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By Susan Choung for Food Network Kitchen
Mysterious and kooky, mushrooms are like the Addams Family of the produce section. They have unique origins and a haunting, earthy flavor that can be polarizing. If you're a fan of this fungi and you have an overabundance, you can freeze them to save for later.
Mushrooms will last 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Decide how many you plan to eat in the first few days and set the rest aside to clean and freeze as soon as possible, while they're still fresh, firm and unblemished.
You might be tempted to wash mushrooms in water. They're going to be cooked in liquid later so no big deal, right? Wrong! Mushrooms soak up water like little sponges. The best way to clean them is to brush off any dirt with a dry pastry brush or wadded-up paper towels.
Theoretically, yes, but they'll be mushy afterward due to their high water content, which changes the structure of the mushroom itself as the ice crystals form. The better way to freeze mushrooms is to cook them first.
Sauteing is best if the mushrooms are destined for the freezer. This method will draw out their moisture and concentrate the earthy flavor.
Slice or quarter any mushrooms larger than an inch. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned all over.
Transfer the mushrooms to a rimmed baking sheet and spread them out to cool.
Repeat in batches with the remaining mushrooms, using more butter or oil and let them all cool on a baking sheet.
Once the mushrooms have fully cooled on the baking sheets, label and date freezer-safe resealable bags, then fill them with your cooked and cooled mushrooms.
Mushrooms will last for up to 9 months in the freezer.
Once you're ready to use them, there's no need to thaw them first. Frozen mushrooms are best used in dishes that will cook and heat them through, so there's no need to thaw them beforehand.
Soups, including this Creamy Two-Mushroom Soup
Stews, like this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Mushrooms
Casseroles, like this Cheesy Mushroom and Broccoli Casserole
Stir-fries, like this Beef and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Other mushroom-forward dishes, such as:
How to Grow Mushrooms at Home
The experts at HGTV will show you how to grow delicious mushrooms at home with a kit, an inoculated log or easy-to-find-online supplies.
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