For Wellness Wednesday, I’m sharing a simple but important kitchen tip that can help keep your food fresher, safer and more nutritious, how you store your mushrooms matters.

Mushrooms are living organisms. Even after you bring them home from the store, they’re still “breathing” and responding to their environment. When mushrooms are stored in plastic bags or sealed plastic packaging, moisture gets trapped. This creates the perfect environment for them to become slimy, mushy and spoil much faster.

The best way to store mushrooms is in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. Paper allows air to circulate and moisture to escape, helping mushrooms stay firm and fresh for longer, whether you bought them in bulk, in plastic or in a cardboard container wrapped in plastic.

Another helpful note, cooking mushrooms actually makes their nutrients more available compared to eating them raw. Lightly sautéing, roasting or cooking them helps your body better absorb their beneficial compounds while also making them easier to digest.

A small storage change like this can make a big difference, fresher food, less waste and better nourishment for your body.