Do Magic Mushrooms Expire

Do magic mushrooms expire? This question is something people who use magic mushrooms both recreationally and therapeutically ask themselves. Some believe that if you store them right, mushrooms can last forever, but others say they might not work as well over time. Like with any other food or medicine, if not stored correctly, it will lose potency over time.

What exactly is the shelf life of magic mushrooms, and do they expire? This article will provide answers to these important questions.

Signs of Spoilage in Magic Mushrooms

No matter how you store them or how long they’re kept, it’s really important to know how to tell if mushrooms are no good or not. Before consuming your magic mushrooms always observe how they look, feel, and smell. These elements will show whether or not they are expired.

1. Visible Mold

If you can see mold on your mushrooms, that’s a clear sign they’re not good to eat anymore. Mold can come in different shapes and forms, but usually, it’s presented as a white or gray fuzz.

However, mold can also exhibit a different variety of colors, thus if you see any kind of discoloration, throw your magic mushrooms right away. Some types of mold may be extremely dangerous when consumed, therefore, it’s always better to be safe.

2. Foul Odor

Naturally, mushrooms have their own odor, which is kind of earthy and musky. However, if this smell changes and becomes really strong or weird, it could indicate a bacterial infection.

People usually report that expired mushrooms smell somewhat like sweat or dirt, although it depends on the type of contamination. If you find your mushrooms smelling funky,  you should throw away everything that’s kept inside the same container.

3. Changes in Texture

Changes in texture indicate that your batch of magic mushrooms is starting to disintegrate. These changes in texture are usually presented as mushy soft spots on the mushrooms as well as the development of slimy substance on the mushroom surface.

Soft spots on your mushrooms indicate that they are contaminated with bacterial colonies or mold spores growing in them. These spots will eventually become slimy which means that they have expired and should be thrown away immediately. If your mushrooms are turning mushy and slimy, do not try to fix them as it is not possible, just toss them.

4. Discoloration

If your mushrooms change color or have weird spots on their surface, it’s a good idea to get rid of them. Discoloration is usually caused because of bacteria, mold, or yeast – all of which could be harmful if you eat them.

One exception is if your mushrooms turn blue – that’s actually normal. The blue bruising is a common trait of all psilocybin-containing fungi.

How to Properly Store Magic Mushrooms

There are various factors that affect the shelf life of magic mushrooms as well as their potency. For instance, fresh mushrooms have the shortest shelf life, and they will expire anywhere from 3 to 5 days. On the other hand, when mushrooms are completely dry, they can last much longer, approximately 6 to 12 months. Microdosing capsules and chocolate bars are in the middle ground as they might be good even after a year of storage. For the longest preservation of magic mushrooms and their active components, it is best to store them in honey as they will stay good for 2 to 3 years.

Learn more about how to store your magic mushrooms properly.

For the purpose of this article, let’s explore the fundamentals by comparing fresh and dried mushrooms and discussing their respective storage methods.

• Fresh magic mushrooms can easily spoil and grow mold, so they’re only safe to eat for a short while, maybe around ten days if you keep them in a paper bag in the fridge. Storing them in plastic or a sealed container can make mold and rot more likely because of extra moisture.
• Dried magic mushrooms usually stay good for a longer time. If you keep them in an airtight container such as a mason jar or a ziplock bag, away from sunlight, heat, and air, they can keep their potency for up to a year in most cases. If you keep them dry, they are less likely to get moldy or have bacteria grow on them.

Final Thoughts on Do Magic Mushrooms Expire?

In one sense, magic mushrooms can indeed expire. As time passes by, they become vulnerable to mold, bacteria, and yeast growth, particularly if not stored correctly.

If you detect a strange or unfamiliar smell, spots, color changes, or visible mold on your mushrooms, it’s best to dispose of them right away. Mushrooms showing these signs could potentially be harmful to consume, and playing with your health is just not worth the risk.

When your magic mushrooms are stored properly and show no odd smell or appearance, they might have lost some of their potency during storage but are usually good to eat. Never assume they’ve become weaker and then take a larger dose. Just remember that heat, UV light, and oxygen can all break down psilocybin over time.