How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last in the Fridge?

Magic mushrooms, like all fresh mushrooms, don’t last very long. They contain a lot of water, which means they spoil quickly. If you want to keep them fresh for a short time, the refrigerator is your best option. But if you’re trying to store them for weeks or months, you’ll need to dry them properly.

This guide will help you understand how long magic mushrooms can stay good in the fridge and what to do if you need to keep them longer.

Fresh Magic Mushrooms Don’t Last Long

When stored in the fridge, fresh magic mushrooms usually stay good for about 5 to 10 days. At room temperature, they might only last 1 to 3 days before they start going bad.

The cold slows down mold and bacteria, but it doesn’t stop them completely. That’s why the fridge is only a short-term solution. Over time, even in the fridge, the mushrooms will start to break down and lose their original quality.

How to Store Fresh Mushrooms in the Fridge

To keep fresh mushrooms from going bad too fast, how you store them matters a lot. Here are some tips that help slow spoilage:

• Don’t use plastic bags: Sealing mushrooms in plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mold and slime.
• Use a paper bag: Put the mushrooms (unwashed) in a brown paper bag. Fold the top over. The bag soaks up extra moisture and allows air to flow.
• Don’t wash them first: Water speeds up spoilage. Wait until you’re ready to use them before rinsing.
• Store in the main part of the fridge: Avoid the crisper drawer, which is often too humid. Also, keep them away from foods with strong smells; mushrooms can absorb odors easily.
• Keep them whole if possible: Sliced mushrooms go bad faster than whole ones. Only cut them when you’re about to use them. 

How to Know if Fresh Mushrooms Are Spoiled

It’s very important to check mushrooms before using them. Spoiled mushrooms can cause stomach pain or nausea, and should never be used.

Here are signs that mushrooms are no longer safe to keep:

• Slimy surface: If the mushroom feels slippery or sticky, it’s likely starting to rot.
• Bad smell: A strong, sour, fishy, or moldy smell is a warning sign. Good mushrooms should have a light, earthy scent.
• Discoloration: If they have dark spots, fuzzy patches, or just look much darker than before, toss them.
• Soft or mushy texture: Fresh mushrooms should be firm. If they feel squishy, they’re past their prime.

When in doubt, throw them out. It’s never worth the risk.

Drying Magic Mushrooms for Long-Term Storage

If you’re not going to use fresh mushrooms within a few days, the best thing to do is dry them. Drying removes the moisture that causes mold and rot, helping them last for months or even years if stored the right way.

Once fully dried, magic mushrooms can stay good for a very long time:

• At room temperature: 6 to 12 months
• In the fridge: Over a year
• In the freezer (vacuum-sealed): 1 to 2 years or more

Freezing dried mushrooms in airtight packaging helps protect their compounds and keeps them in the best shape.

How to Store Dried Mushrooms the Right Way

To keep dried mushrooms fresh and stable, you need to protect them from four things: moisture, air, light, and heat. Here’s how:

• Make sure they are completely dry: Mushrooms should snap when you break them, not bend. If there’s still moisture, mold can grow even in storage.
• Use an airtight container: Glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags work best.
• Add a desiccant: Put a small packet of silica gel inside to absorb any leftover moisture.
• Keep them in a dark, cool place: Store the container in a cupboard or pantry. For the best results, freeze the sealed container.

Freezing isn’t required, but it’s the best way to keep them in good condition for a long time.

Understanding Potency Over Time

Magic mushrooms contain two important compounds: psilocybin and psilocin. These can break down over time, especially if the mushrooms aren’t stored correctly.

• Psilocin breaks down quickly in fresh mushrooms when exposed to light, air, and heat. This is why potency fades fast in fresh mushrooms.
• Psilocybin is more stable, especially when mushrooms are fully dried and stored in cool, airtight conditions.

To keep these compounds from breaking down, dried mushrooms should be kept away from heat and moisture. Freezing dried mushrooms in vacuum-sealed containers is one of the best ways to preserve potency.

Keep It Fresh, Keep It Safe

TL;DR: 

• Fresh mushrooms only last about 5 to 10 days in the fridge. Use a paper bag and keep them dry.
• Never store them in plastic or wash them before refrigerating.
• If mushrooms look or smell off, don’t take chances; throw them away.
• For long-term storage, mushrooms must be completely dried.
• Store dried mushrooms in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
• Freezing dried mushrooms helps them last even longer.

Knowing how to properly store mushrooms helps protect their quality and makes sure they don’t go to waste. Whether you’re using this information for general food safety or scientific interest, these tips can help you handle mushrooms with care and caution.