You’ve nagged a really great deal at the grocery store and were able to buy more mushrooms than what you and your family are normally able to finish in a week. Pizza, pasta, and mushroom soup have become dinner staples and you still have a lot more to spare. They’re fresh mushrooms, so keeping them in the pantry just won’t do. Will freezing fresh mushrooms be okay?
People prefer buying canned mushrooms due to how much longer they’ll be able to last. So when it comes to buying fresh ones, a point should be made with making them last as long as possible.
Luckily, fresh mushrooms can be frozen. Although it is recommended that you cook them first as this is your safest bet in avoiding freezer burn. There are also several ways in which you can cook them to make it easier for freezing. Raw mushrooms just won’t fare as well when frozen.
Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
As opposed to the usual week or more that fresh mushrooms can last, cooking and freezing them will let them stay fresh even six to eight months after storing.
Raw mushrooms can be frozen, but come with many risks like freezer burn and change of texture to soft and mushy mushrooms.
Although if you absolutely have no choice and end up freezing raw mushrooms, their texture will still allow for use in dishes like soup and chowders where the softness will be masked.
Since the majority of mushrooms are water, extra care should be taken to remove as much moisture as possible in order to avoid freezer burn.
There are several methods one can take in cooking the mushrooms, as there are specific steps and not just any cooked mushrooms will be ready for keeping in the freezer.
When cooking, steaming them is the most recommended method as this can result in the most flavorful and firmest mushrooms that last up to a year.
How to Freeze Mushrooms?
Steaming is the most recommended and popular choice for pre-freezing, but there are other ways of cooking raw mushrooms that still allow them to be frozen. All cooking methods aim to reduce the water content in the mushrooms so they freeze properly.
- The raw mushrooms should be cleaned and air dried. Laying them on a paper towel can help absorb moisture faster.
- Once dry, they should be sliced for ease of cooking, storing, and serving.
- Steam mushrooms using an electric steamer, after which you can put them in a freezer bag and leave in the freezer.
- If you choose to sauté the mushrooms, do so over medium-low heat with butter or oil.
- After reabsorbing the liquid they release, cool them and place in a freezer bag.
- Blanching is another possible method where you need to soak the mushrooms in boiling water for two to three minutes.
- Immediately after the three minute mark, immerse the mushrooms in cold water.
- They will cool and can then be put in the refrigerator afterwards.
- To thaw the mushrooms, leave them in the refrigerator.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what do you do when you have extra mushrooms? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover mushrooms:
- Add them to soup – Mushrooms make a great addition to soup. Just add them in with your other favorite vegetables, and you’ll have a hearty and healthy meal in no time.
- Make a mushroom omelet – A mushroom omelet is a great way to use up extra mushrooms. Just add them to an omelet with some cheese and vegetables, and you’ll have a delicious and filling meal.
- Sauté them as a side dish – Sautéed mushrooms make a great side dish. Just add them to a pan with some butter and garlic, and you’ll have a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
- Use them as pizza toppings – Mushrooms are a great topping for pizza. Just add them to your favorite pizza recipe, and you’ll have a delicious and unique pie.
- Make mushroom soup – Mushroom soup is a comforting and tasty meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Just add some mushrooms, broth, and cream, and you’ll have a delicious soup in no time.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover mushrooms. The next time you find yourself with extra mushrooms, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Recipes
Cream of Mushroom Soup is a thick soup that is similar to chowder and is lightly flavored with herbs.
Vegan mushroom pizza is a meat and dairy-free alternative to regular pizzas but still retains the cheesiness of the average pizza.
Chicken Gloria is a casserole with chicken and mushrooms, often made for dinner parties.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. Frozen mushrooms will last for 8-12 months in the freezer if they are properly stored. To prepare your mushrooms for freezing, simply rinse them in cold water and wipe them dry. Remove stems if you prefer. Pack your desired number of mushrooms in separate air-tight bags. Seal the bags well. Put the bags in the freezer. Store up to 12 months and label with today’s date that way you will know when you last stored your mushrooms.
What is your experience with freezing mushrooms? Share in the comment section below if you have any questions or would like to share your experience with freezing mushrooms.