If you’ve collected more shrooms than you can handle, you might be tempted to leave some for next time. But is that really the best idea? Will they be able to last for long or do shrooms go bad after a while?
Short answer:
Just like most drugs, shrooms go bad over time.
But here’s the catch: While most drugs would just lose potency over time, shrooms might cause harmful effects when they go bad.
That’s why it’s important that you know the ins and outs of magic mushrooms’ shelf life and proper storage.
The good news is, we’ve got all the important information you need in this article.
So what are you waiting for? Keep on reading!
Do Shrooms Go Bad After a While?
Yes, shrooms go bad after some time, and they can go bad in two ways. Here they are:
Shrooms will lose potency over time.
Just like most drugs, shrooms’ quality and potency may decline after some time. This is because psilocybin (the active ingredient) will degrade when they are stored for a prolonged period of time, regardless of proper the storage method. (*)
The degradation is often caused by a few environmental factors like exposure to heat, UV rays, and air.
The good news is degraded magic mushrooms are still safe for consumption. The problem you’ll encounter with degraded mushrooms is they are difficult to dose because there’s no way to tell how much of the psilocybin content was left.
Magic mushrooms might grow bacteria and mold after a while.
Since magic mushrooms are still considered plants, they are prone to growing bacteria and mold. This happens when they are exposed to moisture.
If this happens, then the contaminated mushrooms are no longer safe for human consumption. This is because mold spores might cause not only gastrointestinal problems but respiratory issues as well.
Because of this, you should take the time to inspect the mushrooms first before using them.
How Long Do Shrooms Last? (Shelf Life)
Now that we’ve straightened things out, the next question we’ll tackle is—how long do shrooms last? The answer depends on the type and variety of shrooms you’re using.
Here are the guidelines on the different shroom types’ shelf life:
| Type | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh Mushrooms | 3 to 7 days |
| Dried Mushrooms | 6 to 12 months |
| Microdose Capsules | 12 to 18 months |
| Mushroom Chocolates | 12 to 18 months |
| Mushroom Honey | 2 to 3 years |
4 Reasons Why Shrooms Might Go Bad Faster Than Expected
Unfortunately, not all shrooms can last for as long as they are expected to due to a lot of reasons. Oftentimes, these are related to how they are dried and stored.
Here are some of the common reasons why shrooms go bad faster than expected:
Not cleaned well
Taking the time to properly clean magic mushrooms will go a long way. That’s because there might be soil, dirt, or any substrate left in its base.
If those aren’t removed, there’s a high risk of bacterial contamination which will cause the shrooms to go bad faster than their expected shelf life.
Improper Drying
As mentioned, mushrooms are prone to mold growth. Since mold thrives in wet environments, proper drying is a must to preserve the shrooms for as long as possible.
The best way to check the mushrooms’ moisture content is to inspect their texture. If the shroom still has some bend or squishiness to it, it means that it needs to be dried more.
Lucky for you, we have all the mushroom drying tips you need to know in the last section so stay tuned.
Wrong storage container
There are many ways a mushroom can go bad when stored in the wrong container.
For example, plastic containers increase the risk of bacterial contamination. On the other hand, containers with loose lids will increase air exposure and will cause the psilocybin to degrade faster.
Wrong environment
Aside from moisture, you also need to pay extra attention to the other factors of the storage environment, like the presence of light, sun, heat, and air. After all, all these environmental factors will cause the degradation of psilocybin which leads to lost potency.
How to Tell if Shrooms Have Already Spoiled?
No matter how well you’ve cleaned, stored, and dried your mushrooms, it’s still best that you inspect them thoroughly for any signs of spoilage. Here are some of the signs to look out for:
Mold Growth
Some of the most visible signs of mold growth include:
- Fuzzy, velvety, or rough growth on the surface or
- While, black, blue, yellow, or green discoloration or spots.
If your shrooms have any of these signs, then you should discard them right away to avoid any health issues.
Off Smell
Shrooms smell earthy and musky. If your magic mushrooms give off any smells other than these, then it’s time to throw them out.
This is most especially true if they smell pungent, funky, or sweet because those scents indicate bacterial or yeast infection.
Slimy or Mushy Texture
Before using them, touch the different parts of the mushrooms first.
Try lightly pinching the mushrooms. Do they bounce back to the touch?
Do they have any soft spots? Or have they turned completely mushy?
If you answered yes, discard them right away.
Dried mushrooms should break when you bend them. The soft, malleable, or slimy texture is a sign of the presence of mold spores or bacterial colonies.
How to Store Shrooms The Right Way?
If you wish to prolong the shelf life of your shrooms, you need to store them properly. The proper storage method depends on what type of shrooms you have.
With that said, here are some tips to keep in mind when handling and storing different types of shrooms:
How to Store and Clean Fresh Shrooms
- Wear gloves before touching fresh shrooms.
- Using a small brush, remove the soil, dirt, and any substrate on the mushroom’s surface. Focus on the base as much as possible.
- Roll a paper towel around the shrooms then place it in the paper bag.
- Roll or seal the paper bag to protect the shrooms from air exposure.
- Store in the refrigerator.
How to Store and Clean Dried Shrooms
- Store dried shrooms in airtight containers, like mason jars, a ziplock bag, or a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Place a food-safe silica gel packet inside the container to absorb excess moisture from the shrooms.
- Store the container in a dark, dry, and cool place like the kitchen cupboard or pantry.
- Place the shrooms in an area far away from heat sources like the stove and oven.
Please keep in mind that there’s a chance that the shrooms can get contaminated no matter how properly you store them. That’s why you should make it a habit to inspect the shrooms for any molds or signs of bacterial contamination before using them.
The Ultimate Hack for Long-Lasting Shrooms
If you want our magic mushrooms to last longer, the best thing that you can do is to turn them into shroom edibles. The most common ones are chocolate and honey.
To do this, just simply grind your thoroughly cleaned and properly dried shrooms. Afterward, infuse them in honey or add them to your chocolate recipes.
Storage Tip:
Store shroom honey in an airtight container and place it in a dark, dry, and cool place. On the other hand, you can freeze or refrigerate shroom chocolates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Do shrooms go bad after a while? Yes, they do. Over time, shrooms may either
- a.) lose their potency or
- b.) grow mold or bacteria.
While potency loss is a natural phenomenon, preventing mold growth or bacterial contamination can be done through proper drying, cleaning, and storing, so make sure to follow all of the tips we’ve shared with you in this article.
Do Shrooms Go Bad After A While
Equipment
- Airtight Container
- Plastic Bag
Ingredients
- Shrooms
Instructions
- Shrooms can go bad if stored incorrectly or for too long.
- Shrooms can last up to a few weeks if stored properly, although their shelf-life is dependent on the type of mushroom and how they were harvested. Freshly picked mushrooms have a shorter shelf life than pre-packaged shrooms.
- One way to tell if shrooms are bad is to check their smell. If they have a strong, rancid odor, they are probably bad and should not be eaten. Additionally, you can check the mushrooms for signs of mold or discoloration. If they look slimy or darkened in color, they could be spoiled and should be discarded.
- The best way to store shrooms for maximum freshness is to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
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