If you are a mushroom eater then you will definitely want to store your most favorite types of mushrooms when they are in season. Then freeze them until you are ready to use them in all your favorite dishes and to ensure you do not waste a single one if you have some on hand. Select the mushrooms that look and smell fresh. Mushrooms that are dry, darkened, moldy, shriveled, and have bad spots, or emit an unpleasant odor should be prevented. Only freeze those mushrooms which are in good condition.
How To Freeze Mushrooms?
The mushrooms remain fresh when you keep them in the freezer. Fresh mushrooms have a stiff texture and give good smell and these are free of spongy or dark spots. Sometimes the best place to buy fresh mushrooms is at your native place but you may also search it locally grown mushrooms at your grocery store.
Before you are going to freeze mushrooms then first you should brush off the visible dirt. Most of the people are used to wash mushrooms before freezing them and this tends to make them squishy when cooked. If you choose to freeze the mushrooms raw, cut the stems and place them in a freezer safe plastic bags. Eliminate as much as air as you can before sealing the bag and placing it in the freezer. If you do not want to freeze raw mushrooms, there are two suggested methods for preparing them before to freeze.
Steam blanching:
- Steam blanching is a fast cooking process that helps to conserve before it is frozen. It works by destroying enzymes that can increase how quickly foods spoil.
- Steam blanching helps to preserve nutrients.
- Blanching times different for each mushroom as it is depending on the size of the mushroom, so it is a good idea to cut them in small sized before steaming.
- To prevent discoloration during the blanching process, first soak the fresh mushrooms in a solution of water and lemon juice for 5 to 10 minutes.
- To steam blanch the mushrooms, take a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket inside.
- Add the mushrooms to the basket and let them steam for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Then, remove the mushrooms and place them instantly into a bath of ice water for the same time that you steamed them.
- Strain the water and keep the mushrooms in airtight, freezer safe bags, and sock them in the freezer.
How To Unfreeze the Frozen Mushrooms?
Most frozen mushrooms will last in your freezer for at maximum 9 to 12 months. Frozen mushrooms are more appropriate for those dishes that will be cooked on fire including soups, stews, pizza topping and casseroles or much more. If you are not making or cooking a dish that will cook for long adequate to thoroughly under heat and cook the frozen mushrooms, you can thaw them to soften first by shifting them to the refrigerator overnight. Read More About How to get rid of Blackheads.
