If you’re a gardener and you have recently harvested enoki mushrooms, or you have purchased them from the market, you may be wondering how long they will last in your kitchen. Knowing how long do enoki mushrooms last in the kitchen is essential for several reasons, such as food safety, avoiding food waste, quality, etc.
Today, I will discuss the complete shelf life of these mushrooms, storing tips, and their uses in different scenarios.
How Long Do Enoki Mushrooms Last?
When properly preserved, enoki mushrooms frequently last up to 10 days. The freshness of the mushrooms at the moment of purchase, the storage conditions, and the presence of mold or rot will all affect how long the mushrooms will keep.
Always keep Enoki mushrooms in the refrigerator. The recommended storage temperature range for enoki mushrooms is between 32°F and 36°F (0°C and two °C), which corresponds to the main refrigerator compartment’s normal temperature range. But, it’s important to avoid freezing them as this might cause the mushrooms to lose their firmness and become mushy.
Keep Enoki mushrooms in their original packaging or move them to a paper bag or another container covered with a wet paper towel to extend their shelf life. This can assist in preserving the moisture levels required to keep the mushrooms fresh.
Note: In the next section, I will go into further detail about storing Enoki mushrooms
I’d suggest tossing the mushrooms immediately if you notice any symptoms of deterioration, including a slimy texture, discoloration, or foul odor. Eating rotting Enoki mushrooms could cause food poisoning and other health issues.
Watch My Video On How Long Do Enoki Mushrooms Last?
How Long Can Enoki Mushrooms Last In The Fridge?
When stored properly, enoki mushrooms can last for up to a week in the fridge.
They must be thrown out if kept in the refrigerator for longer than a week. By doing this, you can avoid eating any mushrooms that might be bad and could make you sick.
How Long Do Enoki Mushrooms Last Without a Fridge?
Enoki mushrooms can keep for up to two days without a refrigerator. Still, it’s crucial to remember that conditions like temperature and humidity can shorten or lengthen their shelf life. It is preferable to keep them chilled in a paper bag or container with a damp paper towel to increase their shelf life.
If you’ve already cooked them, they can be kept in the refrigerator for five days. By following these instructions, you can ensure your enoki mushrooms stay fresh and suitable for consumption for as long as possible.
How Long Do Enoki Mushrooms Last in Packages?
Packaged enoki mushrooms can last 7 to 14 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and your mushrooms may last longer or shorter depending on the factors mentioned below:
- the freshness of the mushrooms at the time of packaging
- storage conditions
- the expiration date on the package
Enoki mushrooms should be stored carefully to increase their shelf life. This entails storing them in their original packing or putting them in an airtight container and placing them in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchasing. Avoid keeping them at room temperature for extended periods, as this can cause them to spoil quickly.
How To Tell If Enoki Mushrooms Are Bad?
Knowing how to tell if enoki mushrooms are bad can be beneficial for you and your health because it can prevent consuming any rotted mushrooms.
- Look for a slimy texture or discoloration
The first sign to search for is a slimy texture or discoloration. It is advisable to discard mushrooms that are slimy or sticky to the touch or that are brown or greyish. If the Enoki mushrooms have a musty or foul smell, that is another indication that they are wrong.
- Smell for a sour or musty odor
The consumption of rotting mushrooms can result in food poisoning and other health problems, despite the fact that eating fresh enoki mushrooms is harmless. Hence, if you are doubtful, it is always wiser to be safe and dispose of them.
How to store Enoki mushrooms?
Enoki mushrooms are so delicate; therefore, it’s essential to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Here’s how to store enoki mushrooms to ensure their long lasting freshness:
Check the packaging: If you bought your enoki mushrooms in a package, look at the “best by” date. For the finest quality, use the mushrooms by this time.
Keep them cool: Enoki mushrooms should be kept cool between 32 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be kept in the fridge, but keep them away from any other items that might bump into them and cause damage.
Keep them dry: Enoki mushrooms should be kept as dry as possible because moisture can quickly cause them to spoil. Store them in a dry container or plastic bag, and avoid washing them until you use them.
Trim the stems: It’s a good idea to trim the enoki mushrooms’ stems to the proper length before storing them. By doing this, you can stop the mushrooms from drying out and quickly spoiling.
Use them quickly: Enoki mushrooms should be utilized within a few days of purchase as they are best when used fresh. Consider freezing them if you can’t utilize them immediately.
Can you Freeze Enoki mushrooms?
Yes, you can free the enoki mushrooms. Freezing enoki mushrooms can help extend their shelf life and prevent them from worsening. Freezing enoki mushrooms is an excellent way to save them for later if you’ve bought a lot of them. But to freeze them, there are essential things to remember.
How to freeze Enoki mushrooms
The mushrooms should first be properly cleaned of any dirt or debris. Next, divide the mushrooms into manageable sections and trim the stems to the required lengths. You can either spread them out on a baking sheet and blanch them in boiling water for approximately a minute, or they may be frozen for a few hours until they are firm.
You can move the frozen enoki mushrooms to reusable bags or sealed containers. To keep track of the containers’ age, put the freezing date on the containers’ labels.
The frozen enoki mushrooms can either be cooked straight from the freezer or allowed to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use. Remember that freezing can significantly alter the texture of the mushrooms, making them somewhat less crisp than fresh ones.
Different Uses of Enoki Mushrooms
There are different uses of enoki mushrooms. They can be used in cooking, with other vegetables, and have health benefits.
Enoki mushroom in cooking
Enoki mushrooms are a delicate ingredient that requires some care when cooking. Here are some suggestions for using enoki mushrooms in recipes:
Trim the ends: Enoki mushrooms often have long, thin stems. Remove the root end and discard any slimy or discolored bits before cooking them.
Avoid overcooking: Enoki mushrooms cook quickly, so don’t cook them too long. To guarantee that they maintain their texture and flavor during cooking, add them to your recipe at the end.
Usage as an ingredient in soups and broths: Enoki mushrooms are a common addition to Asian soups and broths. They are a delicious and nutritious addition to miso soup, ramen, or hot pot.
Use in salads: Enoki mushrooms can also be consumed raw in salads. They make an excellent addition to mixed greens or noodle salads due to their delicate flavor and texture.
Pairing Enoki Mushrooms with Other Foods
You can pair this mushroom with these foods:
Soups: They go well with other soups as well. Here are some suggestions for foods to serve with enoki mushrooms:
Meat and seafood: Enoki mushrooms go well with beef, pig, and shellfish, among other meats. They can be put on top of grilled meats and shellfish or added to stir-fries.
Vegetables: They can also be served as a tasty and nutritious side dish when combined with other vegetables. Try sautéing them along with broccoli, snap peas or bok choy.
Noodles: Enokis is a well-liked ingredient in numerous noodle meals. For a filling supper, they can be included with stir-fried noodles, ramen, or udon.
Sauces and seasonings: Enoki mushrooms are a perfect canvas for various sauces and seasonings because of their mild flavor. A garlic and ginger sauce or soy sauce and sesame oil flavor are two options.
Health Advantages
Not only are enoki mushrooms delicious, but they are also loaded with health advantages. They are an excellent supplement to a balanced diet because they are low in calories and nutrients.
How Long Do Enoki Mushrooms Last? Conclusion
Now that you know how long do enoki mushrooms last, you can confidently purchase them for your next recipe without worrying about them spoiling. By following the storage tips, I provided in this post and checking for signs of spoilage before consuming, you can safely enjoy these tasty mushrooms for up to two weeks. If you have any other queries, ask me in the comments. Thank you!
Each mushroom has a different shelf life and uses. Read my other articles to learn more:
