Preserving fresh mushrooms is important as they tend to spoil quickly. One of the most simple and effective ways to preserve mushrooms is by using a freezer. If you find yourself with an abundance of mushrooms after a walk in the forest, freezing them can be a practical solution. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to freeze raw mushrooms, as well as tips for blanching and pre-freezing.
Step 1: Clean the mushrooms
Before freezing raw mushrooms, it is crucial to clean them thoroughly. Use a soft brush or paper towels to remove any dirt or debris. It is recommended to avoid using water, as it can alter the aroma of the mushrooms. Additionally, remove any damaged parts and stem ends with a sharp knife.
Step 2: Portion the mushrooms
The size of the mushrooms will determine whether they can be frozen whole or if it is necessary to cut larger specimens into quarters or slices. Consider your subsequent use of the mushrooms when deciding how to portion them.
Step 3: Blanch (if necessary)
Most mushroom varieties can be frozen raw without any issue. However, chanterelles may develop a bitter taste after thawing if not blanched. To blanch chanterelles, follow these steps:
– Clean the mushrooms thoroughly
– Bring a pot of salted water to a boil
– Blanch the mushrooms in the boiling water for a few minutes
– Remove the mushrooms and immediately place them in ice water to stop the cooking process
– To prevent discoloration, add a little lemon juice to the water
– After draining the mushrooms, ensure they are well-dried to minimize the formation of ice crystals and clumps.
Step 4: Optional – Pre-freeze the mushrooms
To prevent the mushrooms from sticking together during freezing and making it difficult to portion later on, you can choose to pre-freeze them. Here's how:
– Arrange the cleaned and portioned mushrooms on a baking sheet with adequate spacing
– Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the mushrooms freeze for a few hours
– Make sure your freezer has enough space for this optional step
Step 5: Freezing the mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are cleaned, portioned, and optionally pre-frozen, it's time to freeze them for long-term storage. Follow these steps:
– Place the prepared mushrooms in portion-sized storage bags or airtight containers
– Carefully close the bags or containers to ensure they are properly sealed
– Don't forget to label the containers with the freezing date for easy identification later on
Note: Thawing frozen mushrooms should be done in the refrigerator to avoid a mushy result. However, frozen mushrooms can also be used directly in recipes without thawing them beforehand.
