
How to store magic truffles?
Magic truffles can turn very quickly if not stored appropriately. But with a little know-how, they can last for a year or more without losing potency. Keep reading to find out how to store Psilocybe sclerotia!
Magic truffles contain the same active compounds as magic mushrooms, and because they’re fresh and moisture-rich, they need to be stored correctly. If left out or mishandled, truffles spoil quickly (sometimes in under a day), leaving you with a slimy mess that’s neither safe nor effective. Proper magic truffle storage, therefore, is essential if you want to avoid wasting your truffles, preserve their potency, and stay safe.
This guide explains how to store magic truffles correctly, whether they’re fresh or dried. It covers short- and long-term methods, including refrigeration, drying, and freezing. Moreover, we provide answers to key questions/issues like “how long do magic truffles last?”, “can you freeze magic truffles?”, and "how to tell if your magic truffles have gone bad".
Why proper storage of magic truffles matters
The main reason to store sclerotia properly is to keep yourself safe. Coming in a close second: to retain their psychoactive properties.
Fresh magic truffles can go off extremely quickly. When improperly stored, they can spoil within 24 hours. Not only does this render them ineffective, but it also creates a gross, rotten, mushy mess. In the worst-case scenario, you might try consuming them anyway and expose yourself to harmful mould or bacteria.
Though it's not very common, it is possible to dry magic truffles (much like magic mushrooms), which allows you to store them for longer periods.
How to store your magic truffles for maximum freshness:
If you’re ordering directly from our store, we ship our truffles vacuum-sealed, ensuring maximum freshness and longevity. So, if you’ve ordered from us, just leave your truffles in the fridge in their original packaging until you want to consume them. When stored unopened at optimal temperatures (between 4–8°C), our vacuum-sealed magic truffles can keep for up to two months.
If you’ve grown your own truffles, also consider vacuum-sealing if you plan to store them for any meaningful amount of time. Moreover, you should store your truffles at stable temperatures and avoid handling them: fresh truffles bruise easily, which can reduce their longevity.
Once truffles are opened and exposed to the air, you should consume them within two days and keep them refrigerated in the meantime.
Cleaning and preparation before storing
If growing and storing your own truffles, a little preparation will go a long way toward increasing their shelf life and retaining their potency. Clean your truffles as per the instructions below, then dry their outsides thoroughly before packing them away to minimise the risk of mould. Labelling them also helps.
Note that the truffles sold at Zamnesia should not be cleaned, as they are already inspected and prepared before shipping. They are ready for storage and consumption when they arrive.
How to clean and prepare truffles for storage
- Gently brush off any visible dirt with a soft brush or dry paper towel.
- Avoid rinsing or soaking truffles in water. This increases the risk of mould.
- If needed, use a lightly dampened cloth for spot cleaning, then dry immediately.
- For fresh truffles, leave them out at room temperature for a few hours before storing, especially if they’ve been sealed or chilled. This will keep them from sweating once stored.
- For dried truffles, check that they are completely dehydrated before sealing and storing them.
- Label each package with the storage date, strain/type, and whether they’re fresh or dried. Our labelling stickers make this easy and consistent.
Alternative ways to store your magic truffles
Vacuum-sealing truffles is arguably the best way to preserve them. However, it might not be right for everyone. Consider the following alternatives for short- and long-term storage of magic truffles at home.
Paper bag method (fresh truffles only)
If you’re looking to keep your truffles for only a matter of days, then you can wrap them in paper and store them in a cool, dry place. The key is to use breathable, absorbent material, such as kitchen paper, as this absorbs excess moisture and allows for gas exchange, thereby preventing the build-up of mould and bacteria.
Once you’ve wrapped your truffles, store them in a fridge or cool, dark cupboard for a maximum of seven days. Check on them daily for signs of mould or softness. Remember, once truffles turn, they turn very quickly, so only rely on this method for short-term storage.
