Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be a pain to clean. The traditional method involves meticulously scrubbing each mushroom by hand or soaking them in water, but there is a simpler way: peeling. Peeling mushrooms involves popping off the stem, turning the cap over, and peeling back the skin with your fingers. This method is faster and more convenient, and it prevents the mushrooms from becoming soggy. However, not all mushrooms can be peeled, and some may require alternative cleaning methods such as rinsing, soaking, or using a brush or paper towel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to peel | Mushrooms are absorbent and can become soggy if washed |
| When to peel | When the mushroom has a smooth, round shape with a stem and skin that can be pulled off easily |
| When not to peel | When the mushroom has a lot of crevices that can hide dirt and bugs, such as tiny enoki, funnel-shaped chanterelles, or honeycomb-like morels |
| How to peel | Remove the stem, turn the cap over, and peel back the skin with your fingers |
| Alternative cleaning methods | Wipe with a dry brush, pat with a damp paper towel, rinse with cool water, soak in lightly salted water, use a mushroom brush or cloth |
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What You'll Learn
When to peel mushrooms
Peeling mushrooms is a convenient alternative to washing them, as it removes the dirty outer layer without introducing excess moisture. Mushrooms are extremely absorbent, and even a small amount of water can affect their texture and flavour.
However, peeling is not always necessary or possible. It is a matter of personal preference. Some mushrooms, such as portobellos, firm creminis, and white buttons, have skins that can be easily peeled. On the other hand, exotic mushrooms like enoki, oyster, and chanterelle are not suitable for peeling due to their unique shapes and delicate structures.
If you choose to peel your mushrooms, start by removing the stem. Then, turn the cap over and peel back the skin where the stem was attached. It will come off in thin strips.
For mushrooms that cannot be peeled, there are other cleaning methods available. One option is to use a brush or a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt. If the mushrooms are very dirty or have hard-to-reach crevices, rinsing them under cool running water or soaking them in a bowl of water may be necessary. However, always ensure that you dry the mushrooms thoroughly after washing to remove any excess moisture.
In summary, the decision to peel mushrooms depends on factors such as mushroom type, personal preference, and the level of dirtiness. Peeling is an effective method for certain varieties, while others may require alternative cleaning techniques to ensure they are safe and ready for cooking.
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How to peel mushrooms
Peeling mushrooms is a great way to clean them without getting them wet. It is important to note that not all mushrooms can or should be peeled. This method works well with smooth, round mushrooms with stems and skins that can be pulled off easily, such as portobellos, creminis, and white buttons.
To peel a mushroom, start by removing the stem by pressing on one side of it with your thumb. You might need to press on the opposite side to get a clean break. Then, turn the cap over and you will notice some skin overhanging where the stem was. Simply pinch a piece of this overhang between your thumb and forefinger and peel it backward toward the round part of the cap. It will easily peel off in a thin strip, leaving a clean mushroom.
If your mushrooms are too small or oddly shaped to peel, you can try other cleaning methods. If the mushrooms are not too dirty, you can brush away any visible dirt with a dry paper towel, pastry brush, or your fingertips. If there are crusty dirt clods, you can use a paring knife to remove them. If the mushrooms still seem dirty, moisten a paper towel slightly and give it a go. Avoid running water over them unless you have to.
If your mushrooms are fairly dirty and have lots of nooks and crannies, fill a bowl with water and toss the mushrooms in. Swish them around to dislodge any debris and quickly transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate or rimmed baking sheet. Make sure to dry the mushrooms properly once they are washed—you can let them dry in a colander, give them a spin in a salad spinner, or pat off the excess moisture with a towel.
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When to wash mushrooms
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to wash mushrooms. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of mushroom and whether it is cultivated or wild. Cultivated mushrooms are grown in sterile, carefully monitored environments, so they are generally cleaner and may not require washing. Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, are harvested from unsterile environments and are more likely to have dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris on them, making washing more necessary.
The level of dirtiness of the mushrooms is another factor to consider. If the mushrooms appear relatively clean, a simple brush or wipe with a dry cloth, paper towel, or mushroom brush may be sufficient to remove any excess dirt or compost. If the mushrooms are visibly dirty, especially in the crevices, a quick rinse under cold water or a brief soak in a bowl of water may be necessary. It is important to avoid using warm water as it can start the cooking process, making the mushrooms slippery and slimy.
The intended use of the mushrooms also plays a role in deciding whether to wash them. If the mushrooms will be used in a dish where they need to retain their shape and texture, such as a salad or a stir-fry, it is best to avoid washing and opt for brushing or wiping to prevent them from becoming soggy. However, if the mushrooms will be sautéed, baked, or roasted, there is more flexibility, and a quick rinse or soak can be considered, followed by thorough drying before cooking.
