The Ultimate Guide: Cleaning Button Mushrooms

There are several ways to clean button mushrooms, and the method you choose will depend on the type of mushroom and how dirty it is. Generally, cultivated mushrooms are cleaner than wild mushrooms and can be wiped with a damp cloth or rinsed with water. Wild mushrooms may have dirt in their crevices and creases and may need to be washed or soaked. It's important to note that mushrooms are like sponges and can absorb water, so it's best to avoid soaking them for too long. Some people recommend using a mushroom brush or a toothbrush to gently remove dirt from the gills and smaller cavities, followed by a damp cloth to ensure they are clean. It is recommended to clean mushrooms just before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy or slimy.

Explore related products

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

$10.43 $10.99

Joie Mushroom Brush and Vegetable Scrubber

$6.99

Full Circle FunGuy, 2 in 1 Mushroom Cleaning Brush, White

$8.31

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

Iris Hantverk Birch Wood and Horsehair Mushroom Brush

$22

Cuisinox Mushroom Brush with Wooden Top

$5

How to clean cultivated button mushrooms

Button mushrooms are a hardy fungus that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you're eating them raw or cooked, it's important to ensure that you're working with clean produce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean cultivated button mushrooms:

Step 1: Inspect the Mushrooms

Before cleaning, it's important to inspect the mushrooms for any signs of deterioration or decay. Check for any grey or brown spots on the caps, as this can indicate decay. The bottom of the stem may be discoloured, but it should not be overly dry, mushy, or starting to shred. If the mushrooms seem to be deteriorating, they may need a more thorough cleaning.

Step 2: Brush Off Dirt

Using a soft-bristled brush, such as a mushroom brush, pastry brush, or a clean, dry paper towel, gently brush away any visible dirt or grime from the surface of the mushrooms. You can also use a damp paper towel or a slightly moistened, clean cloth to wipe down the mushrooms. This will help remove any stubborn dirt or dust.

Step 3: Rinse in Water (Optional)

If your mushrooms are cultivated and relatively clean, you may choose to skip this step. However, if they are particularly dirty, you can rinse them in water to remove any remaining dirt or specks. Place the mushrooms in a colander or a bowl of cool water and gently rub them with your fingers or a soft cloth. You can also fill a wide pan halfway with cool water and gently rub and rinse the mushrooms.

Step 4: Dry the Mushrooms

After rinsing, it's important to dry the mushrooms thoroughly. You can use paper towels or a clean cloth to pat them dry. Alternatively, you can use a salad spinner to remove any excess water. Make sure the mushrooms are completely dry before storing or cooking them.

Step 5: Remove the Stems (Optional)

Depending on your recipe and preference, you may choose to remove the stems. Use your thumb and pointer finger to grip the stalk and pull it out firmly. If the stem is stubborn, try twisting it gently. You can chop up the stems and use them in stuffings or other recipes.

Step 6: Peel the Skin (Optional)

For an extra clean mushroom, you can peel away the outer layer of skin. Use a knife with a short blade to carefully pry away the skin from the edge of the cap. This step is optional, and some people prefer to skip it.

It's important to note that cultivated mushrooms are grown in sterile environments, so they generally require less cleaning compared to wild mushrooms. Additionally, while some sources recommend against rinsing mushrooms due to concerns of water absorption, others suggest that the amount of water absorbed is minimal and will not significantly affect the cooking process.

How to clean wild button mushrooms

If you've foraged wild button mushrooms, it's important to clean them thoroughly before consuming them. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean wild button mushrooms:

Inspect the Mushrooms

Before cleaning, take a close look at the mushrooms. Wild mushrooms may have dirt, grit, or even tiny bugs. If you notice bug holes, it's recommended to soak the mushrooms in salty water to evict any critters. Add one tablespoon of salt to four cups of water, swirl to dissolve, then soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes before draining and repeating.

Remove the Stems

Pinch and remove the stems if you don't plan to use them. Grip the stalk with your thumb and pointer finger, then tug or twist to remove it. This step is optional and depends on your recipe or preference.

Wash the Mushrooms

Fill a wide, circular pan or bowl halfway with cool water. Place each mushroom in the water and gently rub the caps and stems with your fingers to dislodge any dirt. You can also use a brush or pastry brush to scrub away stubborn dirt. Rinse the mushrooms under cool running water, either in a strainer or colander, to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Peel the Mushrooms (Optional)

For an extra clean mushroom, you can peel away the outer layer of skin from each mushroom. Use a knife with a short blade to carefully pry away the skin from the edge of the cap.

Dry the Mushrooms

After rinsing, place the mushrooms on a clean plate or bowl to separate them from the dirty ones. You can use a cotton dish towel or paper towels to gently pat or wipe them dry.

Storage

It's best to wash mushrooms just before using them, as unwashed mushrooms have a longer refrigerator life.

Remember, it's important to properly identify wild mushrooms before consuming them. While some varieties are relatively easy to identify, such as Morel, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Puffballs, always do your research to ensure the mushrooms are safe to eat.

When to use water to clean button mushrooms

It is important to clean button mushrooms thoroughly before eating them to remove any soil or grime. However, opinions vary on whether or not to use water to clean them.

Some sources advise against washing button mushrooms with water, as they are porous and will absorb it, potentially affecting their texture and cooking time. In addition, washing mushrooms and then storing them can shorten their shelf life and cause them to become slimy. Instead, it is recommended to use a brush to wipe away any dirt.

However, other sources claim that it is perfectly fine to wash button mushrooms, especially if they are going to be cooked. Mushrooms are 90% water by weight, and any additional water absorbed during washing will be cooked off anyway. One source suggests that the best way to clean mushrooms is to wash them in cold running water, transfer them to a salad spinner, and spin them dry.

So, when should you use water to clean button mushrooms? Here are some guidelines:

• If the mushrooms are cultivated: Cultivated mushrooms are grown in sterile environments, so they are generally cleaner and do not require washing. Simply brush off any dirt with a dry towel or mushroom brush.
• If the mushrooms are wild: Wild mushrooms are more likely to be dirty and may have bugs and dirt in their crevices and creases. In this case, washing them with water may be necessary to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
• If the mushrooms are exceptionally dirty: If your button mushrooms are covered in dirt or starting to deteriorate, it may be best to give them a quick rinse with water to ensure they are clean.
• If you are cooking the mushrooms: When mushrooms are cooked, any absorbed water will be cooked off, so it is generally safe to wash them with water. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking.

In summary, while opinions vary, it seems that using water to clean button mushrooms is generally acceptable, especially if they are going to be cooked. However, it is important to dry them thoroughly after washing and avoid washing and then storing them for an extended period.

Explore related products

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

$7.7

Iris Hantverk Natural Mushroom Cleaning Brush - Made of Birch & Horsehair

$22.75

Valentino Garemi Mushroom Cleaning Brush – Kitchen Sink Utensil Restaurant House Use – Made in Germany

$13.99

Vegetable Brush, Mushroom Brush, Mushroom Brush, Kitchen Brush, Potato Brush, Wooden Washing Up Brush, Natural Bamboo Palm Brush for Dishes, Pots, Pans Environmentally Friendly

$5.37

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

OXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush Black, 1 EA

$9.75

How to clean button mushrooms without water

To clean button mushrooms without water, you can use a dry paper towel or a pastry brush to wipe away any visible dirt. If you are planning to eat the mushrooms raw, this is the best method to avoid the mushrooms becoming soggy. Continue wiping until all of the dirt is removed, and set aside a clean bowl or pan to separate the clean mushrooms from the dirty ones. You can also use your fingertips to rub away any dirt.

If you are cooking the mushrooms, you can use a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt. You can also use a soft mushroom brush to wipe each mushroom individually. If you are happy to use a small amount of water, you can rinse the mushrooms quickly and then pat them dry with paper towels. However, do not soak the mushrooms, as they will absorb water and become soggy.

If you are cleaning a large batch of mushrooms, you can place them in a colander and spray them with water until the dirt washes away. Then, drain them and pat them dry.

It is important to clean mushrooms thoroughly to remove any soil or grime, as they grow very close to the ground and can be dirty even after being purchased from a store.

How to dry button mushrooms after washing

After washing button mushrooms, you can dry them by following these steps:

Firstly, wipe the mushrooms clean with a lightly dampened towel. Do not wash them under running water. Mushrooms are like sponges and will absorb water, which can make them soggy and affect their texture and flavour.

Next, transfer the mushrooms to a container that allows air to circulate around them, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack set on top of a baking sheet. It is important not to overcrowd the mushrooms, so they dry evenly.

Then, place them in a well-ventilated area with a constant airflow, preferably in the sun. A fan can be used to ensure a constant airflow if the environment is particularly humid.

Finally, allow the mushrooms to air dry for 7-10 days, or until they do not give when squeezed. The drying time will vary based on humidity levels and the size of the mushrooms. To expedite the drying process, you can partially dehydrate them in the oven for a couple of hours before air drying.

Once the mushrooms are fully dry, they can be stored for months without losing their flavour or potency.

Frequently asked questions