How to freeze honey mushrooms for the winter in the freezer

How to prepare honey mushrooms for freezing

Carefully sort the mushrooms and get rid of wormy specimens. Clear the remaining ones of debris and soil, trim the “roots” on the legs, if any. At this stage, you can sort the honey mushrooms: small and strong ones are suitable for freezing fresh, large ones can be prepared boiled or chopped for minced meat.

If you plan to freeze honey mushrooms fresh, there is no need to wash them. Just wipe it off mushrooms with a slightly damp soft cloth to remove visible dirt.

Before boiling and preparing minced meat, place the mushrooms in a bowl, cover with cold water and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes. This procedure will help get rid of insects and debris.

Then rinse the mushrooms thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining dirt.

1. How to freeze fresh honey mushrooms for the winter

This is the fastest way to stock up. Before preparing foods such as soups or fried potatoes with mushrooms, frozen honey mushrooms should be thrown into boiling water and boiled for 20–30 minutes.

What you will need

• Cutting board, tray or tray from the freezer;
• cling film or foil;
• honey mushrooms;
• plastic bags (regular or with a zip fastener);
• Vacuumator - optional.

How to do

1. Line a cutting board, tray or freezer tray with cling film or foil. Spread fresh honey mushrooms in one layer.

2. Place the tray of mushrooms in the freezer. They should freeze properly and become hard. This will take approximately 2–3 hours, although it all depends on the characteristics of the household appliances and the age of the mushrooms.

3. Take out the frozen honey mushrooms and pack them into bags. Press down on the package to release any excess air, then tie, seal, or use a vacuum sealer.

4. Place the mushrooms back into the freezer.

2. How to freeze boiled honey mushrooms for the winter

The preparation will save time and help out when you want to cook something with honey mushrooms. So, if you are going to fry them, immediately put them in the frying pan without first defrosting them. In other cases, place frozen mushrooms in boiling water, boil for 15–20 minutes and add to dishes.

What you will need

• Honey mushrooms;
• pot;
• water;
• salt;
• skimmer;
• colander;
• plastic bags (regular or with a zip fastener);
• Vacuumator - optional.

How to do

1. Place clean mushrooms in a saucepan and add water until it completely covers them. Add salt at the rate of ½ tablespoon per 1 liter of liquid. Place on the fire, bring to a boil and cook honey mushrooms 20–25 minutes.

2. During cooking, remove the foam from the surface with a slotted spoon.

3. Drain the boiled honey mushrooms in a colander and rinse under running water. Allow excess liquid to drain.

4. Pack the mushrooms into bags. Press the package down lightly to release air and shape it flat to save freezer space. Tie the bags, close the zipper, or use a vacuum sealer.

5. Place the boiled mushrooms in the freezer for storage.

3. How to freeze minced mushrooms for the winter

Chopped mushrooms after defrosting will become a ready-made filling for pies, dumplings and zraz. You can also mix minced mushrooms with meat to make flavorful cutlets.

What you will need

• Honey mushrooms;
• pot;
• water;
• salt;
• skimmer;
• colander;
• blender or meat grinder;
• plastic bags (regular or with a zip fastener);
• Vacuumator - optional.

How to do

1. Place clean honey mushrooms in a saucepan, pour in water to cover the mushrooms. Add ½ tablespoon of salt per 1 liter of liquid. Place the container on the fire. After boiling, cook the honey mushrooms for 35–40 minutes, removing the foam with a slotted spoon.

2. Drain the mushrooms in a colander, rinse under cold running water and allow excess liquid to drain.

3. Grind the mushrooms using a blender or meat grinder.

4. Place the mushroom mince in the bags, press them down, releasing excess air. Tie the package, close the clasp, or use a vacuum sealer.

5. Place the minced honey mushrooms in the freezer for storage.