Kitchen Hint of the Day!

Ever wonder why mushrooms are usually sold in styrofoam or cardboard containers? Plastic containers tend to keep the mushrooms too wet, and they go bad quickly. Fresh mushrooms have a shelf life of only 2-3 days and must be stored in the refrigerator in an open container. The original container or another paper product will work best. Never was mushrooms before storing them - they'll retain the water and become soggy. If you must keep them for a few days, place a single layer of cheesecloth on top of the container. (if they do become shriveled, they can still be sliced or chopped and used in cooking.) To freeze mushrooms, wipe them off with a damp paper towel, slice them, saute them in a small amount of butter until they are almost done, allow them to cool, and place in an airtight plastic bag and freeze. They should keep for 10-12 months.