Signs of Fresh and Spoiled Mushrooms: What You Must Know Before Buying

Sunday, June 08, 2025  Read time1 min

SAEDNEWS: Before buying mushrooms, it’s best to know the difference between fresh and spoiled mushrooms to avoid any issues when making your purchase.

Signs of Fresh and Spoiled Mushrooms: What You Must Know Before Buying

According to SAEDNEWS, Mushrooms are among the most delicious and best plant-based proteins, serving as a great alternative to meat and having countless fans, especially among vegetarians. Mushrooms can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, which is why buying high-quality mushrooms is very important. In this section, we have provided tips and tricks to help you distinguish between fresh and poor-quality mushrooms, which you should pay attention to when purchasing mushrooms.

Tips for Identifying Fresh, High-Quality Mushrooms and Spoiled, Poor-Quality Mushrooms

Closed Cap

High-quality mushrooms have a closed cap, meaning the gills underneath are not visible. If the gills beneath the cap are spread apart and open, it is a sign that the mushroom is old.

Mushrooms

Short Stem

High-quality mushrooms have a large cap and a short stem. Mushrooms with small caps and long stems are among the lowest quality. Additionally, if the base of the mushroom is broken or detached, it will spoil quickly.

Firm and Solid Texture

Good mushrooms have a firm and solid texture. Therefore, choose mushrooms that are free of spots, firm to the touch, and whose caps are neither slippery nor sticky. Old mushrooms lose their firmness and become soft and spongy.

Uniform Color

When buying mushrooms, make sure their color is even. However, keep in mind that the color does not necessarily indicate the mushroom’s freshness. Sometimes, overly white mushrooms contain chemicals used during production to make them appear whiter.

Heavy Weight

Fresh, high-quality mushrooms are dense and heavier. Older mushrooms lose water content and weigh less. So, if a mushroom feels light or hollow, it likely lacks good quality.

Mushrooms

No Spots

High-quality mushrooms are free of spots. Some spots on mushrooms result from interactions with tiny bacteria on their surface, which disappear when the mushroom is heated or cooked.

Free of Wrinkles

Good mushrooms do not have wrinkles. If you notice dryness or wrinkles forming on them, it means the mushrooms are old or spoiled.