If you're wondering can you freeze mushrooms, you'll be pleased to discover that it's actually pretty easy to freeze them. That means you'll be able to whip them out whenever you fancy a risotto, stir-fry, or pasta recipe with mushrooms. Here's what you need to know:
How to freeze mushrooms
Mushrooms have a high water content. This means that you shouldn't freeze them raw, or they may turn out soggy. You don't need to cook them for long, though. A quick steam-blanch or sauté will have them ready for the freezer. Here's what to do if you want to sautée your mushrooms for freezing:
- Scrub the mushrooms to get the dirt off, and slice if desired.
- Heat a knob of butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about four minutes, stirring throughout.
- Leave the mushrooms to cool, then place them on a tray. Freeze for one to two hours.
- Transfer your frozen mushrooms to an airtight freezer bag and put them back in the freezer. Use within three months.
TOP TIP: This two-step freezing process involves freezing the mushrooms individually on a tray before putting them into your freezer bag. Doing it this way may take a little more time, but it ensures they don't freeze into a single large clump in the freezer.
How to freeze fresh mushrooms
Be sure to cook mushrooms before you freeze them. If they're raw when they go into the freezer, they'll lose their texture and some nutritional value, too.
Before you start preparing mushrooms for the freezer, think about whether you want to chop them, slice them or leave them whole. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole, but it’s best to slice or chop larger ones. If they're too big, they'll be more likely to develop freezer burn, and when you take them out of the freezer, they'll also be harder to cook properly.
How to blanch mushrooms for freezing
Blanching is another simple option to prepare mushrooms for the freezer. This is a good choice if you want to avoid the rich, buttery flavours that you get from sautéeing. Here's what to do:
- Clean and prepare the mushrooms as above.
- Bring a pan of water with a tablespoon of lemon juice to the boil. Place the mushrooms into a steamer above it and steam for around four minutes.
- Immediately put the mushrooms into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain.
- Follow the freezing steps as above.
How to prepare mushrooms for cooking
There are so many ways to cook using your new stash, but make sure you've picked the right technique.
To prevent mushrooms from becoming unpleasantly soggy, avoid defrosting them before cooking. Rather than a raw salad, look for a recipe where the mushrooms are cooked through. For example, use your frozen mushroom when preparing pasta sauces, risotto or even carb-calorie smart recipes.
Cooking mushrooms from frozen
Cooking mushrooms from frozen couldn't be easier! Just pop them straight into your sauce, stew or risotto. You'll probably need to add a couple of minutes to the recipe cooking time. If you've chopped them into big pieces, use a fork to check that they're totally cooked through.
Popular mushroom recipes
Mushrooms have to be one of the most versatile veggies around. There are just so many mushroom recipes available! They work in all kinds of cuisines, from Italian dishes such as creamy mushroom and rosemary fettuccine to this wonderful mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese.
You also have less common recipes that taste equally great, such as this one-pot mushroom and pesto pasta. What we can make sure of is that you will have a tremendous gastronomic experience when trying out the outcome of these recipes!
FAQs
What is the best way to freeze fresh mushrooms?
Before you freeze mushrooms, either steam-blanch them or sauté them.
Can mushrooms be frozen without cooking?
No, it's not a good idea to freeze raw mushrooms. Like most veggies, mushrooms have a high water content, so if they're frozen raw, they will lose their texture.
What's the best way to preserve fresh mushrooms?
Freezing mushrooms is a great way to keep them for longer. Just keep in mind that they won't be quite the same as they were raw, so they're not suitable for use in salads.
How long do mushrooms last in the freezer?
Mushrooms will last for around three months in the freezer. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Should I clean mushrooms before storing them?
Yes. Mushrooms often have dirt clinging to them, so make sure you gently wipe it away before preparing them.