Laura Smith
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are the most common variety of mushrooms found in grocery stores. They are versatile and can be sliced, diced, cubed, or quartered. Before cutting, it is important to clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. To slice, place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it in half. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees and cut it in half again to create quarters. For dicing, cut the mushroom into slices and then into smaller pieces. Button mushrooms can be used in various dishes, such as pizzas, salads, and stir-fries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Wipe with a damp paper towel or brush off dirt with a mushroom brush. Avoid rinsing under water as mushrooms absorb water and may become mushy. |
| Trimming | Trim off any woody or dried-out pieces of the stems. For shiitake, chanterelle, and portobello mushrooms, remove the stems entirely. |
| Cutting | Cut into slices, quarters, or diced pieces. For slicing, place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut to the desired thickness. For quartering, cut the mushroom in half, turn 90 degrees, and cut the halves into quarters. For dicing, cut the mushroom into slices or quarters first, then cut into smaller pieces. |
| Storing | Store uncooked cut mushrooms in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Can be refrigerated for 1-6 days depending on the source. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning button mushrooms
If you plan to eat button mushrooms raw, it is generally recommended to avoid rinsing them with water as they can absorb liquid quickly and become soggy. Instead, use a dry paper towel or a pastry brush to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. You can also peel the outer layer of skin from each mushroom to get them extra clean.
On the other hand, if you're going to cook the mushrooms, it is generally considered safe to rinse them in water. Fill a bowl or wide, circular pan halfway with clean, cool water and place the mushrooms in it. Gently rub the mushrooms with your fingers or a brush to remove any stubborn dirt or specks. Then, place the mushrooms in a strainer and rinse them under cool running water to wash away any remaining dirt.
Some people also recommend trimming off the stems and removing any woody or dried-out pieces before cooking. However, this is optional and depends on your preference and the recipe you are following.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be soaked for a long time as this can affect their texture. Additionally, make sure to dry the mushrooms thoroughly before cooking or storing them.
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Trimming button mushrooms
Firstly, you should clean your mushrooms. Mushrooms can be dirty, with compost and other things that are used to grow them remaining on the mushrooms. You can clean mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove dirt and debris. You can also rinse mushrooms under running water, but they absorb water like a sponge and may end up mushy.
Once cleaned, you can begin trimming. Button mushrooms do not always need to be stemmed, but you may want to trim the stem if there are any dried-out pieces. Removing the stem creates a flat base for the mushroom, making slicing much easier and safer. You can mince the stems and use them in recipes.
After trimming, you can slice, quarter, or dice the mushrooms, depending on your recipe. To slice, cut the mushrooms into slices of your desired thickness. To quarter, cut the mushroom in half, turn 90 degrees, and cut the halves into quarters. To dice, cut the mushroom into slices or quarters, then cut these into smaller pieces.
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Cutting button mushrooms into slices
To cut button mushrooms into slices, start by cleaning them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. You can also rinse the mushrooms under running water, but they absorb water quickly and may become mushy. Most mushrooms need to be trimmed before cutting. Remove any woody or dried-out pieces from the stems of button mushrooms. You can choose to keep or remove the stem, depending on your preference. Keeping the stem will make the mushroom more sturdy for slicing.
Once the mushroom is cleaned and trimmed, place it on its side on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice off the stem if you haven't already. Then, place the mushroom cut-side down and begin slicing through it in even slices. You can cut the mushroom into slices of your desired thickness. Just be sure to keep your fingers away from the blade and maintain a firm grip on the mushroom.
Button mushrooms are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Sliced button mushrooms are great for stir-fries, soups, sauces, and pizzas. They can also be eaten raw or cooked and added to salads.
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Cutting button mushrooms into quarters
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are the most common and mildest-tasting mushroom variety found in grocery stores. They are versatile and can be used in many recipes. Before cutting button mushrooms, it is important to clean them. While some sources suggest rinsing mushrooms under water, others advise against it, as mushrooms can absorb liquid, which may affect the cooking process and the final dish. Instead, it is recommended to wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel or brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush.
Once cleaned, you can start cutting button mushrooms into quarters. First, trim off any dried-out parts of the ends and remove the stems to make the mushrooms sturdier. Then, place the mushroom stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the mushroom in half. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees, and then slice it in half again. This will give you four equal pieces, or quarters.
Quartered mushrooms are great for stir-fries, stews, chilis, roasting, and sautéing. They can also be tossed with olive oil and salt and roasted in the oven. When cooking, keep in mind that quartered mushrooms release a lot of water, which takes some time to evaporate before they start to brown.
If you are not confident in your knife skills, you can use an egg slicer to quickly and safely slice button mushrooms. Simply press down firmly and quickly to ensure the mushrooms are sliced through without being squashed. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to chop quartered mushrooms into smaller pieces.
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Storing cut button mushrooms
Use a Porous Container
Store cut button mushrooms in a porous container, such as a paper bag or a glass bowl. This allows air circulation and prevents the buildup of moisture, which can lead to spoilage.
Absorb Excess Moisture
Place paper towels in the container to absorb excess moisture. Mushrooms are susceptible to moisture, which can accelerate spoilage and promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. The paper towels help maintain a dry environment.
Refrigerate
Refrigerate cut button mushrooms to prolong their freshness. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 days. However, some sources suggest they can last up to 4-6 days, depending on their condition.
Freeze for Longer Storage
If you need to store cut button mushrooms for an extended period, consider freezing them. Freezing will change the texture of the mushrooms, making them mushy, but they can still be used in recipes.
Avoid Sealed Plastic Containers
Do not store cut button mushrooms in sealed plastic containers or bags. Plastic traps moisture, leading to discoloration, mould, and slime. Plastic storage is more likely to promote spoilage compared to paper or glass storage.
Regularly Check for Spoilage
Regularly inspect the mushrooms for any signs of spoilage. Cut mushrooms are more susceptible to dehydration, discolouration, and loss of flavour. A fishy smell is often an indication that the mushrooms have gone bad.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt. You can also rinse them under cool water and dry with a paper towel, but mushrooms absorb water easily and may become mushy.
You can cut button mushrooms into slices, quarters, or diced pieces. First, trim the stems to create a flat base. Then, place the mushroom stem-side down and use a sharp knife to cut even slices. For quarters, cut the mushroom in half, turn 90 degrees, and cut the halves into quarters. For diced pieces, cut the mushroom into strips lengthwise, then cut crosswise.
An egg slicer is a quick and easy way to slice button mushrooms. Press down firmly and quickly to ensure even slices.
Store cut button mushrooms in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Keep in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days as they will go bad more quickly after being cut.
