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Mushrooms are such a versatile ingredient that is used in so many savory dishes. They make delicious mushroom soup, are great in lasagne, and work well in many creamy pasta sauces.
They are yummy in most beef recipes too such as stroganoff. If your recipe requires a pound of mushrooms and you are using the canned version, substitute 6 ounces of the canned ones.
How Are Mushrooms Canned?
Manufacturers make canned mushrooms by slicing fresh button (usually) mushrooms or leaving them whole and packing them into a brine.
Next, they seal the cans and send them through a pressure canning process. Because of the high salt content in the brine, it is a good idea to drain and rinse your canned mushrooms in cold running water before use.
However, a spoon or two of the canning liquid adds flavor to your recipes as long as you omit any extra salt.
Canned Mushrooms Are Great for Vegetarians and Vegans
Mushrooms are a great addition to the diet for vegans and vegetarians. They are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, and they also contain B vitamins and varying amounts of fiber and protein.
Depending on the variety, mushrooms provide 2-4g of protein per cooked cupful.
Former meat-eaters who miss meaty flavors will enjoy the rich umami taste that mushrooms provide as well as their meaty texture. Large black mushrooms can be used as burger patty substitutes.
The Convenience of Cans
Canned mushrooms are so convenient to have on hand when fresh or dried mushrooms are unavailable. Sometimes though, you just need a few such as when making an omelet and do not need to use up the whole can.
At times like these, you may have wondered if it is safe to freeze the leftover canned mushrooms. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this.
Can You Freeze Canned Mushrooms?
Freezing Canned Mushrooms After Opening
Yes, canned mushrooms can be frozen after opening! Once a can of mushrooms has been opened, they need to be used immediately or refrigerated or frozen.
The important thing is to remove them from the can and store them in covered glass or plastic containers such as a Ziploc bag or Tupperware container.
If storing them in the fridge, don’t keep them for more than 3 days before use.
If freezing them, they may be stored for up to 2 months and still maintain their texture, however, they will be safe indefinitely if frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to label the container clearly.
The mushrooms’ texture will be softer once they have been frozen and thawed, so they’re best suited to cooked dishes such as soups, sauces, and casseroles.
After freezing and defrosting, do not keep them in the refrigerator for more than 3 days. If any develop a strange smell or color, throw them away.
Ideas for Using Your Frozen Canned Mushrooms
To use, thaw the mushrooms first. Spoon a few into a grilled cheese sandwich for extra flavor and goodness. Saute them in a little butter and parsley and serve them with your breakfast eggs.
Fry them with onions and jalapenos as a filling for tacos. Layer them in your favorite lasagne recipe.
Remember, canned mushrooms have been pre-cooked before canning so you can use them straight out of the can.
However, they are even more delicious if fried in a little butter or oil. Garlic improves them even further!
Conclusion
We hope this short article has answered your questions about freezing canned mushrooms. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us in the comment section below.