Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a popular food used in a variety of dishes. They are highly perishable, so freezing is a great way to preserve their fresh, woodsy flavor and prevent food waste. Freezing changes the structure and texture of mushrooms, so they are best used in cooked dishes like stews, casseroles, pasta bakes, and stir-fries. There are two ways to freeze mushrooms: cooked or steamed. Steaming draws out internal moisture, ensuring a nicer texture and more intact mushrooms post-freeze. However, cooking saves time during meal prep. To freeze, wash and trim the mushrooms, cut them into uniform pieces, cook or steam, then cool and transfer to a sealed container or bag. Frozen mushrooms can be added directly to dishes and cooked from frozen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Freezing Mushrooms | An easy way to preserve their fresh, woodsy flavour for much longer. |
| Freezing Method | Wash, trim, and cut mushrooms into equal-sized pieces. Sauté in oil until the pan is dry and the mushrooms are tender. Allow to cool, then lay on a tray and freeze. Transfer to a labelled resealable freezer bag, removing excess air before sealing. |
| Texture | Freezing changes the structure and texture of mushrooms. They lose texture and become soggy, making them unpleasant to eat raw. |
| Use Cases | Frozen mushrooms are best used in cooked dishes like stews, casseroles, pasta, stir-fries, and soups. |
| Defrosting | Defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Alternatively, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating. |
| Storage | Frozen mushrooms are best used within 3 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing cooked or blanched mushrooms
To freeze cooked mushrooms, start by cooking them through your preferred method, such as sautéing or roasting. Once they are cooked, allow them to cool completely before proceeding. Spread the cooled mushrooms onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour or until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen mushrooms into a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag or container with the date, and store in the freezer for up to nine months.
For blanching mushrooms, start by cleaning fresh mushrooms and removing any dirt. You can wipe them with a damp paper towel, brush them with a pastry brush, or give them a quick rinse with water, ensuring they are thoroughly dried afterwards. Trim any woody parts from the stems and cut larger mushrooms into uniform pieces, while smaller mushrooms can be left whole.
Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding a teaspoon of lemon juice. Carefully place the mushrooms into the boiling water and blanch for about 2-4 minutes, depending on the size and whether they have been sliced or left whole. Immediately transfer the blanched mushrooms into a bowl of iced water for the same amount of time, then drain and pat them dry.
Once the mushrooms are frozen, they can be added directly to dishes like stews, casseroles, pasta, soups, stir-fries, and sauces without needing to defrost first. Frozen mushrooms may have a slightly altered texture, but this is less noticeable in dishes with liquid or other ingredients. Remember to use frozen mushrooms within three to nine months for the best quality.
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Freezing raw mushrooms
Firstly, it is important to clean and prepare the mushrooms properly. Give them a wipe since cultivated mushrooms are usually clean. You can also wash them thoroughly and trim off any woody bits or stems. Then, dry the mushrooms well before proceeding.
Next, cut the mushrooms into uniform pieces, such as quarters or slices. Small mushrooms can be left whole if they are less than one inch in diameter. To prevent discoloration, you can soak the mushrooms in a solution of water and lemon juice for about 10 minutes.
After preparing the mushrooms, you can choose to steam them briefly or leave them raw. Steaming will help draw out some of the internal moisture, resulting in a nicer texture and more concentrated flavor after freezing. However, it adds an extra step to the process. If you decide to steam, place the mushrooms in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
Once your mushrooms are cleaned, cut, and optionally steamed, it's time to freeze them. Spread the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and try to use the mushrooms within six months for the best quality.
When you're ready to use the frozen mushrooms, simply take them straight from the freezer and add them to your recipe. There's no need to defrost them first, and they can be easily chopped or blended into soups or sauces. Keep in mind that frozen and defrosted raw mushrooms may not have the same texture as fresh ones, so they are best suited for cooked dishes like soups, stir-fries, stews, or pizzas.
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Preparing mushrooms for freezing
Mushrooms can be frozen, which is a great way to reduce food waste. Freezing mushrooms changes their texture and colour, and they are best used in cooked dishes such as soups, sauces, casseroles, stir-fries, and curries.
When preparing mushrooms for freezing, it is important to select fresh mushrooms that are dry, without any bad spots, and free from unpleasant odours. Mushrooms that are cultivated are usually quite clean, so they just need to be wiped. If you do wash the mushrooms, ensure they are dried thoroughly before the next step, as washing them can make them soggy and susceptible to freezer burn.
The next step is to cook the mushrooms before freezing. This can be done by sautéing or steaming. To sauté, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a frying pan over high heat and add the mushrooms. Cook for about five minutes, or until they are fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated. To steam the mushrooms, first soak them in a solution of lemon juice or citric acid and water to minimise discolouration during cooking. Transfer the mushrooms to a steamer basket and steam for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the mushrooms in an ice bath to cool, and pat them dry.
Once the mushrooms are cooked and dried, spread them out on a tray and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the mushrooms to a labelled, resealable freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen mushrooms can last up to three months in the freezer.
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Defrosting frozen mushrooms
Mushrooms can be frozen raw, cooked, or blanched. However, freezing changes their texture, and they lose a lot of moisture. For this reason, it is recommended to use defrosted mushrooms in recipes that involve finely chopping and cooking them.
To defrost mushrooms, it is best to avoid room temperature thawing. Instead, you can use one of the following methods:
- Defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours.
- Use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating.
- Leave them out in a cool place (or the fridge) for 6-7 hours to defrost thoroughly. You can also take them out of the package and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- If you are using the mushrooms in a stir-fry, you can treat them as dried mushrooms and soak them in water or your prepared cooking sauces/stocks. Avoid hot water, as it may start cooking the mushrooms and affect their flavor.
If you have sautéed the mushrooms before freezing them, you don't need to cook them again. Simply add them to your dish towards the end and warm them through. This helps maintain their nutritional value, flavor, and texture.
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Using frozen mushrooms in recipes
While fresh mushrooms are always preferable, it is possible to freeze mushrooms and use them in recipes. Freezing mushrooms is a good way to reduce food waste, as fresh mushrooms do not last long and have a shelf life of about a week.
There are several ways to prepare mushrooms for freezing. One method is to steam-blanch them, which preserves their nutrients. Another option is to sauté them before freezing, which also helps to retain their nutritional value. If you want to freeze raw mushrooms, it is recommended to slice them first and freeze them on a tray so they don't stick together. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a labelled resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It is important to note that freezing raw mushrooms will affect their nutritional value and texture.
When cooking with frozen mushrooms, it is best to cook them straight from frozen to avoid sogginess. Frozen mushrooms can be added directly to soups, sauces, stir-fries, and stews. They can also be used in recipes such as stroganoff, blended burgers, pizza toppings, omelets, and quesadillas. If you are adding frozen mushrooms to a recipe, simply cook the other ingredients first and then gently heat the dish after adding the mushrooms.
It is important to defrost frozen mushrooms safely. Avoid defrosting them at room temperature, and instead, transfer them to the refrigerator to defrost fully. You can also use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating. When cooking frozen mushrooms, be aware that they release a lot of water, so you may need to adjust your cooking method accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. They are perishable, so freezing them can help to reduce food waste.
To freeze mushrooms, wash them, trim the stems and woody parts, and slice them into equal-sized pieces. Then, cook or blanch them. You can sauté them in oil or butter, or steam them. Once they are cooked and cooled, spread them on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen mushrooms are best used within three months.
Frozen mushrooms are best cooked straight from frozen and should always be used in cooked dishes rather than eaten raw. They are great for adding to soups, stews, casseroles, pasta, stir-fries, and sauces.
