Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are highly perishable. Freezing is a great way to extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. The best way to freeze mushrooms is to cook them first, as this preserves their flavour and texture. You can sauté or steam them, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags. Frozen cooked mushrooms can last up to nine months, but it's important to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Frozen mushrooms can be cooked straight from frozen, making them a convenient option for quick meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why freeze mushrooms? | To reduce food waste, to take advantage of sales, to preserve leftovers, to stock up on seasonal mushrooms |
| How to prepare mushrooms for freezing | Wash, trim ends, cut into uniform pieces, soak in lemon juice or citric acid solution, steam, cool, flash-freeze, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags |
| Freezing methods | Raw, blanched, cooked, roasted, sautéed, steamed |
| Best freezing method | Cooking mushrooms before freezing is recommended due to their high moisture content. Steamed mushrooms last longer in the freezer, while cooked mushrooms are more convenient for meal prep |
| Freezer containers | Zip-top bags, vacuum-sealed bags, freezer-safe containers |
| Freezing time | Up to nine months, preferably within six months to one year |
| Defrosting | No need to defrost before cooking, can be cooked straight from frozen, can defrost in the refrigerator or on a counter at room temperature |
| Precautions | Avoid stacking items on top to prevent bruising, keep away from strong-smelling items to prevent absorption of scents, label freezer bags, squeeze out air to prevent freezer burn |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing mushrooms for freezing
Next, trim off the ends of the stems and cut the mushrooms into uniform pieces. You can slice or quarter them, but aim for similar-sized portions. Small mushrooms can be left whole if they are less than one inch in diameter.
Now, decide whether you want to freeze raw or cooked mushrooms. Raw mushrooms will last about six months in the freezer, while cooked mushrooms can last up to nine months. If you choose to freeze raw mushrooms, it is recommended to flash-freeze them first. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour until they are hard. Then, transfer them to freezer bags or containers, being sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
If you decide to cook the mushrooms before freezing, you can sauté or steam them. To sauté, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a pan over high heat and cook the mushrooms for about five minutes, or until they are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. To steam, first soak the mushrooms in a solution of lemon juice or citric acid and water to minimise discolouration, then steam according to the recommended times. Allow the mushrooms to cool completely, then follow the same flash-freezing and storage process as for raw mushrooms.
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Cooking mushrooms before freezing
Freezing changes the structure, colour, and texture of mushrooms, and they won't be pleasant to eat raw after being frozen. Cooking mushrooms before freezing helps preserve their flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking mushrooms before freezing:
Step 1: Slicing
Slice the mushrooms into similar-sized portions so they cook and freeze evenly. You can cut them into slices, one-inch batons, or half-inch cubes, depending on how you plan to use them later.
Step 2: Cooking
There are two ways to cook mushrooms before freezing: sautéing or steaming. To sauté the mushrooms, put a small amount of neutral oil or butter in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Mushrooms release a lot of moisture when they cook, so a few drops of oil or butter should be enough. Cook the mushroom pieces for about five minutes or until the pan is dry and the mushrooms are fork-tender. If you decide to steam the mushrooms, first soak the pieces in a bowl with one teaspoon of lemon juice or 1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid to two cups of water for five to ten minutes to prevent discolouration.
Step 3: Cooling
Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Flash-freezing
Place the cooled mushroom pieces onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour, or until the pieces feel hard.
Step 5: Packaging
Use a spatula to carefully remove the mushrooms from the baking sheet and put them into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen cooked mushrooms will last up to nine months in the freezer, but it is recommended to use them within a year.
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Freezing raw mushrooms
To freeze raw mushrooms, start by choosing mushrooms that look and smell fresh. Avoid any that are dry, shrivelled, darkened, mouldy, or give off an unpleasant odour. Next, wash the mushrooms in cold water and trim off the ends of the stems. If you're concerned about the mushrooms becoming soggy, you can simply brush or wipe them off instead of washing them. Mushrooms more than one inch across should be sliced or quartered, with uniformity being key. This will ensure that they cook and freeze evenly.
After preparing the mushrooms, you can choose to steam them before freezing. To do this, soak the mushrooms in a solution of one teaspoon of lemon juice or 1.5 teaspoons of citric acid to one pint of water for five minutes. Then, place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and steam for 3-5 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to an ice water bath for a couple of minutes, then strain and pat them dry. This method will help to minimise the darkening effect of freezing.
Once your mushrooms are prepared, spread them out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are frozen solid. Finally, use a spatula to transfer the frozen mushrooms into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date, and remember to use the mushrooms within six months to a year.
It is important to note that freezing raw mushrooms may affect their texture and colour, and they may become mushy when defrosted due to their high water content. Therefore, it is recommended to cook the mushrooms before freezing if possible, as this will help preserve their flavour and texture. However, frozen raw mushrooms can be added directly to recipes without defrosting, making them a convenient option for quick meals.
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How to defrost frozen mushrooms
Frozen mushrooms can be safely defrosted in several ways. One way is to leave them out in a cool place, such as the fridge, for about six to seven hours to defrost thoroughly. It is recommended to take them out of their package and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Another method is to use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating. It is important not to defrost mushrooms at room temperature. If you sautéed your mushrooms before freezing, you can simply warm them up by mixing them into your dish towards the end of cooking.
If you plan to finely chop and cook the mushrooms, the texture issues caused by freezing are less noticeable. Frozen mushrooms can also be rinsed and used in recipes such as duxelles, mushroom soup, or added to a spaghetti sauce.
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Advantages of freezing mushrooms
Longevity
Freezing mushrooms is a great way to increase their shelf life. Fresh mushrooms last for about a week in the refrigerator before they start showing signs of spoilage. By freezing them, you can extend their longevity by several months. Cooked mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months, while raw mushrooms can last up to six months.
Reduced Food Waste
Freezing mushrooms is an effective way to reduce food waste. Mushrooms are highly perishable, and if not used promptly, they can quickly become slimy and spoiled. By freezing them, you can preserve them for future use, especially if you have a glut of mushrooms to get through. This helps prevent mushrooms from ending up in the bin due to spoilage.
Convenience and Portion Control
Freezing mushrooms allows for convenient storage and easy portion control. Frozen mushrooms can be used as needed, and you can take out the required amount without having to worry about the rest going bad. This is especially beneficial if you have leftovers or have over-purchased. Frozen mushrooms can be cooked straight from frozen, saving time during meal prep.
Nutrient Preservation
While freezing can affect the nutritional content of some foods, it is an effective way to preserve certain nutrients in mushrooms. Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, copper, potassium, and vitamin D. Freezing them helps retain their mineral content and can be a way to lock in these nutrients for future use. Steam blanching, in particular, is recommended for preserving nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be frozen for up to six months to a year. However, some sources state that they can be frozen for up to nine months.
The best way to freeze mushrooms is to cook them first to preserve their flavour and texture. Cut the mushrooms into uniform pieces, then sauté or steam them. After cooking, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag or container.
Frozen mushrooms can be cooked straight from frozen, or you can defrost them in the fridge or using the defrost setting on a microwave.
