Sarah Brown
There is a lot of discourse around the topic of washing mushrooms, with some people believing that mushrooms should not be washed before cooking. However, the French Culinary Institute's Tech blog disagrees, stating that washing mushrooms in water is acceptable and can even lead to better browning, less oil absorption, and improved flavor. This belief is supported by the experience of chef Sara Moulton, who learned while working at a restaurant in France in 1979 that mushrooms can be washed without being handled delicately. The key to washing mushrooms is to avoid soaking them overnight and to dry them thoroughly before cooking, which can be achieved through methods such as using a salad spinner or gently swinging them in a thin cotton dish towel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Belief about not washing mushrooms | Mushrooms will absorb excessive water and become soggy |
| Reality | Mushrooms are 90-92% water, but there isn't room for them to absorb much more water. They may absorb about 2% of their weight in water, which is negligible. |
| How to wash mushrooms | Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe each mushroom individually. Alternatively, fill a bowl with water, dunk the mushrooms, scrub, and rinse. |
| When to wash mushrooms | Wash mushrooms just before cooking them to avoid sogginess. |
| What to do if mushrooms absorb water | Cook them for a little longer to evaporate the water. |
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What You'll Learn
The French Culinary Institute's blog says it's fine to wash mushrooms
There is a common belief that washing mushrooms is not advisable due to their ability to absorb water, which can make them slimy and mushy. However, the French Culinary Institute's Tech blog refutes this idea, stating that washing mushrooms, even soaking them, is acceptable and can even enhance the final result in terms of browning, reduced oil absorption, and flavour.
The blog suggests that a quick wash in water will not cause harm, and provides instructions to drain and dry the mushrooms thoroughly before use. This aligns with the experience of chef Sara Moulton, who worked in a restaurant in France in 1979 and learned that mushrooms did not need to be delicately wiped with a damp paper towel. Instead, giving them a wash can be more practical and effective.
While some sources suggest that a quick rinse under cool water is sufficient, others recommend soaking mushrooms for a more thorough clean. This is especially useful for foraged mushrooms, which may have dirt, pine needles, or insects on them. A solution of vinegar or lemon juice with water can help remove any stubborn dirt, and a mushroom brush or soft toothbrush can be used for extra scrubbing.
After washing, it is important to dry the mushrooms thoroughly. This can be done using paper towels, cotton dish towels, or a salad spinner. It is also recommended to wash mushrooms just before using them, as unwashed mushrooms tend to last longer in the refrigerator.
In summary, the French Culinary Institute's blog encourages washing mushrooms, contrary to popular belief. By following their advice and the tips provided in this article, you can ensure your mushrooms are clean, flavourful, and ready for your culinary creations.
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Mushrooms don't absorb much water when washed
There is a common belief that mushrooms should not be washed with water as they will absorb too much liquid and become soggy. However, this is not entirely true. While it is important to dry mushrooms after washing them, they do not absorb a significant amount of water during a quick rinse. In fact, mushrooms have a high water content, with some varieties containing more water than others.
The concern about mushrooms absorbing water during washing stems from the idea that they are porous and will become waterlogged. However, this belief has been challenged by chefs and culinary experts who argue that a quick rinse or dunk in water will not result in soggy mushrooms. It is recommended to avoid soaking mushrooms for extended periods and to dry them thoroughly after washing.
The type of mushroom can also impact the amount of water absorbed. For example, enoki and lion's mane mushrooms tend to absorb more water during washing, requiring squeezing or drying before use. Other varieties, such as cultivated maitake mushrooms, have delicate caps that need to be handled gently, so a quick wash and thorough drying are recommended.
When cleaning mushrooms, it is essential to remove any dirt, grit, or debris. For foraged mushrooms, this may include pine needles, insects, or other natural elements. A solution of vinegar or lemon juice diluted in water can be used for scrubbing or soaking, followed by a rinse with fresh water. A mushroom brush, soft-bristled toothbrush, or even a pastry brush can help remove stubborn dirt, especially in the crevices of morels or other textured mushrooms.
Overall, while it is important to be mindful of the potential for mushrooms to absorb water, it is a myth that they will become excessively soggy from a quick wash. Drying them thoroughly and cooking them adequately will ensure that any excess water is evaporated, preserving the texture and flavour of the mushrooms.
