Cleaning Button Mushrooms: To Wash Or Not?

There are many opinions on the best way to clean mushrooms, and it can be a contentious topic. Some people advocate for washing mushrooms in water, while others believe in simply brushing off any dirt. The correct method depends on the type of mushroom and how it was sourced. Wild mushrooms, for example, may have less grit and be less hardy, so a gentle brush may be sufficient. Store-bought mushrooms, on the other hand, may have more firmly attached dirt, so a quick wash in water may be necessary. Some recommend adding flour to the water as a mild abrasive to help remove dirt. While mushrooms do absorb water, it is only a small amount, and it can be mitigated by quickly drying the mushrooms after washing.

Explore related products

Joie Mushroom Brush and Vegetable Scrubber

$6.99

Full Circle The Ring Bamboo Vegetable and Fruit Cleaning Brush - A Versatile Scrubber for Food, Including Potatoes, Mushrooms, and Veggies with Recycled Bristles and Handle

$6.99 $7.99

OXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush Black, 1 EA

$9.75

Fox Run Wood Mushroom Brush, Nylon Bristles 2 x 2 x 1.25 inches

$7.7

Vegetable Brush Scrubber, Potato Mushroom Scrubber Brush Cleaning Veggie Fruit Wash Cleaner for Food, 2 Pcs

$8.98

SXhyf Vegetable Brush Scrubber for Food [Black Stiff Bristles Brush + White Soft Bristles Brush] Potato Scrubber, Dishwasher Safe Veggie & Fruit Cleaning Brush for Mushrooms, Carrots, Lemons, Eggs

$7.89 $9.99

Whether to wash mushrooms is a contentious topic among chefs

The answer lies in striking a balance between removing dirt and avoiding excess water absorption. For store-bought mushrooms, a quick rinse in cold water, followed by a thorough pat-down with a lint-free towel, can do the trick. This method ensures that any stubborn dirt clinging to the mushrooms is washed away, without them becoming soggy. It's crucial to clean mushrooms just before cooking, as excess moisture can shorten their shelf life.

However, for wild mushrooms or those foraged from farmer's markets, a gentle brush to remove loose dirt may suffice. These mushrooms tend to have less grit and are more delicate, so a light touch is advisable to prevent damage.

Additionally, the variety of mushroom can influence the cleaning method. Certain wild mushrooms, with their crevices and creases, may require a more thorough wash or even a soak to eliminate dirt. On the other hand, cultivated mushrooms, like the common button mushroom, are often relatively clean and only need a quick rinse or wipe down.

Some chefs even recommend adding a tablespoon of flour to the water when washing mushrooms. The flour acts as a mild abrasive, helping to dislodge any dirt. This technique, followed by a thorough drying process, can ensure your mushrooms are pristine and ready for cooking.

In conclusion, while the "wash or brush" debate rages on among chefs, the best approach likely depends on the source and variety of the mushrooms. A gentle wash for store-bought mushrooms and a careful brush for wild varieties can be a good rule of thumb. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure your mushrooms are clean, preserving their texture and flavour without any unwanted grit.

Mushrooms absorb water, but only a small amount

Mushrooms are grown in compost from treatment plants or sterile manure, which is the "dirt" that clings to them. This dirt is not unsafe to consume, but it is not very pleasant. Brushing can remove this dirt if it is loose, but some bits may be more firmly attached or hiding in the gills.

Some cooks are against washing mushrooms with water because they act as little sponges, absorbing water, which affects the cooking process. However, this absorption is minimal, with mushrooms absorbing only about 2% of their total weight in water, or about 1 1/2 teaspoons of water per pound. This translates to an extra 15 to 30 seconds of cooking time.

To effectively wash mushrooms, fill a large bowl with cold water and have a clean, lint-free towel nearby. Add a few mushrooms at a time, swirling them in the water to loosen any dirt for about 10 seconds. Then, transfer them to the towel, patting them dry and laying them out (caps up) to air-dry before washing the next batch. You can also add a tablespoon or two of flour to the water, which acts as a mild abrasive to remove dirt.

Alternatively, you can simply brush off the dirt or cut off any sections of the mushroom that are holding dirt, generally at the base or end of the stem. If the mushrooms are pre-sliced or chopped, they are already clean and ready to eat.

