Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be tricky to clean. The best method for cleaning mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom and where it was sourced. Store-bought mushrooms, for example, are grown on sterile manure, so they will need to be cleaned differently from foraged mushrooms. Before cooking, it's important to ensure your mushrooms are dirt-free, as this can affect their texture and taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to clean | Just before using |
| Tools | Colander, knife, bowl, lint-free towel, salad spinner |
| Cleaning methods | Rinsing, soaking, shaking, brushing, wiping |
| Drying methods | Patting dry, air-drying, spinning dry |
| Storage | Refrigerate unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag or original packaging for up to two days |
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What You'll Learn
Clean mushrooms before slicing
When shopping for mushrooms, avoid those with greyish-brown spots on their caps, which indicate decay. The bottom of the stem can be slightly discoloured, but it should not be overly dry, mushy, or beginning to shred. Dirt is not an indication of freshness or quality, but cleaner mushrooms are easier to work with.
Before slicing, trim the stems of your mushrooms to remove any woody, dried-out, or dirty sections. This also creates a flat base for the mushrooms, making slicing easier and safer. If you are working with portobello mushrooms, you may want to gently twist off or cut off the stems before slicing, reserving them for use in a filling if desired.
If your mushrooms are not visibly dirty, you do not need to wash them. If you do want to wash them, it is best to do so just before cooking, as excess moisture can shorten their shelf life in the fridge. To wash mushrooms, fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them in the water for up to ten seconds, then immediately pat them dry with a clean, lint-free towel. If there are stubborn bits of dirt remaining, use a damp paper towel to wipe them off.
If your mushrooms are fairly dirty and have lots of nooks and crannies, you can fill a bowl with water, toss the mushrooms in, and swish them around to dislodge any debris. Then, transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any extra water. Alternatively, you can use a dry pastry brush or a dry paper towel to gently rub off any dirt.
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Rinse sliced mushrooms in cold water
If you are cleaning morel mushrooms, add a couple of tablespoons of salt to the water. This will help bring out any remaining dirt and insects. If your mushrooms are particularly dirty, you may need to soak them in lightly salted water, changing the water as needed until the dirt and debris are removed.
If you are using wild mushrooms or those you have foraged yourself, they will likely have less grit and require less rigorous cleaning.
It is worth noting that culinary professionals are divided on the topic of whether to wash mushrooms or not. Some sources suggest that rinsing mushrooms in water will make them soggy and affect their ability to brown during cooking. However, Harold McGee, a highly respected author, found in his 1990 book, 'Curious Cook: More Kitchen Science and Lore', that mushrooms barely absorb any water, which seems to suggest that a quick rinse is fine.
If you are concerned about your mushrooms becoming soggy, you can use the damp paper towel method to gently rub off any dirt.
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Soak dirty mushrooms in salted water
When it comes to cleaning sliced mushrooms, there are a few methods you can use to ensure they are free from dirt and grit. While some people advocate for simply brushing mushrooms with water, others suggest a quick rinse or a soak in salted water. Here are some detailed steps and tips for soaking dirty mushrooms in salted water:
Prepare the Mushrooms
Before soaking, it is important to first trim the ends of the mushroom stems, especially for shiitake mushrooms as their stems are tough and not pleasant to eat. You can also slice the mushrooms as needed for your recipe. While pre-sliced mushrooms from the store are typically washed and ready to use, you may still opt to clean them again if you notice visible dirt.
Create the Salted Water Solution
Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a small amount of salt to create a lightly salted solution. The salt will help to draw out any dirt, debris, and insects that may be present in the mushrooms.
Soak the Mushrooms
Place the sliced mushrooms in the salted water and swirl them around gently for a few seconds to a few minutes. You can also fully submerge them by placing a plate over the bowl. The soaking time can vary depending on your preference, but it typically ranges from a few seconds to 5-20 minutes. Keep in mind that longer soaking times may result in mushier mushrooms and potential flavour loss.
Rinse and Dry
After soaking, remove the mushrooms from the salted water and give them a quick rinse in fresh, cold water. Use a colander to give them a shake or gently swirl them in the water to remove any remaining salt or dirt. Finally, pat the mushrooms dry with a clean, lint-free towel or paper towels. You can also let them air-dry by laying them out with the caps facing up.
Storage and Cooking
Once cleaned, mushrooms should be cooked as soon as possible. If you need to store them, place them in a paper bag or their original packaging and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Avoid storing mushrooms in plastic bags as they need to breathe. For longer-term storage, you can rinse and freeze the mushrooms, ensuring they are thoroughly dried before freezing to prevent sogginess.
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Dry mushrooms with a paper towel
Mushrooms are usually dirty when purchased from a store. While the dirt is not unsafe for consumption, it is not very appetizing. To clean sliced mushrooms, it is recommended to give them a shake in a colander to loosen any dirt, and then give them a quick rinse before cooking.
However, it is important to note that mushrooms are like little sponges and can easily absorb water, which will affect the cooking process. Therefore, when using water to wash them, do not let them soak for long. Fill a large bowl with cold water and swirl the mushrooms around for a few seconds to loosen any dirt. Then, immediately transfer them to a clean, lint-free towel and pat them dry.
To ensure that the mushrooms are completely dry, it is recommended to use a paper towel to pat them dry. Paper towels are highly absorbent and will help to remove any remaining moisture from the mushrooms. This is especially important if you plan to cook the mushrooms in a recipe that requires a high temperature or if you want to store them for later use.
Additionally, if you intend to freeze mushrooms, it is crucial to ensure they are thoroughly dry before freezing. Freezing fresh mushrooms can result in soggy, mushy, and bland mushrooms. By patting them dry with a paper towel, you can remove most of the moisture, helping to preserve their texture and flavor during freezing and subsequent cooking.
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Store cleaned mushrooms in the fridge
Storing cleaned mushrooms in the fridge is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid washing the mushrooms before storing them, as this will shorten their shelf life. Mushrooms are made of 80-90% water, and washing them will make them more susceptible to spoilage. Instead, use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt or debris.
Once the mushrooms are cleaned, it is important to let them dry completely before placing them in the fridge. You can place them in a single layer on a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb any excess moisture. Once they are dry, transfer them to an airtight container or a paper bag. If using a container, make sure it is made of glass or ceramic, and avoid using plastic as it can trap moisture and speed up spoilage. If using a paper bag, fold over the top to seal it.
When placing the mushrooms in the fridge, avoid the crisper drawer as this is too moist of an environment. Instead, place them on a shelf, preferably in the middle or bottom of the fridge, where the temperature is more consistent. Additionally, avoid storing mushrooms near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb those odours.
With proper storage, sliced mushrooms can last in the fridge for up to three days, while whole mushrooms should be used within a week. It is important to check the mushrooms regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as slime or discolouration. If you don't think you'll use the mushrooms within this time frame, consider freezing them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so freeze them as soon as possible, and remember to cook them before freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is important to clean mushrooms before cooking to remove any dirt or grit.
You can give sliced mushrooms a quick rinse in cold water to remove dirt. If they are particularly dirty, a short soak in lightly salted water can help dislodge any remaining dirt or insects.
Mushrooms absorb water easily, so it is best to wash them just before cooking. However, if you want to prepare them in advance, you can wipe them with a damp cloth or brush away loose dirt, then store them in a paper bag or their original packaging in the refrigerator for up to two days.
After rinsing, gently pat the mushrooms dry with a clean, lint-free towel. You can also use a salad spinner to remove excess water before patting them dry.
Trimming the stems is recommended, especially if they are tough or dried out. Removing the stems also creates a flat base for safer and easier slicing.
