can i freeze mushrooms?

[ChrisKC]

I have a couple boxes of mushrooms that I ended up not using. I hate to waste them, can they be frozen? I'm kinda thinking it would work if I saute them first, but am open to any ideas. Thanks!

[Scott D]

A friend of the family found 5-6 hen of the woods that totaled around 100 pounds. After cleaning them up we froze in gallon bags. Worked fine. My parents dehydrated some with good results too. Not sure about other types of shrooms though.

[nemo]

You could also make duxelles. Rolled up into a log and frozen, it's easy to slice of as much as you need for a sauce, soup, to put in an omelet, etc.

[operagirl]

Exactly what I was going to say! Duxelles are the way to go in this case. A great ingredient to have at your disposal.
http://operagirlcooks.com

[geminigirl]

I've done it with those that were sauteed, and they were just ok for lunch leftovers etc...they were a bit rubbery imho.

[BamiaWruz]

Shittaki's seem to do well. Button or cramini may have to be sauteed first like others have said.

[dct]

I have frozen sauteed mushrooms and they were fine (and convenient). I've never tried freezing them uncooked--I suspect that won't work well.

[ChrisKC]

Thanks, I'll do it then. I thought you would have to saute first but have never tried (never had any left before!)

[WCchopper]

Roasting them might be easier- it removes the water and uses less fat so that you can keep them more "neutral" for whatever you decide to use them for later.

[ChrisKC]

Hmmm, that might be the way to go. What temp would you use and approximate time? They are white button, medium size.

[WCchopper]

I would probably go with about 400- and if you want to do them whole or in halves, maybe 20 minutes or so. Keep and eye on them, move them around occasionally and when they are shrunken down and browned enough take them out. You can toss them in a little oil to help with caramelization, but not too much.

One thing- don't crowd the pan. Do them on two pans if you need to. It just helps the water evaporate more effectively.

Hope it works well for you.

[ChrisKC]

Thanks, I think I'll give it a go tonight!