Additionally, the shape and variety of mushrooms should be taken into account. Mushrooms with exposed gills, such as oyster mushrooms, portobellos, and shiitakes, tend to be more absorbent and are better cleaned with a dry approach using a brush or paper towel. Mushrooms without exposed gills, like buttons, cremini, or porcini, can be rinsed in a colander and dried before cooking.
Personal preference also comes into play when deciding whether to wash mushrooms. Some people prefer to wash all mushrooms before cooking to ensure they are free of dirt and bacteria. Others believe that washing is unnecessary and can affect the texture and cooking process. Ultimately, the decision to wash mushrooms depends on a combination of these factors, including the type of mushroom, the level of dirtiness, the intended use, and personal preference.
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How to wash mushrooms
There are several ways to wash mushrooms, and the best method depends on the type of mushroom and how dirty it is. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wash mushrooms:
Inspect the mushrooms
Firstly, examine the mushrooms to determine how dirty they are and whether they have any hard-to-reach crevices. Cleaner mushrooms require less cleaning, and a little dirt on the cap or near the stem is not a problem.
Decide on a cleaning method
If the mushrooms are only slightly dirty, you can wipe them with a dry brush or pat them with a damp paper towel. For dirtier mushrooms, you can rinse them under cool running water, gently rubbing any stubborn dirt with your fingers or a brush. If the mushrooms have lots of crevices, fill a bowl with water and swish the mushrooms around to dislodge any debris, then transfer them to a paper towel to dry.
Peel the mushrooms (optional)
Some mushrooms can be peeled to remove the dirty outer layer. This method works well for smooth, round mushrooms with stems and skins that can be easily pulled off, such as portobellos, creminis, and white buttons. To peel, simply pop off the stem, turn the cap over, and peel back the skin with your fingers.
Dry the mushrooms
After washing, ensure the mushrooms are properly dried. You can use a colander, a salad spinner, or pat them with a towel to remove excess moisture.
It is worth noting that some people choose not to wash mushrooms at all, as they are absorbent and can become soggy. However, this is a matter of preference, and it is generally considered safe to wash mushrooms before cooking or consuming them raw.
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How to dry mushrooms
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use. The process is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Here is how to do it:
Preparation:
First, ensure that you are using fresh mushrooms with no black spots or mould. Clean the mushrooms thoroughly by washing them under running water and scrubbing gently with a brush. You can also slice them before washing to ensure they dry properly and evenly. Slicing them into similar-sized pieces, about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick, is ideal. Thicker slices will take longer to dry.
Air-Drying:
Place the cleaned mushrooms in an open container with good airflow, such as a mesh colander. Set the container in a well-ventilated area, preferably with direct sunlight. Leave the mushrooms to air-dry for about a week, or until they are completely dry to the touch and do not give when squeezed.
Oven-Drying:
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 130ºF/54ºC. Blot the mushrooms with a paper towel to remove any excess water, as this will help prevent steaming in the oven. Arrange the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them for air circulation. Place the tray in the oven and dry the mushrooms for 4-8 hours. Flip them over every 1-2 hours to ensure even drying. After removing them from the oven, let the mushrooms cool completely. They will continue to crisp up during this time. If they are not completely dry, return them to the oven for another hour or until done.
Dehydrator:
A dehydrator is another option for drying mushrooms. Simply place the cleaned and sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, leaving some space between them for air circulation. Set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature, usually around 125ºF/52ºC, and let the mushrooms dehydrate for 4-12 hours. As with oven-drying, you may need to flip the mushrooms periodically to ensure even drying.
Once your mushrooms are completely dry, you can store them in covered glass jars or other airtight containers. They will keep well in a cool, dry place for up to two years. To use, simply rehydrate the mushrooms by soaking them in boiling water for 20-30 minutes before cooking with them as you normally would.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to clean mushrooms is to wash them in cold running water, transfer them to a salad spinner, and spin them dry. Then, cook them as you normally would, adding a few seconds to the cooking time to get rid of the excess moisture.
First, remove the stem from your mushroom. Then, turn the cap over and peel back the skin where the stem was, using your fingers. It will easily slide off in thin strips.
Peeling mushrooms is a matter of personal preference. It is a good way to clean certain types of mushrooms without using water, as mushrooms are very absorbent. However, it is not necessary to peel mushrooms, and some mushrooms cannot be peeled.
