Can you freeze mushrooms? Yes: cook them first

Yes, you can freeze mushrooms, but cook them first. Raw mushrooms are mostly water, so they turn soft and watery when they thaw. Sautéed or steamed mushrooms freeze well and keep their best quality for about 8 to 12 months. Use them straight from frozen in soups, sauces, stir-fries and pasta.

What is the best way to freeze mushrooms?

• Wipe or briefly rinse the mushrooms and trim the stems. Slice or quarter large ones.
• Sauté them in a little oil or butter over medium-high heat until they have released their water and it has cooked off, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Spread them on a tray to cool, then freeze the tray for an hour so the pieces stay separate.
• Tip them into a freezer bag, press out the air, seal and label it with the date.

Can you freeze mushrooms raw?

You can, and they are safe, but the texture suffers. If you do, freeze them whole and very fresh, and add them to cooked dishes without thawing. Some university freezing guides allow raw mushrooms; most recommend cooking or blanching first for better quality.

How do you blanch mushrooms instead of sautéing?

Steam blanching keeps them closer to raw. Dip them first in water with a little lemon juice to stop them darkening, then steam whole small mushrooms about 5 minutes, quarters about 3½ minutes and slices about 2 to 3 minutes. Cool them quickly in iced water, drain well and freeze. Times are from university extension freezing guides; see the source below.

How do you use frozen mushrooms?

Add them to the pan frozen. They are best in dishes where texture matters less: soups, stews, curries, risotto, pasta sauces, omelettes and stir-fries. They are not good for salads or anything eaten raw. Try them in white bean and kale soup or lentil bolognese.

How long do fresh mushrooms last in the fridge?

About 3 to 7 days, kept in a paper bag or their original pack in the fridge, not sealed in plastic. Freeze them before they turn slimy or dark. Cooked mushrooms in a dish keep 3 to 4 days like other leftovers; see how long meal prep lasts.

Which other vegetables freeze well?

Most vegetables freeze better blanched or cooked. The guides in this series cover cabbage, celery and carrots, and frozen or fresh vegetables compares bought frozen vegetables with fresh. To keep any frozen food at its best, see how to prevent freezer burn.

Sources

• New Mexico State University: freezing vegetables, with blanching times
• USDA: freezing and food safety