Here are the steps for freezing mushrooms raw and why it’s the best way to freeze fresh mushrooms. Plus, get inspired by these easy and tasty recipes with frozen mushrooms. Below the video is a step-by-step guide to freezing porcini mushrooms and cauliflower mushrooms side by side.
Allow me to share with you my thoughts and tips on how to freeze wild mushrooms, or store bought at home and why I have a deep affection for freezing them fresh and not cooked.
Watch video guide on how to freeze fresh mushrooms:
Table of Contents
What do you think, can you freeze mushrooms raw?
When I’m freezing uncooked mushrooms, raw, in their natural state, they retain their original shape and texture. This means I can work my culinary magic with them just as if I had just plucked them from the forest floor. I’d just add whole frozen mushrooms to my recipe as if they were fresh and follow the instructions. Don’t taw them before use to avoid mushiness!
How to freeze wild mushrooms Step-by-step guide
In this picture you can see that the freezing process is the same for both mushrooms. Just clean the mushrooms, cut them into slices, or bite size chunks, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. When the wild mushrooms are frozen, after an hour or two, put them in a bag and keep them in the freezer until you need them. You can do this with any wild mushrooms you have (same goes for store bought mushrooms).
How to freeze wild mushrooms raw pros and cons?
As with everything in life, here are some pros and cons you should consider:
- Freezing raw mushrooms keeps their shape, flavor, and texture intact and allows for versatile uses in dishes without thawing
- Vacuum-sealing mushrooms before freezing is helpful in keeping them fresh and avoiding freezer burn, but not required. Another option is to use freezer-safe bags or containers and eliminate as much air as possible.
- Frozen wild mushrooms are ideal for various dishes like soups, stews, sauces, stir-fries, pizzas, quiches, burgers, and pasta dishes.
- Freezing may lower the level of water-soluble vitamins, and upon attempted thawing, raw mushrooms may turn mushy due to their high water content.
- You can skip thawing and directly add frozen mushrooms to your recipes.
Can you freeze chopped mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze chopped mushrooms. The freezing process will just take longer. I prefer slices because it is easier to shock freeze them and the process is much quicker.
Can you freeze uncooked mushrooms?
Yes you can, read carefully this Complete Guide for freezing uncooked mushrooms.
Can you freeze whole mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze whole mushrooms! BUT, I would suggest that you do not freeze them whole without following some of the preparation steps described in this post. Read carefully this Complete Guide for freezing uncooked mushrooms. For future use, preparing them as described will ensure that they maintain their quality and flavor.
Is it better to freeze mushrooms raw or cooked?
Both raw and cooked mushrooms can be frozen, but the choice depends on your intended use.
| Freezing Method | Raw Mushrooms | Cooked Mushrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | – Retain natural texture and flavor. – Versatile for a variety of dishes. | – Already seasoned and softened. – Convenient for quick meal preparation. |
| Freezing Process | – Clean: Brush off dirt or lightly rinse (avoid soaking). – Cut into slices or dice. – Place on a baking sheet and freeze individually. – Transfer to a freezer bag. – Label and date: Freeze for up to one year. | – Cook: Saute or steam until tender. – Cool: Allow to reach room temperature. – Bag: Store in a freezer bag. – Label and date: Freeze for up to one year. |
| Usage Tips | When using frozen mushrooms, add them directly to cooked dishes. | Cooked frozen mushrooms must be thawed before use. Depending on how you prepared them before freezing, remember to adjust the seasoning as needed, as frozen mushrooms may release some moisture during cooking. |
You could also freeze them as part of a prepared meal, which is a nice choice. But here’s the thing – you’re stuck with that recipe for a whole year. Don’t get me wrong, the flavors and textures are still great, but you miss out on the limitless, creative options fresh mushrooms give you. That’s why I say, try freezing wild mushrooms raw, in their pure form.
Here is how to freeze wild mushrooms – Step by Step Guide
How to Freeze Mushrooms Raw – Guide
Difficulty: Easy30
minutes40
minutesLearn how to freeze mushrooms raw and why it’s the best way to freeze fresh mushrooms. Plus, get inspired by these easy and tasty recipes with frozen mushrooms.
Ingredients
Freshly foraged mushrooms
A ninja knife 🙂
A baking sheet
Freezer-safe bags or containers
Directions
- Start by giving your mushrooms a gentle wipe to remove any dirt or debris.
- Slice your mushrooms to your desired thickness. Whether you like them thick and meaty or thin and delicate, it’s entirely up to you.
- Line a baking tray or chopping board with baking paper. This will prevent the mushrooms from sticking to the surface.
- Spread the sliced mushrooms evenly on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other too much. This allows them to freeze individually and not clump together.
- Place the chopping board in the freezer and freeze the mushrooms for 40 – 60 minutes (or until firm). The length of time the mushrooms need to freeze will depend on how thick they are.
- Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to freezer-safe bags or containers. To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible.
- Label your containers with the date and type of mushrooms, so you can easily identify them later.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Store in resealable freezer bag, freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label your frozen mushrooms with the date you froze them, and try to use them within that 6 to 12-month window for the best taste and texture.
