Laura Smith
Blanching is a great way to prepare button mushrooms for use in a variety of dishes. Not only does blanching help to preserve the colour and texture of mushrooms, but it also makes them more versatile. Before blanching, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. This can be done by wiping them with a damp paper towel, brushing away any visible dirt, or rinsing them under cool water. Once cleaned, the mushrooms can be blanched for 2-3 minutes using either a steam bath or by boiling them in water. After blanching, the mushrooms should be placed in ice water to stop the cooking process and then dried thoroughly before being stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or frozen for future use.
How to Blanch Button Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove dirt or debris. Avoid soaking them in water as mushrooms absorb liquid, affecting their texture. |
| Blanching Time | 2-3 minutes. This softens the mushrooms and prepares them for cooking or preservation. |
| Blanching Method | Steam blanching is preferred over water-bath blanching to preserve flavor, texture, and vitamins. |
| Blanching Steps | 1. Boil water in a pot. 2. Place the mushrooms in a blanching basket and lower into the boiling water. 3. Blanch for the required time. 4. Remove and submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process. 5. Drain thoroughly. |
| Preservation | Blanching inactivates enzymes that cause deterioration. Blanched mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for future use. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning button mushrooms
Step 1: Inspect the Mushrooms
Before you begin cleaning, it's important to select fresh button mushrooms that are intact and firm, with tightly closed caps. Avoid mushrooms that are wrinkled, slimy, or spotted. If the gills are showing, it's an indication that they may be past their prime.
Step 2: Wipe with a Damp Paper Towel
Start by gently wiping each mushroom with a damp paper towel. Brush away any visible dirt or debris. This initial step helps remove surface-level contaminants without soaking the mushrooms, as they tend to absorb liquids, which can affect their texture.
Step 3: Rinse Under Running Water (Optional)
Some sources recommend placing the mushrooms in a colander and rinsing them under cool running water. Gently rub them with your hands to dislodge any stubborn dirt. However, others suggest avoiding this step as mushrooms can absorb a small amount of water, which may affect their texture.
Step 4: Dry the Mushrooms
If you choose to rinse the mushrooms, ensure you dry them thoroughly. You can use a dish towel or layers of paper towels to gently pat them dry. Removing excess moisture will help prevent sogginess and maintain the desired texture.
Step 5: Remove the Stems (Optional)
Depending on your recipe, you may want to remove the stems from the mushrooms. Use your thumb and pointer finger to grip the stalk and pull it out firmly. If it's stubborn, try twisting it gently. You can decide whether to keep the stems for your dish or discard them.
Step 6: Peel the Outer Skin (Optional)
Peeling the outer skin of the mushroom caps is a matter of preference. Some cooks recommend it for ensuring the mushrooms are thoroughly clean, while others skip this step. Use a knife or your fingertips to carefully peel away the skin. The skin may come off in triangular chunks, revealing the white surface underneath.
By following these steps, you will have clean button mushrooms ready for blanching or cooking. Remember to work in a clean environment and wash your hands before handling the mushrooms to prevent the transfer of any bacteria or contaminants.
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Blanching time
If you are steam blanching, the blanching time will depend on the size of the mushrooms. For whole button mushrooms, steam for 5 minutes. For quartered mushrooms, steam for 3.5 minutes. For small dices or slices, steam for 3 minutes.
If you are boiling the mushrooms, blanching time will also depend on the size of the mushrooms. For whole button mushrooms, blanch for 3.5 minutes. For quartered mushrooms, blanch for 2.5 minutes. For sliced and diced mushrooms, blanch for 2 minutes.
It is important to note that the blanching time for boiling will be slightly shorter than for steaming. This is because the blanching time for boiling is calculated by dividing the steaming time by 1.5.
Additionally, some sources recommend blanching button mushrooms for only 2-3 minutes. This shorter blanching time is sufficient to slightly soften the mushrooms and prepare them for further cooking or preservation.
After blanching, it is important to immediately place the mushrooms in ice water to stop the cooking process. Then, drain the mushrooms thoroughly before using them or storing them.
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Blanching methods
Blanching button mushrooms is a great way to preserve their colour, texture, and flavour. It is also a prerequisite to storing them in the freezer. Here are some blanching methods to help you prepare button mushrooms for your favourite recipes:
Steam Blanching
This method involves using steam to blanch the mushrooms. Here are the steps:
- Pretreat the mushrooms for colour by soaking them for 5 minutes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to 470 ml of water.
- Drain the mushrooms in a colander.
- Pour water into a pot, covering about half of it, and bring it to a boil on the stove.
