Marinated mushrooms can go bad if not stored properly. Like any perishable food, marinated mushrooms need to be refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth. With proper storage, marinated mushrooms can last 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
How long do marinated mushrooms last?
The shelf life of marinated mushrooms depends on a few factors:
- Ingredients used – Oil, acids like vinegar or lemon juice help preserve mushrooms by creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria.
- Storage temperature – Refrigerating below 40°F inhibits bacteria growth. Freezing extends shelf life further.
- Container seal – An airtight container prevents contamination and keeps marinade touching mushrooms.
- Freshness of mushrooms before marinating – Older mushrooms have a shorter shelf life.
With proper refrigeration, here are some general guidelines for how long marinated mushrooms last:
| Marinated mushrooms | Refrigerator (below 40°F) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Marinated in oil | 5-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Marinated in vinegar | 10-14 days | 6-12 months |
Marinated mushrooms stored constantly at 0°F in a freezer may last up to a year before quality suffers.
How to tell if marinated mushrooms are bad
Here are signs that indicate marinated mushrooms have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance – Mushrooms are slimy, shriveled or mushy
- Texture – Mushrooms feel soft instead of firm
- Smell – Strong “off” odor instead of earthy mushroom smell
- Taste – Bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavor
- Marinade – Cloudy, foamy, or bubbly appearance
Gray or blue-black discoloration, wetness, or viscous liquid pooling in the container also indicate spoiled mushrooms.
How to store marinated mushrooms properly
Follow these tips for maximizing the shelf life of your marinated mushrooms:
- Use fresh, unspoiled mushrooms – Avoid older or bruised mushrooms when marinating.
- Clean mushrooms gently – Don’t soak or wash vigorously to prevent waterlogging.
- Marinate thoroughly in refrigerator – Let mushrooms marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Use an acidic marinade – Vinegar, lemon juice, or wine help preservation.
- Store marinated mushrooms in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Ensure marinade covers mushrooms fully.
- Consume within 5-7 days for optimal quality and food safety.
Marinating tips
Here are some extra tips for safely marinating mushrooms at home:
- Glass or plastic containers work best for marinating. Avoid reactive metals.
- For longer shelf life, add extra vinegar or lemon juice to marinade.
- Cut mushrooms to similar size for even marinating. Slice if eating right away or leave whole if storing.
- Pat mushrooms dry before marinating so flavors absorb better.
- Flipping mushrooms halfway through marinating ensures even coverage.
How to freeze marinated mushrooms
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your marinated mushrooms for up to 1 year.
To freeze marinated mushrooms:
- Prepare marinade and marinate mushrooms as desired. Use more vinegar or lemon juice in marinade for longer freezer life.
- Drain excess marinade, but keep mushrooms coated.
- Place mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer frozen mushrooms to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out air and seal.
- Label bag with contents and freeze for up to 12 months.
- Thaw marinated mushrooms overnight in the fridge before using.
Some separation of marinade may occur when freezing marinated mushrooms. Gently mix together once thawed.
How to use up marinated mushrooms
If you can’t eat marinated mushrooms within 5-7 days, here are tips for using them up:
- Make mushroom risotto, adding marinated mushrooms at the end.
- Mix into scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas.
- Layer on pizza, flatbreads, bruschetta.
- Add to pasta, grain bowls, or salad.
- Saute and use in sandwiches, wraps, pitas.
- Skewer for kebabs or mushroom caps for appetizers.
- Puree into a sauce or dip.
- Blend into soup broths.
Marinated mushrooms can be safely reheated if cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Enjoy marinated mushrooms within 3-4 days after reheating.
Can you eat mushrooms that have gone bad?
It’s not recommended to eat mushrooms that have gone bad. Spoiled mushrooms can harbor dangerous levels of bacterial growth like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli that can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Seek medical care if food poisoning is suspected.
Don’t rely on cooking spoiled mushrooms to make them safe. While heat kills bacteria, toxins produced by bacteria may not be destroyed by cooking.
When in doubt, remember the saying “When in doubt, throw it out!” Discard marinated mushrooms if you notice any odd colors, textures, or smells.
Conclusion
To summarize, properly stored marinated mushrooms can last about 1-2 weeks refrigerated. Look for signs of spoilage like sliminess, off-smells, or mushy texture before eating. Freezing extends shelf life significantly. With proper handling and storage, marinated mushrooms can be enjoyed safely within their window of freshness.