Types of mushrooms that are great for freezing raw
Once cleaned and prepared, arrange them on a tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to labeled resealable freezer bags, expelling any excess air. This method helps preserve the flavors and textures of these unique wild mushrooms. Before freezing mushrooms raw, there is no need for blanching them.
- Chanterelle mushroom
- Wood Cauliflower Mushroom
- Morel Mushroom
- Porcini Mushrooms
- Tawny Milkcap
- Sweet Tooth
- Bay Bolete
- Dotted Stem Bolete
- Yellow Foot
Cooking with frozen mushrooms
Soups and Stews: Frozen mushrooms are perfect for adding to soups and stews. Just toss them straight from the freezer into your simmering pot. They’ll thaw, release their flavors, and infuse your soup with that wonderful mushroom essence.
In this Blog Post I’m sharing with you a recipe for a yellow foot and porcini mushroom stew. This is a vegan and gluten-free recipe that uses two types of wild mushrooms: yellow foot and frozen porcini mushrooms + potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Savory Sauces: Whether it’s a rich mushroom gravy for your steak or a creamy pasta sauce, frozen mushrooms can work wonders. Sauté them in a pan with a little butter or oil until they’re tender and slightly browned. Then, use them as the base for your sauce.
Stir-Fries: Frozen mushrooms are a quick and easy addition to stir-fries. Throw them into a hot pan with your other veggies and proteins. They’ll cook up nicely, adding a savory element to your stir-fry that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Wild Mushroom Pizza Toppings: Love a good homemade pizza? Sprinkle some frozen porcini mushroom slices right onto your pizza before popping it in the oven. As they cook, they’ll release their moisture, infusing your pizza with that irresistible mushroom taste.
Quiches, Omelets and Fritatta : Frozen porcini mushrooms are a fantastic addition to your morning eggs. Just sauté them up with a bit of onion, garlic, and your favorite herbs, then fold them into your omelet or quiche. It’s a breakfast (or brunch) of champions!
Risotto: Frozen mushrooms can be your secret ingredient here. Sauté them until they’re tender, then stir them into your risotto during the final stages of cooking. They’ll add a burst of flavor and a lovely texture.
Mushroom Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese game by adding a layer of sautéed frozen mushrooms. The melting cheese and the savory mushrooms will create a sandwich that’s out of this world.
Homemade Pasta Dishes: Whether it’s a simple garlic butter pasta or a more elaborate mushroom Alfredo, frozen mushrooms can shine in pasta dishes. Sauté them with garlic and herbs, toss them with your cooked pasta, and prepare for a taste explosion.
Mushroom Burger: Create the ultimate veggie burger by adding sautéed frozen mushrooms to your patty mix. They’ll infuse the burger with moisture and flavor, making it absolutely delectable.
Frozen Mushrooms FAQ
Is it better to freeze mushrooms raw or cooked?
I think it’s better to freeze mushrooms raw. Feezing them in their natural state preserves their original shape, flavour and texture and allows them to be used in different dishes without thawing.
Can I freeze mushrooms without cooking them?
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms without cooking them. Freezing them raw is a popular method among foragers and mushroom lovers. Read more to find out – how to freeze wild mushrooms.
Are mushrooms still good when they are frozen?
If frozen properly, mushrooms can retain their quality and flavour. That’s why it’s important to follow the correct freezing techniques.
Do mushrooms need to be blanched before freezing?
Blanching mushrooms before freezing is optional and can help preserve their colour and texture. However, you can freeze them without blanching, by freazing them raw.
Are frozen mushrooms tasty?
Absolutely! When frozen correctly, mushrooms can retain their delicious flavour, making them a fantastic addition to your dishes.
How do you store fresh mushrooms?
To keep fresh mushrooms at their best, store them in a paper bag in the fridge. Avoid using plastic as this can cause moisture to build up.
How can I preserve mushrooms without freezing them?
You can preserve mushrooms by drying them or making pickled, canned mushrooms in oil or vinegar. These methods can extend their shelf life without freezing.
Can mushrooms be vacuum sealed and frozen?
Yes, vacuum-sealing mushrooms before freezing can help prolong their freshness and prevent freezer burn.
Can you freeze cooked mushrooms in a sauce?
Sure thing! You can freeze meals with mushrooms you’ve cooked, like sauces and soups, for easy dinners later on.
Can I freeze mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. You can freeze them raw without blanching or cooking them first. This will preserve their flavor and texture better than other methods.
Can you freeze raw mushrooms?
Absolutely! Freezing raw mushrooms is a great way to preserve their freshness and flavour.
Can you freeze fresh mushrooms?
Absolutely! Freezing fresh mushrooms is a great way to preserve their freshness and flavor. Before freezing them read this guide to know how to prepare fresh mushrooms for freezing them properly
More reasons for freezing mushrooms raw:
Interesting links about health benefits, tips & trick, nutritional value:
Popular mushroom recipes on Turbo Tasty
Among the many wild mushroom recipes on my blog, canned wild mushrooms (pickled chanterelle recipe), chanterelle & sparassis crispa soup, sparassis crispa recipes stand out from the crowd. If you are interested, please check them out.
