Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Yes, mushrooms can be frozen, but they freeze best when cooked first. Raw frozen mushrooms become mushy and watery when thawed. Sauté mushrooms until most moisture evaporates, cool completely, then freeze in portions. They last 10-12 months frozen and work great in cooked dishes.
Key Takeaways
- Raw mushrooms have very high water content (about 90%).
- Steam-blanching is an alternative to sautéing, but sautéed mushrooms generally have better flavor.
- Duxelles (finely chopped mushrooms cooked with shallots) freezes excellently.
Explanation
Raw mushrooms have very high water content (about 90%). When frozen raw, ice crystals rupture cell walls, resulting in a mushy, watery texture when thawed. Cooking before freezing removes much of this water and results in better texture.
To freeze mushrooms: clean and slice them, sauté in butter or oil until they release their liquid and it mostly evaporates, cool completely, then freeze in single layers on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags.
Use frozen sautéed mushrooms directly in cooked dishes like soups, stews, pasta sauces, and casseroles. They do not need to be thawed first. The pre-cooking actually makes them more convenient since they are already partially prepared.
Things to Know
- Steam-blanching is an alternative to sautéing, but sautéed mushrooms generally have better flavor.
- Duxelles (finely chopped mushrooms cooked with shallots) freezes excellently.
- Dried mushrooms are an alternative preservation method with even longer shelf life.