Mushrooms are fungi, right, so that means they can’t go bad? Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Although mushrooms are a part of the fungi kingdom and mycelium helps grow these little friends, exposing oneself to harmful, age-triggered mycelium is the same as ingesting mold from rotten foods. 

We want to help you make the most of your precious mushrooms by discussing the best ways to store them. And while we are talking about food mushrooms, we want to make clear that these storage tips will also extend the life of psilocybin or psychedelic mushrooms, so you don’t have to run back to your dealer just yet. 

When eating actual food mushrooms, the general rule is to keep them refrigerated for 5 to 7 days, any longer, and they tend to spoil. But how do you know if your mushrooms have gone bad? The two big S’s, “slimy” and “smelly,” are useful guides. Before your fungi friends go bad, here are the best ways to store them. 

Although we said the general rule for a mushroom’s lifespan is 5 to 7 days, many different types can live in the fridge for up to two weeks. The same goes for your psychedelic shrooms; by storing them in a refrigerator like other foods, you’re maintaining the freshness, which helps keep the psilocybin intact.

Freezing your mushrooms is by far the best way to keep them as fresh as the day you bought them. In case you bought too many and want to store them for next week, place them in an airtight bag or container and keep them frozen for 9 to 12 months. We must note that because mushrooms have a high water concentration, they don’t look as fresh when thawed. Don’t be afraid to pop your psilocybin shrooms in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer.

If you must keep your mushrooms out at room temperature, keep in mind that they can only last 3 to 5 days without being refrigerated. However, the best way to keep them fresh without chilling is to store them in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap, then place them in a rolled paper bag to minimize air exposure. You also want to ensure they’re stored far from heat, as this will deplete the mushroom of its high water concentration, shrivel them out, and increase harmful bacteria production (mycelium).