Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to stir-fries. However, before cooking with mushrooms, it is essential to clean them properly to ensure they are safe to consume. The cleaning method can vary depending on the type of mushroom, whether it is cultivated or wild, and the level of dirt present. Cultivated mushrooms from grocery stores can be rinsed with water, wiped with a damp paper towel, or brushed to remove dirt. Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, may require more careful cleaning, such as gentle brushing or wiping, as they tend to be more expensive and delicate. It is important to clean mushrooms just before cooking to prevent excess moisture absorption, which can affect their texture. Additionally, certain mushrooms like portobello and shiitake may require removing the stems and gills before cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to clean mushrooms | Just before cooking |
| Tools | Brushes, toothbrushes, paper towels, cloth, colander, bowl, kitchen towel |
| Cleaning methods | Rinsing, soaking, wiping, brushing, cutting off dirty parts |
| Types of mushrooms | Cultivated, wild, foraged, pre-sliced, button, cremini, Portobello, white, brown, Lion's Mane, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, Morel, Puffball |
| Storage | Paper bags, not plastic bags or containers |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning cultivated vs. wild mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are those harvested in the wild, often found growing on or near trees, or even in your driveway or yard. Cultivated mushrooms, on the other hand, are grown in highly sterile environments, more akin to laboratories, with sterilized compost, white coats, and gloves. This means that cultivated mushrooms are largely free of dirt and do not need to be washed in the same way as wild mushrooms.
When cleaning cultivated mushrooms, it is best to simply brush them off with a dry towel or a mushroom brush. This is because mushrooms can absorb a lot of water when washed, which can make them soggy. However, some sources do suggest rinsing cultivated mushrooms, especially if they are very dirty. If you do rinse them, fill a large bowl with water, dunk the mushrooms, swirl the water with your hands, and then drain them immediately. Lay the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels and pat them dry.
Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, often harbour dirt, small twigs, and insects, so they need to be washed more aggressively. Before washing, cut the mushroom into pieces. You can then either soak the pieces in salty water to evict any critters or simply rinse them in a bowl of water, as with cultivated mushrooms.
It is important to note that some wild mushrooms cannot be digested in their raw state, so they should always be cooked before eating. It is also crucial to only eat wild mushrooms that you can identify with absolute certainty. If you are serving foraged mushrooms in a restaurant, you should check with your local jurisdiction to ensure you are abiding by food safety regulations. Some states require that wild mushrooms are approved by a mushroom expert before they can be served to guests.
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Brushing vs. washing
The best method for cleaning mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom and how they have been sourced. Wild mushrooms, for example, are often much dirtier than cultivated mushrooms, which are grown in sterile environments.
Brushing
Mushroom brushes, extra-soft toothbrushes, and baby brushes can be used to gently remove dirt from mushrooms. Brushing is a good option for wild mushrooms, as they are often more expensive and delicate, and you want to avoid damaging them. Brushing is also a good option for cultivated mushrooms, which are usually relatively clean.
Washing
Mushrooms can be washed in a bowl of cold water, but they should not be soaked for too long, as they are porous and can easily absorb water, which can affect the cooking process. After swirling them in the water, place the mushrooms on a lint-free towel and pat them dry. If there are any stubborn bits of dirt remaining, use a damp paper towel to wipe them off.
Both brushing and washing can be effective methods for cleaning mushrooms, and the best approach may depend on the type of mushroom and your personal preference. Brushing is a good option for wild mushrooms or delicate varieties, while washing can be more suitable for cultivated mushrooms that may have grit attached. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that your mushrooms are clean and safe to eat.
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Removing dirt from gills
The gills of a mushroom are the thin papery ribs found on the underside of some mushroom caps, most commonly portobellos. They are completely edible, but many cooks choose to remove them for aesthetic reasons, as they can turn dishes a dark and unappetising colour. They also tend to have a strong, musty flavour that some find unpalatable.
To remove the gills from portobello mushrooms, start by gently twisting off or cutting off the stem. Then, holding the mushroom in one hand, use a spoon to gently scrape the gills from the underside of the cap. Be careful not to go too deep into the mushroom's flesh. Continue working around the mushroom until you have removed all the gills.
If you want to keep the gills, it is still a good idea to clean the underside of the mushroom to remove any dirt or debris. You can do this by gently wiping the surface of the mushroom with a damp cloth or paper towel, or by rinsing the mushroom in cool water. If the mushroom is particularly dirty, you may need to soak it in lightly salted water to remove all the dirt and insects.
It is important to note that the gills of white mushrooms, also called button mushrooms, should be tightly closed when fresh. If the gills are open or exposed, it is a sign that the mushroom is past its prime.
