How to store dried mushrooms (and why you should keep them in the freezer)

Anyone who loves cooking knows that a pack of dried porcini mushrooms is a true pantry treasure. However, a common question often arises: how can we store them after opening without losing their unmistakable aroma or, worse, having them attacked by pantry moths or weevils?

Should an opened, half-used pack be kept in the pantry, perhaps inside a glass jar? Or do they need to be used all at once?

We are about to reveal the best method for storing dried mushrooms so that their aroma and flavor remain intense and delicious. This way, your product will stay as good and fragrant as the day you bought it.

Why glass jars and the pantry aren’t enough

Many suggest transferring dried mushrooms into a glass jar and keeping them in the pantry. While this is certainly better than leaving them in an open or poorly sealed bag, it doesn’t offer 100% protection. This method still leaves your mushrooms vulnerable to ambient humidity, light, and pest infestations, such as common pantry moths, which are often drawn in by the intense aroma of these products.

The best way to store dried mushrooms: the freezer

The secret to preserving dried mushrooms at their best is to keep them in the freezer. Putting a dry product in the freezer might seem strange, but it is the ideal solution for several reasons:

• Zero humidity: the dry cold of the freezer prevents the mushrooms from absorbing moisture or getting moldy.
• Total protection: the freezing temperatures prevent any insects or pests from proliferating.
• Locked-in aroma: the cold keeps the aromatic properties intact. Even after months, your mushrooms will smell as fresh and intense as the day they were packed.
• Perfect texture: since they are moisture-free, the mushrooms won’t freeze solid or stick together. You can simply take out the handful you need and put the rest back in the cold.

How to do it in 3 simple steps

• Place the mushrooms in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air and sealing it carefully. Alternatively, keep them in their original packaging if it hasn’t been opened yet.
• Write the date on the bag. Our recommendation is to use them within one or two years for the best quality.
• Place everything directly into the freezer.

READ ALSO: Do dried mushrooms expire?

The extra benefit? When you want to cook them, you won’t even need to defrost them. Move them directly from the freezer to soak in lukewarm water, following the classic preparation method for dried mushrooms. In just a few minutes, they will become as fragrant and flavorful as if they were freshly bought, ready to enhance your risotto or pasta dishes.