How to freeze chanterelles and savour their taste year-round

The season for chanterelles is a true feast for the taste buds. However, these forest treasures are only available for a few months yearly. To enjoy their unique aroma all year round, it's worth considering freezing them. But how do you prepare chanterelles for freezing to preserve their delicate flavour and prevent them from turning bitter? We'll guide you!

Freezing chanterelles is an excellent way to preserve their freshness and aroma for longer. This way, we can enjoy the taste of forest mushrooms even in winter. Frozen chanterelles are a perfect addition to many dishes: soups, sauces, fillings, and even pizza.

Cleaning:

• Gentleness is key: Chanterelles should be cleaned gently with a soft or small brush.
• No soaking: Avoid soaking chanterelles in water. They absorb too much moisture, which can affect their flavour and texture after defrosting.
• Quick rinse: If the chanterelles are dirty, briefly rinse them under running water, but dry them thoroughly afterwards.

Thermal processing:

    
• Blanching: The most popular method of preparing chanterelles for freezing is blanching. This involves briefly scalding the mushrooms in boiling, salted water. This helps them retain their firmness and colour.
• Steaming: Another option is steaming the chanterelles. This method allows for gentle cooking and preserves more nutrients.
• Frying: You can also quickly fry the chanterelles in a dry pan until they release their juices.

Freezing:

• Portions: Freeze the chanterelles in portions you will use to prepare specific dishes.
• Quick freezing: To avoid the formation of large ice crystals that can damage the mushrooms' structure, freeze them as quickly as possible. You can use special freezing containers or airtight bags for this purpose.
• Labelling: Each package of frozen chanterelles should be properly labelled with the freezing date.

Frozen chanterelles are stored in a freezer at -18°C (0°F). Under these conditions, they can be stored for up to 8 months.

The best way to defrost chanterelles is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator a few hours before planned use. They can also be defrosted directly in a pan with some fat.

Chanterelles are extremely versatile mushrooms that pair well with many dishes. Frozen chanterelles can be added to soups, sauces, risotto, pasta, and meat and vegetable dishes. It is, therefore, worth spending some time preparing them properly to enjoy their taste and aroma all year round.