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Drying methods
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. Here are some methods for drying mushrooms:
Dehydrator
Using a food dehydrator is an easy method that doesn't require constant attention. Depending on the number of racks available, you can dry multiple mushrooms simultaneously. Cutting the mushrooms into slices will reduce the drying time. Arrange the mushroom slices on the drying racks, leaving some space between them to allow for adequate airflow. Set the dehydrator to a temperature between 50-60°C (125-135°F) or lower, as high temperatures can destroy beneficial compounds in mushrooms. The drying process can take around 6-12 hours, depending on the mushroom type, slice thickness, and dehydrator temperature.
Oven
If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use your oven to dry mushrooms. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 50-60°C (125-135°F), or as low as your oven can go, as high temperatures can affect the quality of the mushrooms. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the mushroom slices in a single layer with spaces between them. Keep the oven door slightly open to increase airflow and reduce the temperature. The drying process in the oven will also take a few hours, and you'll need to stay nearby to monitor the mushrooms and ensure even drying.
Air Drying
Air drying is a traditional, natural method that doesn't require any electricity. This method works well for certain mushroom varieties like morels, porcini mushrooms, and chanterelles. Slice the mushrooms thinly and evenly, and place them on baking sheets or a mesh hanging rack, ensuring adequate space between them. Depending on the weather, you can dry them under a well-placed tarp or in a sunny spot to speed up the process. Air drying may take several days, so it's important to be patient and monitor the mushrooms regularly.
Freeze Drying
Freeze drying is another option, but it requires specialized equipment like a freeze dryer. This method involves pre-freezing the mushrooms and then using a vacuum to extract water from them at very low temperatures (-30 to -50°C/-34 to -45°F). While freeze drying can be effective, it may only be worthwhile if you plan to sell dried mushrooms or freeze-dry other items as well.
Regardless of the drying method chosen, it's important to ensure that your mushrooms are clean and properly prepared before drying. Avoid waterlogging the mushrooms, as too much moisture can hinder the drying process. Wipe them with a damp cloth or gently brush away any visible dirt. Cut the mushrooms into slices to facilitate even drying and reduce the drying time.
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Storage
Storing mushrooms correctly is critical to keeping them fresh and edible. Here are some tips for storing mushrooms:
Refrigerate Mushrooms
The best place to store mushrooms is in the refrigerator. Mushrooms have a high water content, between 80% to 90%, and are therefore prone to spoilage. The cooler temperature of the refrigerator slows down bacterial and fungal growth. Place the mushrooms on a shelf in the main compartment of the refrigerator, avoiding the crisper drawer.
Use a Paper Bag
When storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, it is recommended to use a paper bag. As mushrooms age, they release water, and a paper bag helps absorb this moisture, keeping the mushrooms slime-free. A paper bag lined with a paper towel can also help absorb excess moisture and humidity, further preventing spoilage.
Avoid Plastic Bags and Airtight Containers
Do not store mushrooms in plastic bags or airtight containers. These can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage.
Net Bags
Another option for storing mushrooms is to use a net bag, such as the kind onions are packaged in. Hang the bag from a hook or nail, preferably near a window, as mushrooms can absorb vitamin D. Any unused mushrooms will dry out and can be reconstituted later.
Freezing Mushrooms
If you have a large quantity of mushrooms and want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Clean the mushrooms and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. However, freezing may compromise their texture, so it is best to use thawed mushrooms for flavouring stocks or chopping into veggie burgers rather than frying.
Dehydrating Mushrooms
Another method for long-term storage is dehydrating mushrooms using an electric dehydrator. Rehydrate the mushrooms before use, which usually takes less than two hours.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to avoid washing mushrooms due to their porous nature, which can lead to excess moisture absorption, resulting in soggy or mushy mushrooms. However, washing can be considered if they are particularly dirty.
To clean mushrooms without washing, use a brush, a dry cloth, or a paper towel to wipe off any dirt or grime. You can also cut off the ends of the stems, which tend to be tough and dirty.
Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them gently for a few seconds to loosen any dirt, then immediately remove and pat them dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Place them with the caps up to finish air-drying. Repeat this process until all mushrooms are cleaned.
Yes. Wild mushrooms are often foraged and may have more dirt, so a careful brushing or gentle wiping with a damp cloth is recommended. Cultivated mushrooms, on the other hand, are typically grown in sterile environments, so a simple brush-off with a dry towel may suffice.
Pre-sliced or chopped mushrooms purchased from the grocery store are generally clean and ready to eat, so additional cleaning is usually unnecessary.
