Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a tasty treat, but they don't last long in the fridge. Freezing mushrooms is a great way to extend their shelf life and reduce food waste, but it can affect their texture and flavour. Freezing mushrooms is easy: you can freeze them raw or cooked, but they should be cleaned and chopped to a similar size first. Then, you can steam, sauté or flash-freeze them before placing them in a freezer bag or container. They'll last up to a year in the freezer and can be added straight to dishes that will be cooked, or thawed overnight in the fridge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life in the refrigerator | About a week |
| Freezing mushrooms | Possible |
| Freezing method | Flash freezing |
| Freezing container | Freezer-safe container or bag |
| Freezing duration | Up to 6-12 months |
| Frozen mushrooms usage | Cooked dishes |
| Thawing method | Overnight in the refrigerator |
| Nutrient loss | Slight |
| Texture change | Mushy |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing mushrooms to prolong shelf life
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a high water content and a short shelf life. Fresh mushrooms typically last 3-7 days in the refrigerator. Freezing mushrooms can increase their shelf life and reduce food waste, especially if you've purchased more mushrooms than you can use at one time.
Freezing mushrooms may negatively affect their nutrient composition, texture, and flavor. Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients like B vitamins, copper, potassium, and vitamin D. While freezing doesn't affect the calorie, fiber, or mineral content of foods, it can reduce the content of water-soluble vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Fresh produce also loses nutrients over time.
To freeze mushrooms, first, prep them. Clean the mushrooms by brushing off any visible dirt or lightly rinsing them in cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Don't soak the mushrooms as this will make them mushy once cooked. Cut the mushrooms into slices or dice them, depending on how you intend to use them. If freezing an exact amount for a recipe, there's no need to cut them. Trim the stems and woody parts, and cut them into equal-sized pieces so they cook or steam evenly.
Next, flash freeze the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least two hours. Transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and seal. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to a year. Many mushroom varieties do best when they're cooked before freezing.
Frozen mushrooms should always be used in cooked dishes and not eaten raw. They can be added to dishes you plan to thoroughly cook, or you can thaw them first by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight to soften.
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Prepping mushrooms before freezing
Mushrooms are highly perishable, so freezing is a great way to extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. However, freezing mushrooms can negatively affect their nutrient composition, texture, and flavor. The fresher the mushrooms are when you freeze them, the better they'll keep in the freezer.
Cleaning and Trimming
Before freezing, clean the mushrooms by brushing off any visible dirt and debris. Avoid washing the mushrooms as this can make them soggy and lead to freezer burn. You can also lightly rinse them in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel, but make sure they are completely dry before freezing. Trim the woody parts and stems.
Cutting and Slicing
Cut the mushrooms into uniform pieces, such as quarters or slices, so they cook or steam evenly. Small mushrooms can be left whole if they are less than one inch in diameter.
Blanching
Blanching is a quick cooking process that helps preserve mushrooms before freezing. It involves destroying enzymes that can cause food spoilage and inactivating bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella. To blanch mushrooms, soak them in a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for 5-10 minutes to prevent discoloration. Then, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Finally, transfer the mushrooms to an ice water bath for a couple of minutes, strain the water, and pat them dry.
Sautéing
You can also sauté mushrooms before freezing to help preserve their nutrition, flavor, and texture. Sauté them in a neutral oil until the pan is dry and the mushrooms are tender. Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
Flash Freezing
After cleaning, trimming, and cutting the mushrooms, spread them out on a baking sheet or cookie sheet in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Flash-freeze them for at least two hours. Once they are completely frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Storing
Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container, seal, and label with the date. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to a year, although sooner is better to maximize their freshness and quality.
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Thawing frozen mushrooms
Frozen mushrooms can be thawed and used in various dishes. However, it is important to note that freezing mushrooms may cause some nutrient losses and changes in their texture. Mushrooms have a high water content, and when frozen, they can become mushy when thawed. This texture may be suitable for soups, casseroles, or blended dishes but may not be desirable for other recipes.
