Mushroom Freezing
Mushroom Preservation
Mushroom freezing extends the life of your produce. Most frozen mushrooms will last in the freezer for 9-12 months. While freezing mushrooms doesn’t affect the calorie, fibre, or mineral content of foods, it can reduce the content of water-soluble vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Texture can also be affected.
Fortunately, some pre-mushroom freezing preparation methods can help mushrooms maintain their freshness, texture, and nutrients.
The Mushroom Freezing Process
Preparation
The fresher mushrooms are when you freeze them, the better it will keep in the freezer. Brush off any visible dirt. Don’t be tempted to wash mushrooms before freezing them, as this tends to make them mushier when cooked.
If you choose to freeze the mushrooms raw, trim their stems and place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag and placing it in the freezer. Note that raw mushrooms, given their high water content, can become mushy when thawed. This can work for soups, casseroles, or blended dishes.
Steam blanching is a quick cooking process that helps preserve produce before it’s frozen while preserving nutrients. It destroys enzymes that can increase food spoilage. Steam blanching also deactivates Listeria and Salmonella (foodborne bacteria), improving the safety of the mushrooms prior to freezing.
- Prevent discoloration by adding 5 ml of lemon juice to 4 cups (960 ml) of water
- Bring the water to a boil and place a steamer basket inside
- Add the mushrooms to the basket and steam for 3-5 minutes
- Remove the mushrooms
- Immediately place the mushrooms in a bath of ice water for 3-5 minutes
- Strain
- Place the mushrooms in an airtight, freezer-safe bag
- Freeze
A method of cooking using a small amount of fat and relatively high temperature to soften and brown food quickly.
- Cook mushrooms in a small amount of butter on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until tender but not squishy.
- Remove mushrooms from the pan and place on a plate to cool.
- Place mushrooms in an airtight, freezer-safe bag and freeze.
NOTE: Cooking without water prevents the loss of vitamin B’s while the fat improves the absorption of antioxidants and other plant compounds.
How to Use Frozen Mushrooms
Frozen mushrooms work best if added to dishes that will be cooked, such as soups, casseroles, or stews, or as a pizza topping. Alternatively you can opt to use frozen mushrooms by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight.