Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavour to a variety of dishes. However, they can be tricky to work with. From spoilage to discolouration, there are several factors to consider when cooking with mushrooms. Knowing how to choose, store, and prepare them is essential to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your dish turns out perfectly. This guide will cover everything you need to know to make the most of this earthy ingredient and avoid ending up with a dark broth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store mushrooms in a paper bag lined with a paper towel. |
| Avoid storing mushrooms in plastic bags or sealed containers as the lack of airflow will speed up spoilage. | |
| Store mushrooms in the fridge to increase their shelf life. | |
| Washing | Do not wash mushrooms under running water as this will dilute the taste and ruin the texture. |
| Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel or brush them off with a pastry brush. | |
| Do not wash wild mushrooms as they will get slimy and waterlogged. | |
| Selection | Pick lighter-colored mushrooms at the store. |
| Avoid pre-packaged containers of mushrooms. | |
| Avoid mushrooms with bruises, dark spots, or a slimy and wet appearance. | |
| Fresh mushrooms should feel firm, springy, plump, and light. | |
| Cremini mushrooms should be plump, solid, smooth, firm, and dry with an earthy smell. | |
| Portabella mushrooms should have a firm cap and stem, and the gills should be dry with a pinkish hue. | |
| Preparation | Salt mushrooms to draw out moisture before cooking. |
| Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms, as they need room for their liquid to evaporate. | |
| Sauté mushrooms separately to release their moisture before adding other ingredients. |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid pre-packaged mushrooms, opt for loose ones to ensure quality
- Don't wash mushrooms, use a damp cloth or brush to clean them
- Don't crowd the pan, allow room for moisture to cook off
- Sautee mushrooms separately to avoid discolouration
- Store mushrooms in a paper bag with a paper towel to prevent spoilage
Avoid pre-packaged mushrooms, opt for loose ones to ensure quality
When it comes to buying mushrooms, it is generally recommended to opt for loose mushrooms instead of pre-packaged ones. Here are several reasons why choosing loose mushrooms can ensure better quality:
Firstly, loose mushrooms offer the opportunity to inspect and choose the best ones individually. You can feel for firmness and check for any impurities, such as bruises, breaks, or sliminess. This ensures that you select mushrooms that are fresh and of good quality. In contrast, pre-packaged mushrooms may hide imperfections and make it difficult to assess their freshness accurately.
Secondly, loose mushrooms provide more flexibility in terms of quantity. When buying loose, you can purchase the exact amount you need, reducing waste and ensuring you only pay for what you require. Pre-packaged mushrooms often come in set portions, which may not align with your specific needs.
Additionally, loose mushrooms are typically cheaper than their pre-packaged counterparts. By avoiding the extra cost of packaging and convenience, you can save money while still getting high-quality produce.
Moreover, loose mushrooms allow for better storage practices. Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high moisture content, and storing them in plastic bags or containers can accelerate spoilage. By choosing loose mushrooms, you can immediately transfer them to recommended storage options, such as paper bags, which promote air circulation and absorb excess moisture, extending the shelf life of your mushrooms.
Lastly, buying loose mushrooms can offer a wider variety to choose from. Pre-packaged mushrooms often limit your options to common varieties, while buying loose allows you to explore different types of mushrooms, such as oyster, shiitake, or maitake, each with their unique flavours and textures.
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Don't wash mushrooms, use a damp cloth or brush to clean them
When it comes to cleaning mushrooms, it is generally recommended to avoid washing them, especially wild mushrooms. Mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb water, leading to a soggy, waterlogged texture. This can be especially noticeable if you purchase wild mushrooms after a heavy rainfall, as they tend to be limp and full of water.
Instead of washing mushrooms, it is preferable to use a damp cloth or towel, or a brush to gently scrub away any dirt. A soft-bristled brush, a pastry brush, or even a mushroom brush can be used to clean the crevices under the cap effectively. If the mushrooms appear relatively clean, a simple brush or wipe may be sufficient. However, if there are patches of dirt and grime, a damp cloth or brush can be used to wipe or scrub them off.
In some cases, cultivated mushrooms may not require any cleaning at all due to the sterile environment and compost they are grown in. Simply brushing them off with a dry towel or mushroom brush may be enough.
It is worth noting that some chefs, like Alex Guarnaschelli, believe it is okay to wash mushrooms, especially if they are particularly dirty. The critical step is to wash them right before cooking and then drying them off to prevent sogginess. However, this view is contested by many chefs and cooks who argue that washing mushrooms should be avoided due to their high absorbency.
Additionally, it is important to store mushrooms properly to maintain their freshness and avoid discoloration. Storing mushrooms in the fridge can help extend their shelf life. They should be kept in a paper bag to prevent condensation and slime formation. If using a plastic bag, leave it partially open to ensure proper circulation.
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Don't crowd the pan, allow room for moisture to cook off
Mushrooms are like sponges—they absorb liquids easily. When cooking mushrooms, it's important not to crowd the pan. This is because mushrooms release a lot of moisture when cooked, and if they are crowded together, the moisture will not cook off effectively. The mushrooms will steam instead of browning, and the excess moisture can also cause discolouration of other ingredients.
To avoid this, use a wide skillet or pan to cook your mushrooms. Make sure the mushrooms are spread out in a single layer and not overlapping. This will give the moisture room to evaporate. If you are cooking a large batch of mushrooms, it's best to cook them in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
It's also important not to wash mushrooms before cooking, as they will become waterlogged. Instead, clean them with a damp paper towel or brush them off with a pastry brush.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your mushrooms cook evenly and have a nice golden brown colour, without excess moisture affecting the rest of your dish.
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Sautee mushrooms separately to avoid discolouration
Sautéing mushrooms is a great way to concentrate their earthy flavours and savoury taste. However, mushrooms can discolour your broth, giving it a dull grey tint. To avoid this, you can sauté your mushrooms separately from the rest of the ingredients and combine everything at the end.
Firstly, it is important to prepare your mushrooms. Avoid rinsing or washing mushrooms before cooking as they are porous and will absorb lots of water, which will inhibit browning. Instead, wash mushrooms whole by dunking them in a bowl of water for no longer than 10-15 seconds. You can also let the mushrooms dry out in the fridge for up to a week before cooking to intensify their flavour.
When you are ready to cook, get your pan nice and hot, then add oil and the mushrooms. Mushrooms soak up liquids and oils, so you may need to add more oil to the pan. You can also steam the mushrooms or cook them in a little water first to prevent them from absorbing too much oil. If you are using a mix of mushrooms, keep the pieces a similar size to help them cook more evenly, or cook different varieties separately and then mix them together.
Once your mushrooms are sautéed, you can add them to your broth. This technique will ensure your broth remains a rich, dark colour without any discolouration from the mushrooms, while still benefiting from the intensified flavour of the mushrooms.
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Store mushrooms in a paper bag with a paper towel to prevent spoilage
Mushrooms are highly perishable, so storing them correctly is crucial to prevent spoilage. One effective method is to store mushrooms in a paper bag with a paper towel.
Firstly, avoid storing mushrooms in their original plastic packaging or containers. Plastic traps moisture, contributing to quicker spoilage. Instead, transfer the mushrooms to a breathable paper bag, which allows for better airflow and creates a less damp environment. This simple switch can extend the shelf life of mushrooms from 3-4 days to up to 10 days.
Secondly, enhance the moisture-absorbing capacity of the paper bag by lining it with a paper towel. Paper towels are highly absorbent and will draw away any excess moisture from the mushrooms, keeping them dry and fresh for longer. This combination of a paper bag and paper towel is a proven method to prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of mushrooms.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid the crisper drawer in the refrigerator, as it tends to be the most humid part. Instead, store the paper bag of mushrooms on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This ensures a drier environment, further reducing the risk of spoilage.
While this storage method is highly effective, it is important to note that mushrooms are still perishable and should be consumed within a reasonable timeframe. Regularly inspect the mushrooms for any signs of spoilage, such as dark spots, discolouration, or sliminess, and consume them while they are still fresh and firm.
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Frequently asked questions
To avoid discolouration, you can try cooking your mushrooms separately and adding them to your broth at the end. Alternatively, you could try removing the gills of the mushrooms before cooking, as this is the part that contains the most discolouring agents.
Oyster and shiitake mushrooms do not have dark gills or spores, so they are a good option if you want to avoid discolouration.
Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag lined with a paper towel to avoid spoilage. Plastic bags and sealed containers should be avoided, as they can cause mushrooms to spoil faster due to a lack of airflow.
Mushrooms should not be washed under running water like other vegetables, as this will ruin their structure and texture. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a pastry brush to clean them.
Mushrooms that are starting to go bad will develop dark spots and have a stronger smell. If the mushrooms have developed an unpleasant odour, they should be avoided.
