Freezing fresh mushrooms

[naomi24]

How is it done?

[naomi24]

Haaa! No, I'm not menkle. You can buy frozen mushrooms, so it must be possible to freeze them.

[roslyn251254]

Possibly cook them first. Fresh ones don't freeze well because of their high water content.

[Dunloptyre]

you cant freeze mushrooms they shrivel and turn black , i`ve tried it ,

[ChuckFickens]

no problemss in freezing mushrooms, just wash and clean them well, dry them, slice them and throw them in a bag and put in the freezer, don't bother defrosting them when you want to use them just chuck them straight in the dish you're cooking.

[naomi24]

No Knowledge, you really make me laugh. :o)

Thanks Chuck.

[Kjohn]

You can freeze mushrooms, but it will take a little extra effort on your part! Do not just throw them in the freezer and hope for the best, instead try following these instructions from cooks.com:
Freezing Raw (Freeze whole, for use within 3 months) :
Choose very fresh mushrooms; wipe with a clean cloth to remove dirt. Place each a little apart on a baking tray and open-freeze as quickly as possible. When mushrooms are frozen, pack into containers, fit on a lid and replace in freezer. Use within 3 months. Use straight from the freezer for pies, casseroles or stews or thaw for about 1 hour and use as required.

Freezing Sauteed Mushrooms:
Saute 1 lb. of mushrooms in butter with salt and pepper, using high heat for 1 or 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cool, then store in small containers and freeze. Use frozen, or thaw to room temperature about one hour; use for omelettes, sauces or served on toast

[cecil39]

you just slice them, open freeze on a tray then scrape them off into a bag, I have tried the big open ones just peeled and put in a bag but havent eaten any yet as only just done it, there where so many in a field near us that I could not bear to leave them, after all it's free food.

[Clanad]

Of course, if you want to expend only a little extra effort, you can dry the mushrooms. They will retain their texture and flavor much better than frozen ones. In fact, after drying them you can then successfully freeze them.

If interested, just clean the mushrooms, slice (you can just split the small ones into two pieces), place them on a tray (best is to have an elevated screen or even parchment paper on the tray) making sure they don't touch or overlap one another. They will air dry in about 8 hours if placed in a warm kitchen cabinet and even quicker if you place a small air fan in with them. Better, I've found, is to place the slices in a barely warm oven. I use our kitchen oven set at 150 degrees (F). It takes only about 2 or three hours, but you can test them. They should be only slightly rubbery but not crisp. Place them in a sealed jar or even a zip-lock freezer bag. They will keep for several months or even longer if you then freeze them...

[sara3]

just fry them in butter and eat them. I loves mushrooms, I do.

[naomi24]

No, No Knowledge - not ....... yet...... hee hee hee.......

I love them too Sara.

Thanks for all your answers guys. They're much appreciated.

[sara3]

naomi, you are teasing our NK.. naughty girl!

I'm off to bed, g'night and good luck with those mushrooms x

[Kim A]

Dear God. If you MUST, then for Cliff's sake cook them first, in a bit of butter with garlic or herbs and seasoning, get them quite dryish (like a duxelle), cool, then freeze. But never,ever, invite me for supper if I'm getting something with frozen mushrooms in. Wrong on SO many levels...................And, whilst we're on the subject - you DON'T WASH mushrooms. They have a spongy structure that just soaks up liquid. Dilutes the flavour. Yuk. Wipe only. Slightly damp kitchen paper if you must. Brush is better. I'm shuddering as I type. Sorry. Can't get over frozen mushrooms...........

[naomi24]

Sara :o)

KElly0, what, the button ones too? Well, we live and learn. :o)