Drying truffles for different usage methods (capsules, tinctures, and more)
Drying magic truffles is an effective way to prepare them for long-term storage, especially if you plan to make magic truffle capsules and/or tinctures. When you dry truffles, you’ll remove (ideally) all of their water content, which means that you can store them for far longer than when vacuum-sealing and refrigerating them.
Dry truffles maintain their potency over months or even years if stored properly. Moreover, they can be ground down and made into all manner of different psilocybin-containing products such as capsules, tinctures, or Blue Honey for microdosing or alternative consumption. Check out our detailed guide to drying magic truffles here.
Freezing dried truffles
Dried magic truffles will keep in the freezer for a year or more. Note that you cannot freeze fresh truffles, as this will destroy the psilocin they contain, rendering them ineffective. Ensure that your truffles are 100% dry before freezing, as residual moisture can cause significant problems.
To properly freeze dry truffles:
- Vacuum-seal fully dried truffles in bags or airtight jars.
- Place the sealed bags or jars in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most stable.
- Use a double-seal or thick bag to prevent freezer burn.
- When you come to use your truffles, thaw them slowly in the fridge before opening them to avoid condensation.
How to tell if magic truffles have gone bad
It can be hard to tell if truffles have gone bad as they look, smell, and taste pretty gross to begin with. However, there are telltale signs, and these are important to look for, as spoiled truffles can make you unwell (and won’t get you high).
Signs to watch for:
- Unpleasant, sour, or rotting odour: If your truffles smell sour, musty, or like rotting food, it’s time to throw them out. Truffles should have a natural, earthy, or grassy smell.
- Visible mould: Look for white, green, or fuzzy growth that resembles powder or specks. If there is any growth on your truffles, throw them out.
- Slimy or mushy texture: Truffles should feel firm and slightly rubbery. If they are slimy, wet, gooey, or overly soft, your truffles have spoiled.
- Colour changes: Truffles naturally darken over time, especially when dried. Discolouration or uneven colouring, however, suggests that something is off.
- Gas build-up in sealed packaging:Gas build-up inside a sealed pack of truffles is usually a sign of bacterial activity. If your pack of truffles changes shape or feels tight from internal pressure, do not consume.
- Do magic truffles lose potency over time?
- Yes, psilocybin slowly degrades with exposure to heat, light, and oxygen. The speed at which this happens depends on storage conditions. Properly dried truffles kept in airtight, dark, and cool conditions can remain potent for up to a year or more.
- Can I mix different truffle strains in one container?
- Technically yes, as long as all the truffles are dried. Mixing fresh strains may cause uneven moisture levels, leading to mould or spoilage. However, we don’t recommend mixing truffle strains, as they can produce vastly different effects and are best stored separately.
- What are the health risks of consuming expired magic truffles?
- Expired truffles may contain mould, bacteria, or degraded compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, or digestive issues. In some cases, consuming spoiled truffles could lead to mild food poisoning symptoms.
- Do different strains of magic truffles require different storage?
- No, storage methods are the same across strains. While different truffle strains may vary in size, colour, and potency, their storage needs are the same.
- Can I store truffles in edible products (e.g., chocolate or smoothies)?
- Only for very short-term storage (1–2 days). Most edible products spoil quickly or require refrigeration, which can introduce moisture and lead to contamination. Avoid using edibles for long-term truffle storage.
- Can I freeze magic truffles?
- Yes, dry magic truffles can be frozen. Fresh truffles, however, will lose their potency in the freezer.
Storing magic truffles: options for everyone!
Unless you intend to consume them immediately, it’s crucial to store your magic truffles with care. Doing so can ensure they remain safe and potent for months or years to come, while failing to do so can degrade their potency and risks making you unwell.
Ready to store your truffles like a pro? Find all the necessary truffle storage gear from our shop. Or better yet, why not order vacuum-sealed truffles ready to store or enjoy! Finally, learn more about the best ways to take magic truffles here.
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