- Place the mushrooms in a single layer in a metal colander or steamer basket, ensuring proper steam circulation.
- Lower the colander or basket into the pot, maintaining at least 3 inches of space between the boiling water and the mushrooms.
- Cover the pot and steam the mushrooms for the appropriate time: 5 minutes for whole button mushrooms, 3.5 minutes for quartered, and 3 minutes for small dices or slices.
Water Blanching
This traditional method involves using boiling water to blanch the mushrooms:
- Boil a sufficient amount of water in a large pot.
- Lower the prepared mushrooms in a blanching basket into the boiling water.
- Blanch for the appropriate time: 3.5 minutes for whole button mushrooms, 2.5 minutes for quartered, and 2 minutes for sliced or diced mushrooms.
- Remove the basket from the water and immediately submerge it in iced water or cold running tap water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the mushrooms thoroughly.
Combination of Steam and Ice Water Bath
This method combines a steam bath and an ice water bath:
- Clean the mushrooms before placing them in a steamer basket.
- Steam the mushrooms for a short time, such as 5 minutes, to preserve their flavour, texture, and vitamin quality.
- Remove the steamed mushrooms and place them in an ice water bath to quickly cool them down.
- Properly drain the mushrooms and package them in freezer-safe bags.
- Store the blanched mushrooms in the freezer.
Additional Tips:
- Before blanching, clean the mushrooms thoroughly by wiping them with a damp paper towel or rinsing them under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Avoid soaking mushrooms in water for an extended period, as they tend to absorb liquids, which can affect their texture.
- After blanching, transfer the mushrooms to a bowl of water to prevent overcooking or "carry-over" cooking.
- Blanching times can vary depending on the size and cut of the mushrooms, so adjust the timing accordingly.
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Post-blanching steps
Once the mushrooms have been blanched for 2-3 minutes, they need to be cooled down. This can be done by transferring the mushrooms to an ice bath or by placing them under cold running tap water. It is important to ensure that the water is at or below 60°F (140°F). The mushrooms should be drained thoroughly after cooling.
After draining, the mushrooms can be packaged and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you plan to store them for longer, it is best to freeze them. To prepare the mushrooms for freezing, place them in a single layer on shallow trays or pans and put them in the freezer until they turn firm. Once they are frozen, transfer the mushrooms to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Blanched button mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, stir-fries, or salads. They can also be added to recipes like mushroom curry, tomato mushroom, and spinach pizza.
It is important to note that blanching is a prerequisite to storing almost any kind of vegetable in the freezer, as it helps to inactivate enzymes that cause them to ripen and deteriorate. By blanching mushrooms before freezing, you can preserve their color, texture, and flavor.
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Storing blanched mushrooms
Blanching is a great way to prepare button mushrooms for long-term storage. After blanching, you can store mushrooms in the refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator Storage
If you plan to use the blanched mushrooms within a week, store them in the refrigerator. Spread out the mushrooms in a single layer and place them in a large glass bowl lined with paper towels. Cover with another layer of paper towels and seal the bowl with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Check the mushrooms daily and replace the paper towels if they become damp.
Freezer Storage
For long-term storage beyond a week, freezing is a great option. To prepare mushrooms for freezing, first, dip them in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This step is optional but helps preserve the colour of the mushrooms. Then, lightly sauté the blanched mushrooms in butter until just cooked, or steam them for about 5 minutes. Let the mushrooms cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Drying Mushrooms
Another long-term storage option is to dry your blanched mushrooms. Use a dehydrator, or simply air-dry them by placing them in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once completely dry, store the mushrooms in an airtight glass jar. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
Tips for Storage
- Avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or bags, as plastic traps moisture and can lead to discolouration, mould, and slime.
- If storing in the refrigerator, place the mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods, as mushrooms will absorb those odours.
- If freezing, use fresher mushrooms for better texture and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove any dirt or debris by wiping the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. You can also peel the outer layer of skin from each mushroom. If there is still dirt on them, gently wipe them with a towel, but do not rinse or soak them as mushrooms absorb water and this can affect their texture.
Blanching is a process that helps to preserve the colour, texture and flavour of button mushrooms. It also inactivates enzymes that cause the mushrooms to deteriorate. To blanch button mushrooms, place them in a steamer basket and steam for 3-5 minutes, depending on whether they are whole or sliced. Then, cool them in an ice bath and drain thoroughly.
Button mushrooms should be blanched for about 2-3 minutes. This will slightly soften them and prepare them for further cooking or preservation.
Yes, blanching is a prerequisite to freezing mushrooms and helps to preserve their quality. After blanching and cooling, dry the mushrooms thoroughly and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags in the freezer.
