Good quality fresh mushrooms should be firm and free of blemishes. All varieties bruise easily and must be handled with care.

Use fresh mushrooms as soon as possible after buying, however they will keep for several days in a cold vegetable crisper. For White Button, Crimini and Portobello, refrigerate loose mushrooms in a paper bag. Before use, wipe with damp cloth or rinse in cool water, then pat dry.

Shiitake and Oyster varieties should be refrigerated in a container covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Before use, rinse briefly; pat dry.

Mushrooms purchased prepackaged can be refrigerated as is.