Freezing mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use. Properly frozen, mushrooms can last up to 6 months in the freezer. Freezing allows you to buy mushrooms when they are in season or on sale, and enjoy them long after. It also makes mushrooms readily available to add to recipes at a later date. Follow these simple steps for freezing mushrooms of all varieties.
Should You Freeze Mushrooms?
Freezing is suitable for all varieties of mushrooms. Button, cremini, portobello, shiitake, oyster, chanterelle and more all freeze well. The texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the mushroom flavor remains.
There are a few instances when freezing mushrooms is not recommended:
- Mushrooms that will be eaten raw, like in salads, as the freezing process slightly alters the crisp, raw texture.
- Mushrooms that have been previously cooked or frozen and thawed.
- Mushrooms that are past their prime and have started to decompose.
For best results, start with fresh, high-quality mushrooms at their peak.
How to Prepare Mushrooms for Freezing
Follow these simple steps for freezing mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms by gently brushing or wiping away any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking them in water as this can make them soggy.
- Trim the ends of the mushroom stems if dried out or discolored.
- Slice or chop the mushrooms if desired. Whole mushrooms tend to freeze better than sliced, but either way works. Slice or chop into the sizes you plan to use later on.
- Blanch or cook the mushrooms. This stops the enzyme action that could lead to loss of flavor and texture. To blanch: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add mushrooms and boil 1 to 2 minutes, just until slightly softened. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Pat mushrooms dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Getting rid of excess moisture minimizes ice crystals forming.
- Spread mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and place in the freezer. Freeze until completely firm, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.
How to Use Frozen Mushrooms
Frozen mushrooms can be used in place of fresh mushrooms in most recipes.
- In soups, stews and sauces – Thaw mushrooms by moving straight from freezer to the hot liquid.
- Sautéed or stir-fried – Thaw mushrooms in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry. Then cook as normal.
- Pizza topping – Use frozen mushrooms straight on homemade or purchased pizza. The high oven heat will thaw and cook them.
- Casseroles or baked dishes – No need to thaw first, just add frozen to the dish and bake as normal.
For best results, allow extra time for frozen mushrooms to cook through and lose any extra moisture in the pan or dish. Taste and adjust seasonings after cooking. Frozen mushrooms will keep their shape better if you avoid stirring them frequently while cooking.
How Long do Frozen Mushrooms Last?
Properly stored frozen mushrooms can maintain quality for 6-12 months in the freezer. Store in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Avoid letting mushrooms thaw and refreeze.
Signs that frozen mushrooms are past their prime and should be discarded:
- Ice crystals or freezer burn on the mushrooms
- Translucent looking mushrooms
- Off or unpleasant smell when package is opened
- Change in texture – very soft or slimy
Conclusion
Freezing is a simple way to preserve fresh mushrooms to have on hand for future recipes. Blanching before freezing helps lock in flavor. Allow extra cooking time when using frozen mushrooms, and avoid refreezing any thawed mushrooms. With proper storage in the freezer, mushrooms can last 6 months or longer before losing quality. Enjoy the convenience of frozen mushrooms for soups, pizza, casseroles and more!