Laura Smith
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are the most common variety found in grocery stores. They have a mild flavor and are extremely versatile. Before cutting button mushrooms, it's important to clean them thoroughly. While some sources recommend rinsing them in cold water and drying them in a salad spinner, others suggest simply wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a mushroom brush to remove dirt. Once cleaned, trim off the stems to create a flat base for easier slicing. You can then slice, quarter, or chop the mushrooms according to your desired recipe. Sliced button mushrooms are great for pizza toppings, salads, or stir-fries, while quartered mushrooms are perfect for roasting or adding to stews. Finely chopped button mushrooms can be used in stuffings, meatballs, or duxelles. Always use a sharp knife and be careful when cutting to avoid any accidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Chef's knife, paring knife, egg slicer, food processor |
| Cleaning | Wipe with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. Avoid rinsing under water as mushrooms will absorb liquid and become soggy. |
| Trimming | Remove stems and any woody or dried-out pieces. |
| Cutting | Slice, quarter, or dice. |
| Storing | Store uncooked cut mushrooms in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep cooked mushrooms in an airtight container in the fridge. |
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What You'll Learn
Trimming the stems
To begin trimming the stems, place the mushroom stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the mushroom in half. You can use a chef's knife or a paring knife for this step. It is important to be careful when cutting. Use your knuckles to hold the mushroom in place, and keep an eye on the blade while cutting. Move your knuckles away from the blade as you cut.
Next, rotate the mushroom 90 degrees, then slice it in half again. You should now have four smaller pieces, or "quartered" mushrooms. These quartered mushrooms are great for stir-fries, chilis, chunky stews, or roasting with olive oil. If you are not ready to cook with your trimmed mushrooms right away, you can store them in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, as mushrooms thrive in damp, sealed environments.
In addition to trimming the stems, you may also want to remove the stems entirely, depending on the recipe and your personal preference. The stems of button mushrooms tend to be fully dried out and tough, so removing them will improve the texture of your dish. However, some recipes call for chopped mushroom stems, such as in stuffed mushrooms, so you may choose to save the stems for another use.
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Slicing
When slicing button mushrooms, it is optional to remove the stems. Removing the stems can make the cutting process safer and easier, especially for larger mushrooms. The stems of some mushroom varieties can have a woody texture and an unpleasant taste. However, the stems of button mushrooms are generally edible and can be chopped and incorporated into recipes.
To achieve uniform slices, it is important to use a sharp knife and practice proper hand posture. Slightly curl your fingertips back, resting your knuckles on the mushroom to guide the knife and protect your fingers. You can also use an egg slicer for a quicker and easier slicing method, especially for button mushrooms.
The desired thickness of the slices may vary depending on the intended use. For example, thicker slices may be preferred for certain dishes, while thin slices are ideal for mushroom risotto or gyros. Ultimately, the slicing technique for button mushrooms is adaptable to suit your preferences and the requirements of your recipe.
Button mushrooms are versatile and can be sliced, quartered, or chopped to suit various dishes. Sliced mushrooms are commonly used in soups, sautees, salads, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. They add a delicious flavour and texture to these dishes.
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Quartering
Before you start cutting, it's important to clean your mushrooms. Wipe them down with a damp paper towel or brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush. Mushrooms can also be washed in cold running water and dried in a salad spinner, but they will absorb some water, which can affect the cooking process.
When cutting, it's important to protect your fingers. Hold the mushroom in place with your non-dominant hand, pressing your knuckles towards the knife to keep them safe. You can also use your knuckles to hold the mushrooms in place as you cut.
Quartered button mushrooms are great for stir-fries, stews, and roasting. They can also be sautéed, but this takes longer as the released water must evaporate before browning.
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Chopping
Next, you'll want to remove the stems. The stems of button mushrooms tend to be dried out and woody, so it's best to trim them off. Removing the stems also creates a flat base for your mushroom, making slicing much easier and safer.
Now, you're ready to start chopping! For a basic chop, simply cut the mushrooms into slices or quarters, and then into smaller pieces. You can decide the thickness of your slices, but a common thickness is about 1/4 inch or 0.5 centimetres. If you want to chop the mushrooms into cubes, place the mushroom on its side and slice it in half, but not all the way through. Rotate the mushroom so that the stem side is down again, and then slice it into sections, again being careful not to cut all the way through. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees, and then chop the sections into cubes.
Button mushrooms are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are great for salads, soups, stir-fries, and pizzas. Chopped mushrooms are also perfect for recipes that use them in place of meat, such as vegetarian burgers or meatloaf.
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Storing
Firstly, when buying button mushrooms, choose whole mushrooms over sliced ones. Whole mushrooms will stay fresh longer than pre-sliced mushrooms. It is also best to buy them whole as they will last longer if you need to store them for several days. Additionally, look for firm mushrooms with a fresh, smooth appearance. The surfaces should be dry but not dried out, and they should appear plump. A closed veil under the cap indicates a delicate flavour, while an open veil and exposed gills indicate a richer flavour.
Secondly, avoid washing mushrooms before storing them. Introducing added moisture will decrease their longevity. Even when preparing to use the mushrooms, a thorough wash is unnecessary. Instead, lightly rinse or scrub them with a soft brush or paper towel.
Thirdly, the ideal place to store button mushrooms is in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature slows down any bacterial or fungal growth. However, avoid placing them in the crisper drawer as moisture is the enemy of mushrooms. Instead, keep them in the main compartment of your refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing mushrooms is between 40-45 °F (4-7 °C).
Finally, to maintain the right moisture content, store the mushrooms in a partially open plastic bag or their original packaging. A zip-lock bag works well, with the opening kept partially open to allow some moisture to escape during refrigeration. Alternatively, store them in a porous paper bag, which will allow the mushrooms to breathe and help absorb excess moisture. With these storage methods, fresh mushrooms can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
First, trim off the stem of the mushrooms to create a flat base. Then, use a damp paper towel or mushroom brush to wipe away any dirt.
A sharp chef's knife or paring knife is best for cutting button mushrooms. You can also use an egg slicer for quick, even cuts.
You can cut button mushrooms into slices, quarters, or diced pieces. To slice, cut the mushroom in half, then turn it 90 degrees and slice in half again. To dice, cut the mushroom into 1/4-inch thick sections, then turn it 90 degrees and chop into cubes.
Store cut button mushrooms in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. You can also store them in a paper bag. Cut mushrooms will last in the fridge for 4-6 days.
Button mushrooms are very versatile and can be used in many recipes. Try adding them to pizza, salads, stir-fries, soups, or roasting them with olive oil and garlic.
