Got a load of mushrooms on hand? Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to a variety of dishes, but sometimes it can be difficult to use the entire lot. You might be wondering, can you freeze mushrooms? Here’s what to know before you pop these fungi in the freezer.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
Freezing mushrooms is a simple and effective way to preserve them for long term storage. However, frozen mushrooms are best used in cooked dishes. Why? Mushrooms become softer and more delicate after freezing, and release more liquid than fresh mushrooms. They can also become chewier in texture after freezing. Avoid using frozen mushrooms in recipes that call for fresh mushrooms. The best uses for frozen mushrooms are in cooked dishes like mushroom soup. Another option is skipping the freezer and marinating the mushrooms, which extends their life for 1 week.
How to freeze mushrooms
You can freeze fresh mushrooms raw, but the texture becomes very delicate and mushy after freezing. To better preserve the texture, start with a step of boiling (or blanching) the mushrooms first. This also helps to clean the mushrooms before preserving them. The best type of mushrooms to freeze are white, baby bella (cremini) or sliced portobello mushrooms*. You can freeze other types of mushrooms, but depending on the variety the delicate texture can make it difficult to preserve them. *Freezing whole portobello mushrooms to make stuffed mushrooms is not recommended, due to the texture changes; freeze this variety of mushroom sliced.
Storage
Freezing mushrooms is a great way to preserve them and make them last longer. While they can last longer, plan to use them within 3 months for best quality.
How to thaw frozen mushrooms
When freezing mushrooms, it’s important to note that they will become softer and more delicate in texture once thawed. They may also release more liquid than fresh mushrooms. This is normal: the liquid can be used in the recipe as well (simply add it when cooking). In some cases, you may not need to thaw frozen mushrooms. You can use them directly from the freezer in cooked dishes. Or, thaw frozen mushrooms by transferring to the refrigerator for 12 hours. Use the thawed mushrooms in 1 to 2 days.
Alternative: marinated mushrooms
Don’t want to freeze mushrooms? A great alternative is marinated mushrooms! Marinating mushrooms in olive oil, vinegar and spices extends the life for up to 1 week. In addition, the first step of the freezing process (boiling the mushrooms) is the same as marinating. Simply toss the mushrooms with the seasonings in this Marinated Mushrooms recipe instead of tossing them in the freezer.
Uses for thawed mushrooms
Thawed mushrooms can be used in a variety of recipes, but it’s best to use them in cooked dishes. In all of the recipes below, you can use mushrooms straight from the freezer: no need to defrost! Make sure to sauté mushrooms if the recipe calls for it, since this adds flavor (you can cut down the sauteing time by several minutes). Here are a few mushroom recipes to get you started:
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