Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Boasting a distinctive earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient to have on hand. Regardless of which type of mushroom you’re working with, it’s important to remember that mushrooms have a very high water content and as such can spoil quickly. In order to maintain peak freshness, it’s key to know how to properly store mushrooms. If you’re looking to extend the shelf life of your mushrooms, the good news is that you can freeze them—but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Read on for our tips and tricks for freezing mushrooms.
How Long Will Mushrooms Last in the Refrigerator?
Fresh mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator, either in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag—avoid plastic bags or sealed containers that will lock in moisture. Mushrooms will typically still have a bit of dirt on them when you bring them home from the farmers’ market or grocery store, but you’ll want to hold off on cleaning mushrooms until you’re ready to use them.
The sooner you can use them, the better, but you can typically keep mushrooms for up to one week in the refrigerator. Keep an eye on their texture for any signs of spoilage. “One way to tell if your fresh mushrooms are going bad is by their texture,” says Eric Davis, spokesperson for The Mushroom Council. “Fresh mushrooms that are ready to enjoy should be firm and plump, so if they are looking slimy or dried out, it is time to compost them.“
The Best Way to Freeze Mushrooms
Not going to use all those fresh mushrooms from the farmers’ market? The good news is that you can freeze all types of mushrooms—but The Mushroom Council strongly recommends that you cook them first. Mushrooms are about 80% to 90% water, so they don’t hold up well to freezing in their raw form. They’ll become mushy once thawed. If you do decide to freeze raw mushrooms, note that you’ll want to use them in a recipe where their texture doesn’t matter as much in the finished dish, such as our Creamy Wild Rice-Mushroom Soup or Cheese Tortellini and Chicken Mushroom Casserole.
With that said, it’s best to sauté mushrooms before freezing, which will remove much of the water content and also lock in flavor. Make sure to clean and dry your mushrooms, then follow our step-by-step guide to sautéing mushrooms to achieve a tender texture and savory flavor. As the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen notes, it’s important to use a large pan and to cook the mushrooms in a single layer with space in between—avoid crowding the mushrooms in the pan—or else they’ll steam instead of sauté. Once you have sautéed the mushrooms, remove them from the heat and let cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
How Long Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Cooked mushrooms will last for up to a month in the freezer, and, if they’ve been sautéed, freezing shouldn’t affect their taste or texture. When ready to use, they don’t need to be thawed—simply reheat on the stove or in the oven and season to taste, then throw them in your favorite recipe, from pasta and risotto to flatbread pizzas and tacos.
Mushrooms are heart-healthy and packed with nutrients, making them a smart addition to a range of savory dishes. Now that you know how to freeze fresh mushrooms, try adding them to a variety of dishes. Mushrooms can easily sub in for meat in countless vegetarian recipes, but they also add another level of flavor to dishes like our Smoky Beef Stroganoff and Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Pasta.
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