You can enjoy porcini mushrooms fresh or dried, but did you know that you can also freeze mushrooms raw? Freezing raw porcini mushrooms is a great way to preserve their flavor and texture for up to a year. You can use them in soups, stews, risottos, pastas, and more.
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Step-by-step guide to freezing fresh mushrooms
Porcini and cauliflower mushrooms side by side.
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 they 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 mushrooms you have.
Freezing raw porcini mushrooms in a few easy steps
- Clean your porcini mushrooms by brushing off any dirt or debris. Do not wash them with water, as this will make them soggy and prone to freezer burn.
- Trim off the ends of the stems and cut the mushrooms into thin slices or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Place the mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they do not overlap or touch each other.
- Freeze the mushrooms for at least two hours, or until they are firm and frozen.
- Transfer the frozen mushrooms to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date and use within a year.
- To use the frozen mushrooms, simply add them directly to your recipe without thawing. They will cook in the same time as fresh mushrooms.
Freezing raw porcini mushrooms is an easy and convenient way to store them for later use. You will be able to enjoy their rich and earthy flavor all year round. Try it today and let me know how it goes!
p.s. – this is one of the questions I got on instagram:
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.
Freezing wild mushrooms raw?
By freezing mushrooms raw, plain uncooked mushrooms, they keep their original form and feel. This lets me cook them as if they were freshly picked from the woods. I simply put them in my dish as if they were fresh and do as the recipe says. Don’t defrost them before using them to prevent sogginess!
Can you freeze uncooked mushrooms? Is it better to freeze mushrooms raw or cooked?
Another option is to freeze them in a cooked dish, which is fine. But the downside is – you have to use that dish for a whole year.
I’m not saying it’s not delicious. But if you’re not using fresh mushrooms, you’re missing out on the limitless creative possibilities they offer. That’s why I suggest, give freezing wild mushrooms raw, in their natural state, a try.
Types of mushrooms that are great for freezing raw
- Chanterelle mushroom
- Wood Cauliflower Mushroom
- Morel Mushroom
- Porcini Mushrooms
- Tawny Milkcap
- Sweet Tooth
- Bay Bolete
- Dotted Stem Bolete
- Yellow Foot
Frozen mushroom recipes
In this Blog Post I will share 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.
Can you freeze mushrooms? FAQ
Can I freeze mushrooms? Â
Yes, you can freeze porcini mushrooms raw without blanching or cooking them first. This will preserve their flavor and texture better than other methods.
How long can you freeze porcini mushrooms?Â
You can freeze porcini mushrooms for up to a year in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date and use it within that time.
How do you use frozen porcini mushrooms?
You can use frozen porcini mushrooms in any recipe that calls for fresh or dried mushrooms. Just add them directly to your dish without thawing them first. They will cook in the same time as fresh mushrooms.
Do frozen porcini mushrooms taste good?Â
Frozen porcini mushrooms taste very similar to fresh ones, as long as they are frozen properly and used within a year. They have a rich and earthy flavor that enhances any dish.
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 you freeze uncooked mushrooms?
Yes you can freeze uncooked mushrooms. This way they retain their original shape and texture. Just don’t taw them before use to avoid mushiness!
Can you freeze raw mushrooms?
Absolutely! Freezing raw mushrooms is a great way to preserve their freshness and flavour.
More reasons for freezing mushrooms raw:
Interesting links about health benefits, tips & trick, nutritional value:
Nutritional value of mushrooms
Tips on how to avoid food preservation mistakes
Turbo Tasty’s Collection of Wild Mushroom Recipes
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.