There are several ways to thaw frozen mushrooms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Microwave
The microwave is one of the fastest ways to defrost frozen mushrooms, taking 2 to 3 minutes. Place the mushrooms on a microwave-safe tray and use the defrost settings, running the timer for 30 seconds at a time and flipping the mushrooms after each interval. However, using the microwave may result in partially cooked mushrooms.
Refrigerator
Cold Water
You can also defrost mushrooms by submerging them in cold water. Place the frozen mushrooms in an airtight or freezer bag and submerge them in a stainless steel bowl filled with cold water. Change the water every 15 to 20 minutes until the mushrooms are completely thawed.
Cooking Directly from Frozen
Mushrooms can also be added directly to dishes that will be thoroughly cooked, such as soups, pasta sauces, stir-fries, or casseroles. Simply add the frozen mushrooms to the other ingredients and heat gently until they are thawed and cooked through.
Blended Dishes
If using frozen mushrooms in blended dishes, such as burgers or blended meals, it is recommended to thaw the mushrooms first. Dice the mushrooms into small pieces (1/4-inch or smaller) and mix them with the other ingredients before cooking.
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Cooking with frozen mushrooms
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are highly perishable, so it's always a race to use them before they turn slimy. This is where frozen mushrooms come in. Frozen mushrooms are convenient, reduce food waste, and can be enjoyed all year round. They can be cooked like fresh mushrooms without prior thawing and are a great way to ensure you always have a supply of mushrooms on hand.
Frozen mushrooms are best suited to cooked dishes such as soups, casseroles, risottos, sauces, and blended dishes. They can be added directly to the dish and cooked thoroughly without any pre-thawing or prep. If you are adding them to a dish that will not be cooked for long enough to heat them through, it is best to thaw them first. This can be done by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Before freezing, mushrooms should be washed, trimmed, and cut into equal-sized pieces. They can then be flash-frozen on a baking sheet and transferred to a freezer bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to a year.
Frozen mushrooms are a great option for quick and easy cooking. Simply add them to your favourite recipes and enjoy the woody flavour they bring to your dishes. Some recipe ideas to try with frozen mushrooms include:
- Persillade
- Omelette
- Velouté
- Risotto
- Stuffings
- Pasta
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Freezing mushrooms to reduce food waste
Mushrooms are a highly perishable food item with a shelf life of about a week in the refrigerator. Freezing mushrooms is an effective way to prolong their shelf life and reduce food waste. It is especially helpful if you have bought more mushrooms than you can consume before they go bad.
How to Freeze Mushrooms:
Firstly, it is important to note that freezing mushrooms may affect their quality, texture, and flavour. Mushrooms have a high water content, and freezing them raw may make them mushy when thawed. This can be avoided by cooking the mushrooms before freezing. Here are the steps to freeze mushrooms:
- Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms by brushing off any visible dirt or rinsing them lightly in cold water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly as mushrooms absorb moisture easily. Trim the woody parts of the stems.
- Cut the mushrooms: Cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole, especially if they are less than one inch in diameter.
- Cook the mushrooms: Sauté or steam the mushrooms before freezing. To sauté, cook them in a pan with a small amount of neutral oil over medium heat until fork-tender. To steam, soak the mushrooms in water with a teaspoon of lemon juice for 10 minutes, then steam for 3-5 minutes. Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before freezing.
- Flash freeze: Spread the mushrooms on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about two hours or until hard.
- Transfer to a freezer bag: Place the frozen mushrooms in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date.
Using Frozen Mushrooms:
Frozen mushrooms can be added directly to dishes that will be thoroughly cooked. They can also be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen mushrooms should not be consumed raw as freezing changes their texture. It is best to use frozen mushrooms within a year for optimal taste and nutritional value.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms can be frozen.
Mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Mushrooms should be cleaned, trimmed, and cut into equal-sized pieces before freezing. They can be frozen raw or cooked.
Flash freezing is recommended. Place the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least two hours. Then, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Yes, frozen mushrooms can be added to dishes that will be thoroughly cooked. They can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before cooking or added directly to the dish.
