Washing Fresh Mushrooms: To Wash Or Not?

There are many conflicting opinions on whether or not to wash mushrooms. Some sources claim that washing mushrooms is unnecessary and can make them slimy, soggy, and less flavorful. Others argue that a quick rinse is acceptable, as mushrooms are mostly water and lose little to no flavor from a brief wash. Still, others recommend alternative cleaning methods such as using a damp cloth, brush, or paper towel to wipe away dirt. Ultimately, the decision to wash or not wash mushrooms may depend on personal preference, the type of mushroom, and the intended cooking method.

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Cleaning wild vs cultivated mushrooms

There are two types of mushrooms: cultivated and wild. Cultivated mushrooms are grown in sterile environments, similar to a science laboratory, with sterilized compost, white coats, and sterile gloves. On the other hand, wild mushrooms are harvested in the wild and may be growing on the side of a tree, at the base of a tree, or even in your driveway or yard. These are unsterile environments that can host leaves, twigs, pine needles, dirt, and bugs. Therefore, the methods for cleaning cultivated and wild mushrooms differ.

Cleaning Cultivated Mushrooms

Cultivated mushrooms, such as portobello, cremini, button, and shiitake mushrooms, are commonly found in grocery stores. They are grown in sterile environments, so they are relatively clean and do not need to be washed. Instead, you can simply brush off any dirt with a dry towel or a mushroom brush. However, some people still choose to wash cultivated mushrooms, especially if they plan to cook them, as the growing medium can sometimes cling to the caps. If you do choose to wash cultivated mushrooms, it is recommended to rinse them gently and then towel dry them.

Cleaning Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms, such as Morel, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Puffballs, are often foraged from the wild or bought at farmers' markets. They can harbour bugs or have dirt and grit from the woodland floor, so they require more thorough cleaning. Before washing wild mushrooms, it is important to inspect them for tiny bug holes at the stem end. If there are no bug holes, you can wash them following the method for wild Hen of the Woods. Cut the mushroom into pieces, submerge them in water, and agitate them to remove any dirt or grit. Then, remove them from the water, checking that all dirt and grit have been removed, and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels. If there are bug holes, it is recommended to add salt to the washing water (one tablespoon per four cups of water) to evict any tiny creatures. Soak the mushrooms in the salty water for 20 minutes, drain them, and then repeat the process. Finally, dry the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels.

How to wash different types of mushrooms

There are several ways to wash different types of mushrooms, and opinions vary on the best method. Some people believe that mushrooms should never be washed under water, while others argue that it is perfectly acceptable. Here are some methods for washing different types of mushrooms:

Cultivated Mushrooms

Cultivated mushrooms, such as button, cremini, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms, are typically cleaner than wild mushrooms due to the sterile environment in which they are grown. To clean cultivated mushrooms, you can use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe away any dirt. If there is more stubborn dirt, a quick rinse under running water, followed by a shake and thorough drying, may be necessary. It is important to dry cultivated mushrooms thoroughly, as they can absorb water, which may affect their texture and cooking properties.

Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and oyster mushrooms, may require a more thorough cleaning as they can be covered in dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris from the forest floor. One method for cleaning wild mushrooms is to submerge them in water, agitate them to remove dirt and grit, and then pat them dry between clean kitchen towels. For mushrooms with delicate caps, such as oyster mushrooms, a gentler approach is needed. Trimming their ends, followed by a brief soak, gentle draining, and careful drying, is recommended.

Foraged Mushrooms

For foraged mushrooms that may be harbouring insects, a salt water soak is recommended. Add one tablespoon of salt to four cups of water, swirl to dissolve the salt, and then soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes. Drain and repeat the process. Finally, dry the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels. This method will help to remove any tiny creatures that may be present in the mushrooms.

Mushrooms with Crevices

Some mushrooms, such as wild varieties, have crevices and creases that can hold a lot of dirt. For these mushrooms, a good washing or even soaking may be necessary to remove all the dirt.

In summary, the method for washing mushrooms depends on their type and the amount of dirt present. While some mushrooms only require a gentle wipe with a damp cloth, others may need a more thorough cleaning involving water and careful drying.

