I like mushrooms a lot, which means I want to include them in almost every dish! Previously, I would always buy them fresh from the market every time I wanted to use them. However, once I came across the perfect hack for freezing morels, I stopped doing that.
I never thought that life could be so easy when it came to freezing mushrooms. For some reason, I always thought freezing them would affect their taste or texture.
But I was surprised by the results and the rest is history. So, if you too are in the same boat that I was in once, then keep reading to find the answer to the question, can you freeze morel mushrooms?
Can You Freeze Morel Mushrooms?
Many people ask,‘can you freeze morel mushrooms or not?’ To answer their question, yes, you can. You have the choice to either slice them or freeze them whole.
I like to just clean them and freeze them whole because slicing them and then freezing them takes the flavor away. Many people do store slices, but I prefer freezing whole morel mushrooms.
How to Freeze Morels
There are several ways to freeze morels. We will discuss some methods here. You can choose one that you prefer.
Before you choose either method, decide how much time you want to invest in the process and how long you want to store the morel mushrooms for.
Since morel mushrooms have a unique flavor, freezing them the right way helps to preserve it.
✔ Sautéed Mushrooms
I just add 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet at medium heat and then add the mushrooms. I sauté them for a few minutes, stirring them occasionally. As soon as the mushrooms drain their liquid, I strain them and then let them cool.
Once they have cooled down, I just put them in an airtight container and freeze them.
✔ Steamed Mushrooms
If you want the mushrooms to last for a long period, it’s better to steam them before freezing. For this method, I just add a teaspoon of lemon juice to boiling water and then dip whole mushrooms in it for 5 minutes.
Then I use a steamer and place the mushrooms in it for another 5 minutes. I let them cool for a few minutes. In total, it takes me less than half an hour to get the mushrooms ready.
Here are some other mushroom articles that you may appreciate:
- Healthy Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Recipe
- How Long Do Mushrooms Last
- How to Chop Mushrooms Quickly and Easily
- How to Wash Mushrooms and Why You Should
The Best Way to Store Fresh Morel Mushrooms
I’ve tried all the methods of storing fresh morel mushrooms, and I can easily say that blanching is the best way. When you partially boil the mushrooms, it’s safe to store them for a longer period.
Just add clean mushrooms to a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain and let them dry. Pat them to make sure they’re completely dry before placing them in an airtight container and storing it in the freezer.
How to Defrost Frozen Morels
Defrosting morels is easier than freezing morels. All you need to do is place an airtight container in the fridge to melt the ice. After an hour or two, take out the morel mushrooms and add them to whatever recipe you’re trying that day. Don’t worry if the mushrooms are still frosty because the heat will set them up alright.
Tips and Tricks
Since we have answered your question, “can morels be frozen?”, let’s discuss some tips and tricks on freezing morels.
- Cleaning is the first and most important process. Shake them well to get out any dirt, rinse them out thoroughly, and then leave them to dry.
- Don’t place mushrooms on top of each other or they’ll bruise easily.
- Store them away from any strong-smelling food in the freezer as mushrooms can easily absorb their scent.
- Never use water when defrosting morel mushrooms as it will make them lose their flavor.
The Bottom Line
Now that I’ve learned how to freeze morel mushrooms, I can easily say that the process is not challenging. If you are struggling, just follow my guide. It might take a few tries, but you will eventually learn how to freeze morels!
Can You Freeze Morel Mushrooms?
This is how to freeze morel mushrooms that have been steamed. This will help preserve the unique flavor for a longer period of time.
Ingredients
- Morel mushrooms
- Lemon juice
- Streamer
Instructions
- Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to boiling water and then dip whole mushrooms in it for 5 minutes.
- Use a steamer and place the mushrooms in it for another 5 minutes.
- Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Once they have cooled down, put them in an airtight container and freeze them.
Notes
- Store them away from any strong-smelling food in the freezer as mushrooms can easily absorb their scent.
- Never use water when defrosting morel mushrooms as it will make them lose their flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g