🍄 Freezing mushrooms: raw, blanched or cooked? Guide & tips
You bought a nice tray of mushrooms but you're not going to cook them all? You want to avoid waste 🥗 and enjoy their unique flavor all year round? Freezing mushrooms is THE practical and delicious solution! But... should you freeze them raw, blanched, or cooked? Here's a complete guide to walk you through the process step by step 👇.
You can freeze raw, blanched or cooked mushrooms depending on your use:
- Raw : quick, but spongier texture when defrosted — ideal for stews or pan-fried dishes 🥘.
- Blanched : preserves color, firmness, and flavor better — perfect for omelets or quiches 🍳.
- Cooked (sautéed): ready to use, intense flavor, no water released during cooking — great for saving time 🔥.
Tip: Blanching is best to keep mushrooms looking nice, and remember to prepare them well before freezing (gently cleaning, slicing). Use tightly sealed freezer bags to avoid frost ❄️.
Mushroom Freezing Methods: Comparison
| Method | Benefits | Disadvantages | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crus | Ultra fast, simple, no pre-cooking 🥄 | Texture a little soft or spongy after defrosting 😅 | Stewed dishes, sauces, soups |
| Whitewashed | Color and firmness preserved, less water loss 👍 | Additional cooking step, short preparation time | Stir-fries, quiches, tarts, omelets |
| Cooked (sautéed) | Ready to use, concentrated flavor, no vegetable water when cooking 🔥 | Takes a little time, requires a pan or wok | Pizzas, risottos, express toppings |
How to freeze mushrooms step by step?
- Prepare the mushrooms : brush or dry them gently (avoid soaking them in water). Trim the earthy stems and slice as needed.
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Choose your method :
- Raw : Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 2 hours then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Blanched : immerse them for 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water, refresh in iced water, drain and dry well before freezing.
- Cooked : Sauté them in a pan in a little oil or butter until they release their water. Let them cool before freezing.
- Pack carefully : Use airtight bags or boxes, remove as much air as possible. Indicate the date and variety ✍️.
- Store in the freezer : Store flat for optimal storage. Mushrooms can be easily stored for several months without any problems.
FAQ — Freezing Mushrooms
Can all mushrooms be frozen?
Yes, most of them! Button mushrooms , porcini mushrooms, chanterelles, oyster mushrooms... freeze very well. Note: for morels, cooking before freezing is mandatory 🔥.
Can you freeze already cooked mushrooms?
Yes, and it's even the fastest method: sauté them in a pan, let them cool, then freeze them in portions. You'll save time on your quick meals 🥗.
How to prevent mushrooms from turning black or soft?
Blanching preserves the color, and careful drying prevents a spongy texture. Wrap them well to limit frosting!
How long can you keep frozen mushrooms?
Generally, they can be frozen for 6 to 12 months without any problems. After that, they lose a little flavor, but remain edible.
Should I defrost before cooking?
Not necessarily! Add them directly to the pan or casserole, especially for stews or gratins. For optimal texture, avoid the microwave.
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