When to wash mushrooms

There are various opinions on when to wash mushrooms. Some people believe that mushrooms should not be washed with water, as they can become slimy and less flavoursome. Instead, they suggest scraping off the dirt or using a brush to gently scrub away the dirt. Others recommend using a damp cloth to wipe down the mushrooms and letting them drip dry.

However, some people believe that it is perfectly fine to wash mushrooms, as they do not absorb much water and lose little to no flavour from a brief rinse. It is recommended to wash mushrooms right before cooking, as washed mushrooms do not keep well. Additionally, cultivated mushrooms from the grocery store are usually clean and do not require washing. In contrast, wild mushrooms may require a more thorough cleaning due to their higher likelihood of being dirty.

When cleaning wild mushrooms, such as morels and chanterelles, it is recommended to first shake them in a paper bag to remove any loose dirt. If the mushrooms are still dirty, you can use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe them down. If they are very dirty, a quick rinse under lukewarm water may be necessary, followed by immediate drying with a towel.

Ultimately, the decision to wash or not wash mushrooms depends on personal preference and the type of mushroom being cleaned.

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How to dry mushrooms

While there are differing opinions on whether to wash mushrooms, it is generally agreed that they should be cleaned before cooking. Mushrooms are porous and can absorb water, which can affect their texture and flavour.

To dry mushrooms, you can use a paper towel or kitchen cloth to pat them dry. You can also let them air-dry on a sheet pan lined with paper towels or kitchen towels for about an hour. Make sure they are fully dry before cooking. Mushrooms that are not fully dry may steam instead of browning, so it is important to ensure they are as dry as possible.

If you do choose to wash your mushrooms, it is recommended to do so just before cooking. This is because washed mushrooms do not keep well and can become slimy. To wash mushrooms, place them in a colander and quickly rinse them with cold water. Shake off any excess water and dry them as much as possible with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.

Another method for cleaning mushrooms is to use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any visible dirt or debris. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or pastry brush to gently scrub away any dirt. If the mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can rinse them under running water and use your fingers to rub away any remaining dirt.

It is important to note that different types of mushrooms may require different cleaning methods. Wild mushrooms, for example, are more likely to be dirty and may require a more rigorous cleaning process. Cultivated mushrooms, on the other hand, are often grown in indoor farms with pre-treated compost to reduce bacteria levels and may only need a quick rinse or wipe with a damp cloth.

The best tools to clean mushrooms

Mushrooms can be cleaned in several ways, depending on the type of mushroom and the level of dirt. The key is to avoid getting them waterlogged, as this can affect their texture and flavour. Here are some of the best tools and methods for cleaning mushrooms:

• Paper Towels or Kitchen Towels: Using a damp paper towel or kitchen towel, gently wipe each mushroom to remove any dirt or debris. This method is ideal for delicate mushrooms that you want to keep dry. It is a good idea to pat them dry with a paper towel after rinsing.
• Soft-Bristle Brush: A soft-bristled brush, such as a mushroom brush or a pastry brush, can be used to gently scrub away dirt from the surface of the mushrooms. This method is suitable for both cultivated and wild mushrooms.
• Rinsing with Water: While some sources advise against washing mushrooms, others, like chef Alex Guarnaschelli, suggest that it is okay to rinse them with cool water, especially if they are particularly dirty. However, make sure to cook the mushrooms immediately after rinsing to avoid discolouration and to ensure they don't get waterlogged.
• Salted Water Soak: For mushrooms with a lot of dirt or insects, a short soak in lightly salted water can help remove any remaining impurities. Remember to rinse the mushrooms thoroughly after soaking and before cooking.
• Cutting Off Dirt: If the mushroom has visible patches of dirt, especially at the base or end of the stem, simply cut off those sections. This method is suitable for mushrooms with dirt concentrated in specific areas.

Remember, the method you choose depends on the type of mushroom and your personal preference. Always ensure your mushrooms are clean before cooking, and if you do wash them, try to use them immediately as they don't store well when wet.

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