How to Properly Store Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have gained popularity for their psychedelic effects and potential therapeutic benefits. However, their potency and effectiveness can deteriorate over time if not stored correctly. Let’s discuss the proper techniques and methods for storing magic mushrooms to maintain their quality and to prolong their shelf life.

Magic Mushrooms Definition

People have been using magic mushrooms for centuries in spiritual and cultural practices, as well as for recreational purposes. You can learn more about their history by reading this article. These fungi contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, responsible for the mind-altering effects when consumed. 

Psilocybin is a prodrug that converts to psilocin in the body and interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. These compounds are delicate and can degrade if exposed to unfavourable conditions. Psilocybin mushrooms belong to the genus Psilocybe. The effects of their consumption vary greatly, depending on the dose ranging from euphoria and visual distortions to introspection and spiritual experiences.

Types of Magic Mushrooms

There are numerous species of magic mushrooms, each with unique characteristics and potency. Some common types include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Panaeolus cyanescens. They can be easily confused with their lookalikes that promise nothing more than health problems. 

So, be careful, and buy top-notch magic fungi only from trusted sources such as our magic mushrooms dispensary toronto. In our shop, you can find dried shrooms, delightful psilocybin edibles, shroom microdosing capsules and more. We carefully inspect every stock so it complies with necessary quality standards. 

Why Proper Storage Matters

Proper shrooms storage is crucial for two primary reasons: 

1. Maintaining potency and effectiveness;
2. Preventing contamination. 

You won’t leave regular fungi just lying on the kitchen table and then eat them, right? This works with our magical friends as well. 

Most psychonauts value magic mushrooms for their psychoactive effects, which can vary depending on the concentration of psilocybin and psilocin. By storing them correctly, you can help preserve their potency and ensure a consistent experience over time. 

You can also notice that magic mushrooms become blue over time and wonder if this is fine. Yes, that’s absolutely normal. Magical fungi become bluish due to the psilocybin’s exposure to the air. It is just a chemical reaction that doesn’t affect their potency at all.

Mushrooms are susceptible to contamination from bacteria, mould, and other fungi, even if it sounds strange. Proper storage methods minimize the risk of contamination and help maintain the quality and safety of your product.

Choosing the Right Storage Containers

The choice of storage containers plays a vital role in preserving the quality of magic mushrooms. They actually have a lot in common with weed containers, about which you can read here. Here are some general guidelines for you to chose your perfect storage container:

Airtight Containers

Choose airtight containers to prevent exposure to oxygen and moisture. Glass jars with rubber seals or vacuum-sealed bags are excellent options for maintaining freshness. You can continue storing the shrooms you bought in our shop in the original package, yet we didn’t make it resealable, but we are working on it! 

Airtight Glass Jars

Transfer your dried mushrooms into airtight glass jars, ensuring they fit snugly. Fill the jars to about 75% capacity to allow for air circulation. Place desiccant packets inside to absorb any residual moisture.

Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them. This method helps maintain the freshness and quality of the mushrooms. But don’t try to use your regular vacuum cleaner for this unless it has a special attachment. Or your new stock may end up in the dust collector. We aren’t storing clothes for winter, after all. So, shrooms require accuracy and patience.

Dark and Cool Environment

Magical fungi are sensitive to light and heat, which can degrade the psychoactive compounds. Store them in a dark and cool place, such as a pantry or a drawer, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Remember to lock your storage place so no one under 19 can touch your shrooms. 

Freezing Magic Mushrooms

Unlike weed, freezing can be a practical option for long-term storing magic mushrooms. Ensure the mushrooms are completely dry before placing them in a sealed freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and strain of the mushrooms.

Moisture Control

Obviously, moisture is the enemy of dried mushrooms. Ensure the storage containers are moisture-proof to prevent the growth of mould. So, you can add moisture absorbers like desiccants or silica gel packs to the containers.

Desiccants and Silica Gel Packs

These guys help absorb excess moisture and maintain a low-humidity environment within the storage containers to prevent the mushrooms from becoming damp or mouldy. As we mentioned before, regardless of the storage method chosen, it is crucial to keep magic mushrooms away from direct light and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the psychoactive compounds and reduce their potency.

Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Desiccant Packs for Moisture Control?

Yes, some natural alternatives include rice grains or silica gel made from natural sources like bamboo or diatomaceous earth. Ensure that moisture control packs are the only neighbours for your magic mushrooms. It is generally best to store magic mushrooms separately from other food items to prevent cross-contamination and maintain their quality.

Tips for Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store magic mushrooms for an extended period, consider the following tips:

• Label each storage container with the date of storage and the strain of mushrooms. This helps you keep track of the storage time and enables you to use older mushrooms first;
• Select a storage location that maintains a stable temperature and humidity. Avoid areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as near ovens or windows;
• Oxygen exposure can degrade the potency of magic mushrooms. If using glass jars, consider adding an oxygen absorber to maintain an oxygen-free environment.

Our personal advice is to store magic mushrooms only for a short time. Why bother with all these containers and staff if you can enjoy your pack right away? Meanwhile, we don’t recommend eating the whole package: start low and go slow. If you dislike the effects, sharing shrooms with friends is better, and not letting them lie around for no reason. 

How Long Can Magic Mushrooms Be Stored?

Magic mushrooms can be stored for up to several years if properly dried and put in optimal conditions. However, their potency may decrease over time. While it may be tempting to put your magic shrooms in the freezer, like ordinary mushrooms, we don’t recommend doing so. The moisture levels in refrigerators can be too high, leading to the growth of mould and the degradation of the mushrooms.

If you haven’t listened to us and your mushrooms have developed mould, it is best to discard them. Consuming mouldy mushrooms can be harmful and potentially lead to health issues. Just order a new pack in our online store and go on with your life!

Other signs that your shrooms have gone bad include:

• Signs of discoloration;
• Mould growth;
• Foul odour.

If you notice any of these signs, throwing them away is best. And if you decide to rehydrate them for some reason, don’t do that. Rehydrating dried magic mushrooms is possible but not recommended. The process may compromise their potency and increase the risk of contamination.

Final Thoughts

Properly storing magic mushrooms is essential to maintain their potency, effectiveness, and safety. By following the correct storage techniques, such as choosing airtight containers, keeping them in the dark and cool environment, and controlling moisture, you can ensure a prolonged shelf life and consistent experience. Avoid common mistakes and be mindful of the storage conditions to enjoy the benefits of magic mushrooms for an extended period.

Remember that storing magic mushrooms longer does not enhance their effects. The potency of magic mushrooms primarily depends on the concentration of psychoactive compounds present in them, which naturally decline over time.