Storing mushrooms in the freezer: how to freeze mushrooms for the winter and how to store them correctly

Among lovers of "quiet hunting" mushrooms are considered very tasty, fragrant and nutritious fruit bodies. During the gathering season, a real "raid" is arranged for them. Having collected a large harvest of such a delicacy, many are wondering what to do with mushrooms? For example, many people like to harvest these mushrooms for the winter by freezing them.

Can mushrooms be stored in the freezer and how to prepare mushrooms for freezing?

Can mushrooms be stored in the freezer and how to do it? This question can be answered positively, however, so that during further defrosting the mushrooms do not have bitterness, it is necessary to carry out the primary processing process correctly.

To begin with, it should be noted that not everyone is engaged in the processing of mushrooms immediately after collection. The main reason is fatigue after a long walk in the forest. Therefore, in order to increase the shelf life several times, you need to fill the mushrooms with cold salted water and refrigerate. Fresh mushrooms are stored in this state for no more than 24 hours.

To prepare the mushrooms for freezing, they are cleaned of forest debris, the tips of the legs are cut off and washed in cold water several times.

This procedure is only used if the mushrooms will not be frozen raw. They are wiped with a damp kitchen towel or dish sponge.

Next, the mushrooms are sorted by size and density. It is better to freeze strong and small specimens whole fresh, this will preserve the beautiful appearance of saffron milk caps. It is better to freeze large fruiting bodies after heat treatment. In this article, you can learn how to properly freeze mushrooms in the freezer.

How to freeze fresh mushrooms?

For many, freezing fresh mushrooms in the freezer for the winter is an unexplored method. In this regard, a wonderful opportunity is missed all year round to enjoy such gifts of nature. Often, mushroom pickers make one mistake: the fruit bodies are washed, distributed in bags and placed in the freezer. This option is completely unsuitable for freezing fresh fruit bodies.

To maintain an attractive appearance and useful properties, you need to know how to process and store mushrooms in the freezer.

The mushrooms, cleared of contamination, are distributed in one layer on a tray or cutting board covered with cling film.

Placed in a freezer for 8-10 hours, setting the minimum temperature.

The mushrooms are taken out, transferred to food plastic containers or plastic bags and placed in the freezer.

Note that each package must be marked with the date of freezing. In addition, mushrooms harvested on the same day should be completed in one bag.

Fresh storage of mushrooms in the freezer should not exceed 10-12 months, provided that the mushrooms have not been re-frozen.

How to freeze blanched mushrooms?

Some mushroom pickers prefer to blanch the mushrooms before freezing them. How to properly store mushrooms in the freezer so that they do not lose their attractiveness?

  • To do this, after cleaning, the fruit bodies can be washed, rinsed with boiling water, then put on a kitchen towel and dried.
  • Distribute the mushrooms on the tray so that they do not come into contact with each other.
  • Send to the freezer and turn on the equipment option for "maximum freeze".
  • After 10-12 hours, everything will depend on the selected temperature regime; remove the mushrooms from the freezer.
  • Transfer to prepared plastic containers and return to the freezer.

Note that defrosting mushrooms is best done in a natural way: transfer the mushrooms to the lowest shelf of the refrigerator and leave overnight.Blanched mushrooms are stored in the freezer for as long as fresh frozen ones - for 10-12 months.

Storing salted mushrooms in the freezer

The ideal option for harvesting mushrooms is salting them and then freezing them. How to store salted mushrooms in the freezer so that the maximum amount of nutrients remains in them? The positive aspect of this option is that the mushrooms, after thawing, can be eaten immediately without being processed. In addition, with this method, the mushrooms never turn sour or spoil.

Salting mushrooms for freezing is carried out in a cold way, but without a large amount of salt.

  • Prepared mushrooms should be laid out in layers in an enamel container, sprinkling each layer with salt and bay leaves (for 1 kg of mushrooms, take 1 incomplete tablespoon of salt).
  • Press down with oppression and send to the refrigerator for 2 days (it is not recommended to keep the mushrooms in the refrigerator for more than the specified time - there may be salting).
  • Pack the mushrooms in plastic bags or food containers and send them to the freezer.

It is worth recalling that you need to pack mushrooms in one or two servings, since re-freezing of fruit bodies is not allowed. The optimal shelf life of salted frozen mushrooms does not exceed 6 months.

Can boiled mushrooms be stored in the freezer and how to prepare boiled mushrooms for freezing?

Many mushroom pickers prefer to make preparations from boiled fruit bodies. Is it possible to store boiled mushrooms in the freezer and how long is it allowed to do this?

Boiled mushrooms for storage in the freezer are prepared as follows:

  • Large specimens of mushrooms are peeled, cut off most of the stem and cut into pieces.
  • Water is poured into an enamel pot and brought to a boil.
  • Pieces of mushrooms are poured into boiling water and boiled for 15 minutes over low heat, constantly removing the foam from the surface.
  • Throw in a colander and leave to glass all the liquid.
  • The cooled mushrooms are distributed on a pallet or tray covered with cling film.
  • They put it in the freezer and turn on the equipment at the lowest possible temperature.
  • Leave for 12 hours, and after the specified time, the mushrooms are distributed in plastic bags in portions.

As already noted, it is recommended to indicate procurement dates on the packages and store the product for no more than 6 months. After thawing, mushrooms can be used as an additional ingredient in salads or sauces.

Can fried mushrooms be kept in the freezer for the winter?

Another popular way of harvesting is to freeze fried mushrooms in the freezer for the winter.

  • The mushrooms cleared of forest debris are washed in a large amount of water.
  • Spread out on a wire rack to drain completely and cut into pieces.
  • Fried in vegetable oil until golden brown.
  • Allow to cool completely and distribute into food containers.
  • Put in the freezer and leave until called up.

Fried mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for no more than 4-5 months. Each container with mushrooms is recommended to be marked with the date of freezing and not to freeze the product again.

How to freeze camelina caviar?

Is it possible to freeze mushrooms as caviar for the winter in the freezer and how to do it correctly?

  • For cooking, you need carrots, onions, mushrooms, salt and vegetable oil.
  • All products are fried separately in a vegetable place, combined and chopped with a blender.
  • Salted, mixed and fried again for 10 minutes over low heat.
  • After complete cooling, the mass is distributed in plastic containers and placed in the freezer until requested.

Stored mushrooms in the freezer as caviar can last no more than 3 months.


$config[zx-auto] not found$config[zx-overlay] not found