The best way to wash mushrooms is in cold water

There are many different opinions on the best way to clean mushrooms. Some sources suggest that the best way to clean mushrooms is to brush them off, while others recommend washing them in water. Mushrooms that are purchased at a store are grown on sterile manure, so the "dirt" that is clinging to them is not unsafe to consume. However, it may not be very pleasant to bite into.

It is important to note that mushrooms are like little sponges and can absorb water, which will affect their cooking. So, when washing them in water, it is important to be quick and not let them soak for too long. After washing, examine the mushrooms to ensure there is no visible dirt remaining. If there are any stubborn bits, use a damp paper towel to wipe them off.

Another method for washing mushrooms is to place them in a plastic bag with cold water, shake it well, and then drain and gently dry them off. This method is particularly effective for button mushrooms, which are commonly found in grocery stores.

In summary, the best way to wash mushrooms is in cold water, using a quick method to avoid excessive water absorption. After washing, it is important to dry the mushrooms thoroughly and examine them for any remaining dirt or grit.

Explore related products

Cuisinox Mushroom Brush with Wooden Top

$5

Chef’n 2-in-1 ShroomBroom Mushroom Cleaning Brush and Corer

$10.43 $10.99

Vegetable Brush Set of 2 - Fruit and Vegetable Brush Scrubber for Food, Potato Scrubber, Mushroom Brush with Comfortable Wooden Handle, Veggie Brush for Carrots, Natural Produce Cleaning Brush

$9.99

R&M Corn De-Silking Brush, Vegetable Brush, Easy to Hold, Small, Yellow

$6.7 $7.99

REDECKER Natural Pig Bristle Mushroom Brush Cleaner with Beechwood Handle, Gently and Thoroughly Cleans Mushrooms Without Water, 5 inches, Made in Germany - Mushroom Cleaner Brush

$18.99 $20.89

HIC Kitchen Mushroom Brush and Vegetable Scrubber, Dual-Textured Bristles

$13.99

Mushrooms should be washed just before cooking

Mushrooms are grown in compost from treatment plants, and the dirt clinging to them is sterile manure. However, it is still important to clean them before cooking. The best time to wash mushrooms is just before cooking. This is because excess moisture can shorten their shelf life in the fridge.

The method you use to clean mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom and how dirty they are. Wild mushrooms, for example, tend to be less gritty than store-bought mushrooms. They are also more expensive, so it is recommended to carefully brush them clean rather than washing them.

If your mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can wash them in a large bowl of cold water. Some recommend adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the water, as this acts as a mild abrasive to help remove dirt. Swirl the mushrooms in the water for about ten seconds, then remove them and pat dry with a lint-free towel. You can also use a damp paper towel to wipe away any remaining dirt.

If your mushrooms are relatively clean, simply brush off any dirt or cut off any sections holding dirt, such as the base or end of the stem. You can also peel off any marked or ugly skin.

While some chefs are against washing mushrooms, as they can absorb water, this absorption only affects their cooking time. Mushrooms only absorb a small amount of water, and this cooks out. However, you should avoid soaking mushrooms, as this can make them soggy.

Mushrooms can be brushed to remove dirt

When using water to wash mushrooms, it is important to be mindful that mushrooms are like little sponges and can easily absorb water, which will affect their cooking. Therefore, it is recommended to fill a large bowl with cold water, add a few mushrooms at a time, and swirl them around for a maximum of ten seconds. They can then be removed to a clean, lint-free towel and patted dry before being laid out to air-dry. A damp paper towel can also be used to wipe away any remaining stubborn dirt.

Some sources suggest adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the water when washing mushrooms, as the flour acts as a mild abrasive to help remove dirt. Others recommend using a colander to rinse the mushrooms and then transferring them to a towel to dry. It is generally recommended to avoid soaking mushrooms, as this can cause them to absorb too much water, although some sources suggest that a quick blanch is beneficial if you plan to freeze your mushrooms.

Overall, the decision to brush or wash mushrooms depends on the source of the mushrooms and how they will be used in cooking. Wild mushrooms are best brushed, while store-bought mushrooms can be quickly rinsed or simply brushed or wiped with a damp cloth. By avoiding soaking and ensuring mushrooms are thoroughly dried before cooking, you can minimize the amount of water absorbed and prevent sogginess.

Frequently asked questions