faster, so it’s best to try to minimize exposure as much as possible.
Keeping mushrooms dry and in airtight containers also prevents the growth of mold or bacteria that will cause your mushrooms to spoil.
How long do mushrooms last?
Dried mushrooms can remain effective for a long time when stored properly, up to several months or a year before the potency wears off. Wet mushrooms need to be refrigerated and will spoil after a few days.
Are expired mushrooms dangerous?
Magic mushrooms, like all mushrooms, can develop mold or bacteria over time if not stored properly. Consuming some molds can cause allergic reactions or breathing problems in some people. So if your magic mushrooms have visible mold, you should not consume them.
Mushrooms will lose potency over time, but a mushroom’s old age will not necessarily affect the effects you feel. If anything, they’ll just be less powerful.
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How to dry magic mushrooms
Air drying mushrooms is the easiest, cheapest, and best way to dry them, and it provides slow, consistent drying of the mushrooms. You can also use a food dehydrator if you’re short on time, but it’s obviously a more expensive method.
air dry
Mushrooms take about 1-3 days to air dry.
Drying should take place in a moderately warm room, ideally between 60-70°F, with humidity between 55-65%. Make sure to protect mushrooms from direct sunlight.
The best way to air dry mushrooms is to place them on a grid so they can dry evenly on all sides. If you don’t have rust, place them on a clean cloth and turn them over every few hours.
You know mushrooms are done drying when you can easily snap off the stalk. If they still bend, give them some more time.
If the mushrooms take a while to dry, consider putting a fan on them for better ventilation. We do not recommend putting them in the oven or using any other heat source to dry them as they may dry out too quickly or even burn. Slow, even drying is best.
dehydrator
You can also use a dehydrator to dry your magic mushrooms, but we recommend air drying them for a low and slow approach. If you use a dehydrator, you need to watch it closely.
All dehydrators are different, but set yours to a low temperature and check your mushrooms after an hour. If they look like they’re about to complete but aren’t quite there yet, put them back in and check every 10-15 minutes thereafter.
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The best methods of storing dried and fresh wet mushrooms
Here are a few ways to store magic mushrooms — and the pros and cons of each. However you decide to store them, be sure to keep them in a dark place.
Store mushrooms in airtight containers
This is the best way to store magic mushrooms and we encourage you to do it. Oxygen causes mushrooms to degrade quickly, and they dry out and lose potency much faster. An airtight mason jar or bottle is much more effective at keeping oxygen out than a Ziploc bag. Be sure to store them in a dark place in a moderate temperature room, ideally between 60-70°F.
Store mushrooms in the fridge
We do not recommend storing mushrooms in the refrigerator as cold temperatures can damage them. Storage at room temperature in the dark is preferred.
Freshly picked, moist mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, but after that they must be eaten or dried or they will spoil.
Store mushrooms in a freezer
As with the fridge, we do not recommend storing mushrooms in the freezer as cold temperatures can damage them by freezing any residual moisture. A dark place at room temperature is best.
How to store wet (fresh) mushrooms
If you can’t dry your magic mushrooms, you can keep them damp in the fridge for a few days. But remember that they only keep for about a week, just like any edible mushroom. After that, they start to rot or decompose and can develop mold or bacteria.
You can also try drying mushrooms after they’ve been in the fridge for a few days and haven’t spoiled.
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How to tell if dried mushrooms have gone bad?
Dried or wet magic mushrooms have some tell-tale signs when they’ve gone bad.
Mold
Green or black mold is a sure sign that your mushrooms have gone bad. Don’t eat them if they show mold.
discoloration
Some psychedelic mushrooms turn blue, or “blue,” which is totally fine. But if your mushrooms turn a different color, e.g. B. black, bacteria or mold are likely to grow in them and they need to be discarded.
Most mushrooms, like Psilocybe cubensis, should have light brown to golden caps and white stems. Some mushrooms are more of a light brown color all over.
Funky smell
Good mushrooms tend to have a distinct smell – they are earthy and musky. If your mushrooms smell funny or sour, remove them immediately.
How can you tell if mushroom-infused products have gone bad?
Magic mushrooms can be infused into a variety of edibles, including chocolate, honey, and more, and can also be pressed into gelcaps, much like a dietary supplement. It’s hard to tell when these mushroom products have gone bad, as they don’t develop mold or discoloration like real mushrooms.
Mushroom edibles are said to last longer than real mushrooms, but their shelf life is difficult to pinpoint. So keep these products in a cool dry place and consume them within 2-3 months of making them and you will be set for success. And remember, if a product smells like an odor, don’t consume it.
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