how do i freeze mushrooms?

Question

Have frozen them in a frezer bag in the past but when you defrost them thay come out like mush and brown . I guess i whant to know how to stop that from happing.

Answer 1

FREEZING MUSHROOMS

Choose mushrooms free from spots and decay. Sort
according to size. Wash thoroughly in cold water. Trim off
ends of stems. If mushrooms are larger than 1 inch across,
slice them or cut them into quarters.

Mushrooms may be steamed or heated in fat in a fry pan.

Steam
Steamed mushrooms retain better color if given
antidarkening treatment first.

Dip for 5 minutes in a solution containing 1 teaspoon
lemon juice or 1 1/2 teaspoons citric acid to a pint of
water.

Then steam blanch:
Whole mushrooms................... 5 minutes
(not larger than 1 inch across)
Buttons or quarters............... 3 1/2 minutes
Slices............................ 3 minutes

Cool promptly in cold water and drain well.
Heat in fry pan
Heat small quantities of mushrooms in a small amount of
table fat in an open fry pan until almost cooked.

Cool in air or place pan in which mushrooms were cooked in
cold water.

Pack into containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal,
label and freeze.

FREEZING MUSHROOMS(from another source)

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, Par-boiled:

Wash raw mushrooms. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 quart rapidly boiling water. To keep mushrooms white, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to water. Add mushrooms. Let water come to a boil again. Boil mushrooms 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Drain thoroughly. Seal in plastic bags. Freeze. Will keep about one year.

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.

Answer 2

You need to cook them before freezing them. I've found the best way is to slice them, saute in a bit of oil, salt and pepper, garlic powder. Cool, bag and freeze. Then they are ready to use in a casserole or on pizza, etc.
For safety's sake they have to be cooked a bit to stop the enzymes in the mushrooms. Same with other veggies such as beans or corn, before you freeze them.

Answer 3

You can't really freeze them. Best thing to do is dehydrate them. If you have a dehydrator that's your best option. But if not, put them in the oven at low heat (experiment at around 150F), watch them carefully to be sure they don't burn. It could take hours but once they're properly dehydrated you can store them for a long time (without freezing). To rehydrate, just soak them in water for 20 minutes or so.

Answer 4

I assume you put them in the freezer? There are frozen mushrooms in my lean cuisine and I pick them out, so I have first hand knowledge that mushrooms can be frozen.

Answer 5

I would probably cook them slightly before freezing them.

Answer 6

Uh, put them in a freezer bag & stick them in the freezer? Sorry but ya hadta ask?

Answer 7

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/freezemushrooms.html
http://www.mountainviewmushrooms.com/FreezingMushrooms.asp

Answer 8

umm duh put them in a bag and put them in a freezer.