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Mushrooms can be soaked in a water-vinegar solution
This method is also used for pickling mushrooms. A pot of water with half a cup of vinegar added to it is brought to a boil, and the mushrooms are cooked in this solution for 15 minutes. The liquid is then drained, and the mushrooms are set aside.
Some people are hesitant to wash mushrooms, believing that they will absorb too much water and become soggy. However, this belief has been disproven, and it is now known that mushrooms do not absorb a significant amount of water during washing. In fact, mushrooms are similar to other vegetables with high water content, such as spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which are typically washed before cooking.
If you are concerned about your mushrooms absorbing too much water, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can simply cook them a little longer to evaporate any excess water. You can also avoid soaking them by rinsing them under running water and using a brush to remove any dirt or debris. Alternatively, you can cut the stems off the mushrooms before rinsing and drying them on a kitchen towel.
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Mushrooms should be washed just before cooking
There is a common misconception that mushrooms shouldn't be washed before cooking. This belief stems from the idea that mushrooms will absorb too much water, becoming soggy and difficult to cook. However, this notion has been disproven by chefs and experts, including Alton Brown, who demonstrated that mushrooms only absorb a negligible amount of water during washing. In fact, mushrooms are 90-92% water, leaving little room for them to absorb any more.
So, should you wash mushrooms just before cooking? The answer is yes, especially if they are visibly dirty. Mushrooms are often covered in dirt, pine needles, or even insects when foraged or purchased from the market. Washing them ensures that you remove any unwanted debris, improving the overall hygiene and safety of your meal.
There are a few methods you can use to wash mushrooms. One popular method is to fill a bowl with water, place the mushrooms inside, and use your hands to wash away any dirt from the caps and stems. You can also turn on the tap and rinse a handful of mushrooms at a time, repeating until they are all clean. It is important to remove the mushrooms from the water immediately after washing and to dry them thoroughly on a kitchen or paper towel. You can also use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
If you are dealing with foraged mushrooms, such as chanterelles or morels, which tend to have dirt and grit in their crevices, you can create a solution of one part vinegar or lemon juice to four parts water. Soak the mushrooms in this solution while scrubbing them with a mushroom brush or soft toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt. Then, give them a final rinse under running water.
Washing mushrooms just before cooking is a practical approach that ensures you start with clean ingredients. It also helps prevent an excessive build-up of moisture, which could affect the texture and cooking time of the mushrooms. Remember, a quick wash and proper drying technique will ensure your mushrooms are ready for your culinary creations!
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Mushrooms can be cleaned with a damp cloth
There is a common misconception in the cooking world that washing mushrooms is a bad idea. However, this is not true. Mushrooms are mostly water, so a little extra water will not change their flavour or texture. In fact, it is important to clean mushrooms before cooking and eating them, as they are often covered in dirt when bought from the store.
However, it is worth noting that some mushrooms may be too dirty to be cleaned effectively with a damp cloth alone. In these cases, it may be necessary to give them a quick rinse under cool water in a colander or bowl. It is important not to leave them in the water for too long, as they may become soggy. After rinsing, they should be dried immediately on a kitchen towel or paper towel and used right away.
For foraged mushrooms, such as chanterelles, maitake, and morels, it is especially important to clean them thoroughly before eating to remove any dirt, pine needles, or insects. A solution of vinegar or lemon juice and water can be used to scrub away any stubborn dirt, followed by a rinse with fresh water.
Overall, while mushrooms can be cleaned with a damp cloth, the best method may depend on the type of mushroom and the level of dirt present.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the French do wash mushrooms. While there is a common belief that mushrooms shouldn't be washed, this is a myth. Mushrooms can be rinsed in water, and it is recommended to do so just before cooking.
Mushrooms are 90-92% water, and it was believed that they would absorb excessive water when washed, becoming too soggy to cook. However, this has been disproven, and mushrooms do not absorb much additional water.
Mushrooms absorb a negligible amount of water when rinsed. One source found that rinsed mushrooms only retained a few drops of water, which is about 2% of their total weight.
Mushrooms can be washed in a bowl of water or under running water. They should be rinsed quickly and dried immediately on a kitchen towel. Soaking mushrooms is not recommended, as it can make them slimy.
Wild mushrooms may be dirtier and require more careful cleaning. They can be submerged in water and scrubbed with a brush or soft toothbrush to remove dirt and insects. A solution of vinegar or lemon juice and water can also be used.
