Emily Johnson
White button mushrooms are a mild-tasting variety commonly used in cooking. They can be sliced, diced, or quartered. Quartering mushrooms results in more tender and flavourful pieces as more of the surface area is exposed to heat and spices. To quarter a mushroom, place it on a cutting board stem-side down and slice it in half. Then, rotate the halves 90 degrees and slice through the middle again. Quartered mushrooms are great for stir-fries, soups, stews, and roasting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to quarter white mushrooms | Place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice it in half. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees, then slice it in half again. |
| How to clean white mushrooms | Wipe them with a damp paper towel to remove dirt and debris. Do not run the mushrooms under water, as they will become soggy when cooked. |
| How to store white mushrooms | Keep fresh mushrooms in a vented container lined with a paper towel, or a reusable bag with the top partially open. Fresh mushrooms should last a minimum of 4-5 days in the fridge. |
| White mushroom recipes | Quartered white mushrooms are great for stir-fries, soups, stews, chilis, and roasting. Sliced white mushrooms are good for soups, salads, pasta, pizza, and as a topping. |
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What You'll Learn
Quartering technique
Quartering is a great way to prepare mushrooms for cooking, especially roasting or sautéing. This technique results in more tender and flavourful pieces as more of the mushroom is exposed to heat and spices.
To quarter white mushrooms, start by placing the mushroom on a cutting board, with the stem side down. Using a sharp knife, slice the mushroom in half. Then, turn the two halves around and rotate them 90 degrees. Slice through the middle of the rotated mushroom, cutting each half into two pieces. You can now use the quartered mushrooms as desired in your recipe.
Before you begin cutting, it is important to clean your mushrooms. Wipe them down with a damp paper towel or brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush. You can also rinse them briefly and pat them dry, but avoid soaking them during the washing process as mushrooms can absorb water, affecting their texture and ability to brown when cooked.
When cutting, always use a sharp knife and be mindful of your hand posture. Hold the mushroom in place with your non-dominant hand, pressing your knuckles towards the knife to protect your fingers. You can also use an egg slicer for quicker and even cuts.
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Cleaning and preparation
Before you start cutting, it's important to clean your mushrooms. You can do this by wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt and debris. If you need to, you can also use a mushroom brush to brush off the dirt. Avoid running the mushrooms under water, as they will soak up the liquid and become soggy when cooked.
If you want to remove the stems, cut them off close to the cap of the mushroom. The stems can be inedible or tough, especially when sautéing or roasting mushrooms, so it's a good idea to remove them. You can mince the stems and use them in your recipe if you like.
Now you're ready to start cutting! If you're making quartered mushrooms, place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice it in half. Then, rotate the mushroom 90 degrees and slice it in half again. You can now use your quartered mushrooms in your recipe of choice.
If you're not using the mushrooms right away, you can store them in the refrigerator. Keep them in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture or in a paper bag with the top partially open. They should last for 1-2 days in the fridge. You can also freeze mushrooms for later use, but they may become mushy. It's best to blanch or sauté them before freezing.
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Storing quartered mushrooms
Choosing the Right Container
It is recommended to store quartered mushrooms in a porous container or a paper bag. Paper bags, particularly brown paper bags, are preferable because they allow mushrooms to breathe, preventing moisture buildup. You can also line the paper bag with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Avoid using plastic bags or sealed containers, as they can trap moisture and cause quicker spoilage.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is the best way to store quartered mushrooms. Place the paper bag or container in the refrigerator, preferably towards the bottom, such as in a drawer. The ideal temperature for storing mushrooms is just above the freezing point, and they should be used within a few days to a week.
Freezing
If you want to store quartered mushrooms for an extended period, freezing is an option. However, it is recommended to blanch or sauté the mushrooms before freezing to retain their texture and flavor. Once cooked, let them cool and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen mushrooms can last up to a year when properly stored.
Drying
Another long-term storage option is to dry your quartered mushrooms. Air-drying can be done by placing the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. Dried mushrooms have an extended shelf life and can be reconstituted for use in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
Avoiding Spoilage
To prevent spoilage, avoid storing quartered mushrooms near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors. Regularly check stored mushrooms for signs of spoilage, such as sliminess, discoloration, soft texture, or off odors. Proper storage will ensure your quartered mushrooms remain fresh and flavorful.
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Recipes using quartered mushrooms
Quartered mushrooms can be used in a variety of recipes, from sides to mains. Here are some ideas and recipes using quartered mushrooms:
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a simple yet delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. To make them, heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium to high heat. Add quartered white mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook the mushrooms without stirring for four minutes, then stir and cook for another two minutes. Reduce the heat and add butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional three to four minutes until the mushrooms are cooked, and the butter is melted. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or chives.
Grilled or Broiled Mushrooms
Another way to cook quartered mushrooms is to grill or broil them. Toss the mushrooms with oil and salt, then cook until they are golden brown and juicy.
Stir Fry, Soup, and Pasta
Quartered mushrooms can also be used in stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes. Simply cook the mushrooms as desired and add them to your recipe. For a simple pasta dish, sauté the mushrooms with garlic and butter, then serve them with your favourite type of cooked pasta.
Mushroom Pizzas
Mushrooms are a great topping for pizzas. Try adding some quartered, sautéed mushrooms to your next pizza for a tasty vegetarian option.
Salads
Quartered mushrooms can also be added to salads. Try adding them to a chilled couscous, mushroom, and avocado salad for a summertime treat.
Sides
Quartered mushrooms can be served as a side dish with steak, chicken, or quinoa.
With their meaty texture, quartered mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of many dishes.
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Other ways to cut mushrooms
Mushrooms are versatile ingredients that can be used in soups, stir-fries, sauces, and more. They can be sliced, quartered, diced, cubed, or minced. Here are some detailed instructions on different ways to cut mushrooms:
Slicing Mushrooms
To slice mushrooms, first, wipe them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a mushroom brush to brush off the dirt. Then, trim off any dried-out parts of the ends. Cut off the stem if you want the mushrooms to be sturdier for slicing. Now, place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board. Hold the mushroom in place with your non-dominant hand, making sure your knuckles are pressed towards the knife to protect your fingers. Start slicing the mushroom into slices of your desired thickness.
Dicing or Chopping Mushrooms
To dice or chop mushrooms, you can first cut them into slices or quarters. Then, cut these pieces into smaller bits. You can also use a food processor for this step. Simply quarter or rough-chop the mushrooms and pulse them in the food processor a few times to get small pieces.
Cubing Mushrooms
To cube mushrooms, place a stemmed mushroom on its side. Slice it in half, but not all the way through. Now, rotate the mushroom so that the stem side is facing down again. Slice it into 1/4-inch thick sections, ensuring you don't go all the way to the edge. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees, then chop the sections into cubes. Finish cubing the end piece, then repeat with the remaining mushrooms.
Mincing Mushrooms
To mince mushrooms, you can first cut them into slices or small pieces. Then, mince the pieces using a sharp knife. You can also use the minced mushroom stems in your recipes.
Storing Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms should be stored in a porous container lined with a paper towel or a partially open bag. This helps reduce excess moisture. Stored this way, mushrooms can last for about 4-6 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze mushrooms, it is best to blanch or saute them first to avoid mushiness.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice it in half. Turn the mushroom 90 degrees, then slice it in half again.
Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush to remove dirt and debris. Avoid rinsing the mushrooms as they will soak up liquid and become soggy when cooked.
Quartered white mushrooms are great for stir-fries, soups, stews, and roasting. They can also be used as a side dish or in pasta dishes.
