How to Freeze Giant Puffball Mushrooms: Proper Techniques for Freezing Mushrooms

As a society, we’ve largely lost sight of how our food is grown and harvested. We consume our meals without considering the process by which it arrived on our plates, and we’re increasingly disconnected from the source of our sustenance. But it’s not too late to change this unhealthy relationship with our food. By learning about the foods we eat, we can develop a deeper connection with the earth and our communities. And one delicious food that embodies this idea of connecting with our food source is the giant puffball mushroom.

If you’ve never seen or tasted a giant puffball mushroom, you’re in for a treat. This rare and specialty food is a delicacy that deserves a place at your table. These mushrooms are large, with a soft and spongy interior that’s perfect for cooking. They’re also extremely versatile, with a mild and earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.

One of the best ways to enjoy giant puffball mushrooms is by freezing them. When properly frozen, these mushrooms retain their flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy them long after the season has passed. In this article, we’ll teach you how to freeze giant puffball mushrooms properly, so you can enjoy this delicious ingredient all year long.

The first step to properly freezing giant puffball mushrooms is to select the right ones. When selecting mushrooms, look for those that are fresh, without any bruising or discoloration. These mushrooms should also be firm to the touch, without any mushy spots. The best time to harvest giant puffball mushrooms is in the fall, so keep an eye out for them during this season.

Once you’ve selected your mushrooms, it’s time to clean them. Start by brushing any dirt or debris off the surface of the mushroom with a dry cloth or brush. Next, wipe the mushroom with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Be sure to dry the mushroom thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

To prepare the mushrooms for freezing, slice them into pieces that are about 1/2 inch thick. Be sure to remove any tough or woody parts of the mushroom before slicing. You can also cube or shred the mushrooms if you prefer.

Blanching is a crucial step in the freezing process, as it helps preserve the flavor and texture of the mushrooms. To blanch your mushrooms, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced mushrooms to the boiling water and let them cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, remove the giant puffball mushrooms from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately submerge them in a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the mushrooms from becoming mushy.

Once the mushrooms have been blanched and cooled, it’s time to drain them. Use a colander or strainer to remove as much excess water as possible. Spread the mushrooms out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re spread out evenly and not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the mushrooms freeze for at least 2 hours.

After the mushrooms have been frozen for at least 2 hours, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and place it in the freezer. The mushrooms will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Freezing giant puffball mushrooms is a great way to preserve this rare and delicious ingredient for use throughout the year. By choosing fresh mushrooms, cleaning and slicing them properly, blanching them, and freezing them, you can enjoy these mushrooms in a variety of dishes. So next time you buy giant puffball mushrooms at the farmer’s market or in your garden, be sure to stock up and follow these proper freezing techniques. You won’t be disappointed!

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At Foraged, we’re on a mission to empower small-scale food purveyors to grow healthy, sustainable businesses while nourishing everyday people by providing easy access to unique foods.

By supporting Foraged vendors, you're helping to build a better, more sustainable food system for everyone.

Plus, we're committed to doing things the right way - our platform puts the power back in the knowledgeable hands of those who grow, harvest, and create foods most responsibly. 

And we don't just stop there, we also want to make sure you know how to cook and preserve the specialty foods you source from Foraged, which is why we provide educational resources and delicious recipes for you to try.