Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in many recipes, from pizzas to creamy pasta sauces. Given their short shelf life, it is a relief to know that they can be frozen to save for later. Freezing mushrooms can extend their shelf life by up to nine months, reducing food waste and saving money. While it is possible to freeze raw mushrooms, they are best frozen cooked to preserve their flavour and texture. This is because mushrooms are highly absorbent and freezing them raw can make them soggy and mushy. To freeze mushrooms, they should first be cleaned, trimmed, sliced, and cooked through steaming or sautéing. They are then cooled, flash-frozen, and stored in airtight containers or bags, with as much air removed as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why freeze mushrooms? | To extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. |
| When to freeze mushrooms | Before any signs of decay, ideally when fresh. |
| How to freeze raw mushrooms | Clean, trim, dry, slice, flash-freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. |
| How to clean mushrooms | Wipe with a damp paper towel, brush with a pastry brush, or rinse with water. |
| How to dry mushrooms | Pat dry with a towel or air dry. |
| How to slice mushrooms | Cut into uniform pieces, quarters, or slices. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole. |
| How to flash-freeze mushrooms | Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. |
| How to store frozen mushrooms | Transfer to a zip-top bag or container, removing as much air as possible. |
| How long do frozen mushrooms last? | Up to nine months. |
| How to defrost mushrooms | Use the microwave defrost setting or thaw in the refrigerator. |
| How to use frozen mushrooms | Cook before consuming. |
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What You'll Learn
Slicing and flash-freezing raw mushrooms
Freezing raw mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use. However, it's worth noting that freezing raw mushrooms can affect their texture, making them mushy when cooked. This is because mushrooms contain a lot of water, which can turn into ice crystals during freezing, leading to a soggy texture. Nonetheless, if you plan to use them in dishes where their texture doesn't matter, such as blended soups or casseroles, freezing raw mushrooms can be a convenient option. Here's a step-by-step guide to slicing and flash-freezing raw mushrooms:
Slicing Raw Mushrooms:
- Start by selecting fresh mushrooms and giving them a quick clean. Use a damp paper towel to wipe off any dirt, or gently rinse them with water, ensuring they are thoroughly dried afterward.
- Remove any woody parts from the stems. You can trim the stems or remove them entirely, depending on the type of mushroom.
- Slice the mushrooms into uniform pieces. Aim for similar-sized portions, such as slices, one-inch batons, or half-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and freezing. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole.
Flash-Freezing Raw Mushrooms:
- Place the sliced mushrooms on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even freezing.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the mushrooms feel hard and frozen.
- Once frozen solid, transfer the mushrooms to freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and prolong their shelf life.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and return them to the freezer.
Flash-frozen raw mushrooms can last in the freezer for up to six to nine months. When ready to use, simply take them straight from the freezer and add them to your recipes. There's no need to defrost them, and they can be easily chopped into smaller pieces if needed.
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Steaming mushrooms before freezing
Freezing mushrooms is an effective way to extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. While you can freeze raw mushrooms, cooking them first is better for preserving their flavour and texture. Steaming is one way to prepare mushrooms before freezing them.
To steam mushrooms before freezing, start with fresh mushrooms. Trim any woody parts from the stem and cut them into uniform pieces. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole. Next, wash the mushrooms thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Dry the mushrooms well.
Then, bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket on top. Transfer the mushrooms to the basket and steam for 3-5 minutes until cooked. Remove the mushrooms from the steamer and place them in an ice water bath for the same amount of time that they were steamed. This stops the cooking process. After soaking, strain the water and pat the mushrooms dry with a towel.
Finally, place the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing and labelling.
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Sautéing mushrooms before freezing
To start, clean and slice the mushrooms. You can use a damp paper towel to wipe off any visible dirt before slicing and cooking the mushrooms. Alternatively, you can use a mushroom brush with very soft bristles to gently brush away any dirt.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium to high heat. Add butter or olive oil, or a combination of both, to the skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms until they are tender and the pan is dry. The mushrooms will release their inner moisture during cooking, so the pan will likely be dry once they are done.
After sautéing, remove the mushrooms from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined surface to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed bag. Flatten the mushrooms into an even layer to remove as much air as possible. Seal the bag, date it, and place it in the freezer.
Sautéed mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to use, slightly thaw the mushrooms before adding them to cooked dishes. They are perfect for cooked dishes but not ideal for uncooked dishes like salads.
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Choosing the right container
Type of Container
Freezer-safe containers or bags made of plastic or silicone are ideal for storing mushrooms. These materials create a barrier that protects the mushrooms from air and moisture exchange, which can cause freezer burn. Avoid using containers made of glass or metal, as they can affect the flavour and texture of the mushrooms over time.
Container Size
Select a container that is slightly larger than the amount of mushrooms you plan to store. This will allow for some expansion during freezing, preventing the mushrooms from being crushed or bruised. Leave about a half-inch of headspace at the top of the container to accommodate this expansion.
Airtight Seal
Ensure that the container has an airtight seal. Mushrooms are prone to freezer burn due to their high water content. Removing as much air as possible before sealing will help maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. Consider using vacuum-sealed bags or containers designed for freezer storage, which maximise air removal.
Storage Conditions
Store the container of mushrooms in a consistent location within your freezer. Avoid stacking items on top of the mushroom container to prevent crushing and ensure adequate air circulation. Keep the mushrooms away from strong-smelling items, as they can absorb odours due to their porous nature.
Labelling and Dating
Label the container with the date of freezing and the type of mushrooms. This will help you keep track of how long the mushrooms have been frozen and ensure you use them within their recommended timeframe, which is typically up to nine months.
By following these guidelines for choosing the right container, you can effectively preserve your mushrooms and maintain their freshness and quality during freezing.
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Defrosting frozen mushrooms
Frozen mushrooms can be defrosted and used in a variety of recipes. The safest way to defrost mushrooms is to leave them in the fridge overnight. This will ensure that they defrost at a low temperature, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. You can also leave them out at room temperature for 6-7 hours to defrost.
When defrosting, place the mushrooms on a plate and cover them with a layer of paper towels. This will help to absorb any excess moisture. Mushrooms lose a lot of moisture when frozen, so if you're using them in a stir-fry, it's a good idea to soak them in water or your cooking sauce first. You can also add them directly to your dish without defrosting, although this will increase the cooking time.
Once your mushrooms are defrosted, you can use them in recipes such as soups, stews, stir-fries, and pasta sauces. They can also be fried with garlic and cream and served on toast or used in a cheese and mushroom toastie. If you're making a burger, you can blend thawed diced mushrooms with the meat.
It's important to note that defrosted mushrooms may have a different texture than fresh mushrooms. They may be limp and harder to clean, and their texture may be affected by how they were prepared before freezing. If you're concerned about texture, it's best to use defrosted mushrooms in recipes that involve finely chopping and cooking them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. However, it is better to freeze them cooked than raw as they have a high water content and freezing raw mushrooms can make them mushy.
Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, brush, or quick rinse with water. Trim the ends of the stems and any woody parts. Cut them into uniform pieces, or leave them whole if they are small.
Place the prepared mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour or until hard. Then, transfer the mushrooms to a zip-top bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Frozen mushrooms should be used within a year, though sooner is better. Use them within six months to nine months for the best texture and flavour.
Frozen mushrooms can be used straight from the freezer. There is no need to defrost them. Simply add them directly to your recipe and cook.
