The mushrooms They are delicious with meats, used to make flavorful homemade sauces, or mixed with rice, pasta, and scrambled eggs. Besides being very versatile, they provide proteins, Group B vitamins y minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and selenium. However, when bought fresh, they can spoil in just a few days if not stored properly. Eating spoiled mushrooms can cause Gastrointestinal disorders and even a food poisoning More seriously, it is therefore imperative to know whether the mushrooms are in bad condition or not and how to prevent them from spoiling so quickly.
Why do mushrooms spoil?
The mushrooms are edible fungi that grow in environments damp and darkboth in forests and in controlled cultivation. The most consumed are the white or Paris mushrooms, with a round cap and short stem, which can be found Fresh, laminated, on a tray or cannedIts structure is made up of tissues very rich in water, which means that if they are exposed too much to aire, heat and excessive humiditybacteria and mold proliferate, accelerating its deterioration.
When a mushroom is in bad condition, it may present a strange appearance, an unpleasant smell or abnormal tasteUnder these conditions, it can cause digestive discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. That's why it's so important to learn to accurately identify the signs of illness and discard it without hesitation if there is any suspicion.
Color and spots on mushrooms
The first thing to do is to observe if the mushroom presents unusual stainsFresh mushrooms usually have a color white o uniform creamSometimes with small light brown areas due to rubbing, but without very dark areas. If they are seen dark brown spotsAlmost black, or extensive greenish or yellowish areas, this means the mushroom is not edible. A tone yellowish or pinkish Generalized also indicates that the mushroom is old or has been overexposed to light and heat.
You can also examine the bottom of the capsule, that is, the gills of the mushrooms (the part visible when you lift the cap). In fresh specimens, the gills are light in color and appear clean. If you see that a part is very dark, almost black, or shows signs of mold, it means that the ripening process is incomplete. putrefaction has begun, and therefore they must be thrown away without trying to use any apparently healthy parts.
Smell and texture: key signs of deterioration
Another very reliable possibility is to rely on the odorThe mushrooms must release a earthy smellFresh, smooth, and slightly sweet, reminiscent of nuts and a damp forest. If a sour smellIf the mushrooms smell like ammonia, fish, vinegar, or something very pungent, it means they are not good to eat. Even the complete absence of smell in very dry specimens can indicate that they have lost their properties and freshness.
Mushrooms in disrepair They can also be detected when it is seen that they have over-drying or that are very wrinkled after buying them. The normal texture is firm and elastic Check them by touch. If they are soft, slimy, or very acidic, it means they have dehydrated or that bacteria have begun to break down their tissues. If you are unsure whether they are dry or not, simply look at the mushroom caps and check for the marked folds, which reveals that they are aged and close to being ruined.
When you look at the tip of the mushroom, if you see that it forms a shiny white layer and a viscous textureIt's a bad sign. When the mushrooms They rot, the top becomes covered with a sticky, slippery film, a clear sign that they are spoiled. The presence of visible mold Any part of the stem or cap must be discarded immediately; do not attempt to use seemingly healthy areas.
Tips for keeping mushrooms fresh
Mushrooms should not be stored in the fruit crate of the refrigerator, because this part of the refrigerator is designed to preserve the moisture of vegetables, and that's precisely what mushrooms don't like. Excess moisture encourages mold growth and a slimy texture. Ideally, they should be stored in the least cold part of the refrigerator, in a closed but ventilated containerlined with absorbent paper to retain the moisture they release.
Whenever possible, it is preferable to buy mushrooms whole and freshChoose firm, plump mushrooms with intact caps and stems, avoiding those with deep cuts or bruises. Sliced ​​mushrooms don't keep as long, so it's best to use them within a few days. It's advisable not to wash them or peel them until the moment of cooking them, so that they do not absorb extra water and oxidize so quickly.
If desired freeze Mushrooms should be washed, thoroughly dried, sliced ​​if necessary, and stored in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Keeping them at a constant freezing temperature best preserves their texture and flavor, although they may lose some quality over time.
Consuming mushrooms in good condition allows you to take advantage of their benefits. nutritional benefitsThey strengthen the immune system thanks to their selenium content, provide antioxidants that fight free radicals, are low in calories, help regulate blood pressure due to their potassium content, and contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system. Proper storage and learning to recognize when they have spoiled are the best guarantees for enjoying them safely in salads, soups, stews, pizzas, or any dish that includes them.