Cleaning Big Mushrooms: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are many different ways to wash big mushrooms, and it is important to do so before cooking. The method you use will depend on the type of mushroom and how dirty it is. Mushrooms are porous, so they absorb water easily and can become waterlogged, affecting their texture and flavour. However, culinary professionals are divided on the topic of whether to wash mushrooms or not. Some sources suggest that a quick rinse under the faucet is enough to clean mushrooms, while others recommend using a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe them down gently. If your mushrooms are very dirty, you may need to soak them in water for a few minutes, but make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward. Wild mushrooms, especially those foraged from the forest floor, will likely require a more thorough cleaning than store-bought mushrooms, which are usually grown on sterile manure.

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When to wash mushrooms

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to wash mushrooms or not. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of mushroom, as different varieties may require different cleaning methods. Wild mushrooms, for example, are often grittier and may require a more thorough washing or soaking, whereas cultivated mushrooms are typically cleaner and may only need a quick rinse or brush.

Another factor to consider is the source of the mushrooms. If they are purchased from a grocery store or farmer's market, they are likely to be cultivated in sterile environments and will be relatively clean. In this case, a quick rinse or brush to remove any loose dirt should suffice. However, if you have foraged wild mushrooms yourself or bought them from a forager, they may contain more grit and require a more thorough cleaning.

The intended use of the mushrooms is also important. If you plan to cook the mushrooms, a quick rinse or soak before cooking should be sufficient, as any excess water will cook off. However, if you intend to eat the mushrooms raw, you may want to be more cautious about exposing them to water, as it could affect their texture or flavour. In this case, gently brushing or wiping the mushrooms with a damp cloth may be a better option.

Additionally, the level of dirt on the mushrooms should be considered. If the mushrooms appear exceptionally dirty or have visible dirt, it is generally recommended to wash them. A quick rinse in cold water or a gentle brush can help remove any dirt or debris, ensuring the mushrooms are safe to consume. However, if the mushrooms are only slightly dirty, a simple brush or wipe with a dry cloth may be sufficient.

Lastly, the freshness of the mushrooms should be considered. It is generally recommended to wash mushrooms just before using them, as unwashed mushrooms tend to have a longer shelf life in the refrigerator. Washing the mushrooms can accelerate the deterioration process, so it is best to only wash them when you are ready to cook or consume them.

How to wash store-bought mushrooms

There are several methods for washing store-bought mushrooms. The method you choose will depend on the type of mushroom, how dirty it is, and how you intend to cook it.

Firstly, it's important to note that store-bought mushrooms are generally very clean. Most mushrooms found at grocery stores, such as white, button, and cremini, are grown in indoor farms with pre-treated compost to reduce bacteria levels. Therefore, a damp paper towel gently rubbed over the surface of the mushroom to remove dirt may be sufficient.

If your mushrooms have more visible dirt, you can try the colander method. Place the mushrooms in a colander and spray them with water until the dirt washes away. Then, pat the mushrooms dry with a paper or kitchen towel. Make sure not to soak the mushrooms for too long, as they are like little sponges and can absorb water, which may affect their texture and cooking time.

Another method is to fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them around in the water for about 10 seconds to loosen any dirt, then remove them to a clean, lint-free towel and pat dry. Lay them out (caps up) to finish air-drying before washing the next batch.

For wild mushrooms or foraged mushrooms, you may need to cut them into pieces and submerge them in water, agitating them to remove dirt and grit. You can also add salt to the water—one tablespoon per four cups of water.

Finally, some mushrooms, like morels, should be brushed with a small mushroom brush or paper towel to remove dirt before being rinsed in water.

Remember, it's best to wash mushrooms just before you need to use them, as unwashed mushrooms tend to last longer in the refrigerator.

How to wash wild mushrooms

There are various methods for washing wild mushrooms, and the best method for you will depend on the type of mushroom and how you intend to use it.

If your wild mushrooms are dirty, you can use a mushroom brush to clean them. Mushroom brushes are small and round with soft bristles, making them perfect for cleaning delicate mushrooms. You can also use an extra-soft toothbrush or a baby brush. Halve the mushrooms lengthwise and brush the exposed gills. If you want to keep the mushrooms whole, brush them first, then change the water and give them a quick wash. Dry them in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean, lint-free towel.

If your mushrooms are very dirty, you can give them a quick rinse. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them around in the water for about 10 seconds to loosen any dirt, then immediately remove them and pat them dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Lay them out (caps up) to finish air-drying before washing the next batch. Check for any remaining dirt and use a damp paper towel to wipe it off.

For wild mushrooms with lots of visible dirt, you can also use the strainer method. Place the mushrooms in a colander and spray them with water until the dirt washes away. Then, pat them dry.

For chanterelles, you can use either the paper towel or water rinse method. However, if you see any tiny bug holes in the stem, add salt to the water before rinsing: one tablespoon per four cups of water. Soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

If you are washing morel mushrooms, you can soak them in saltwater to kill bugs and remove dirt. Rinse them, then gently pat them dry.

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How to dry mushrooms

While it is important to clean your mushrooms, there are conflicting opinions on whether to wash mushrooms or simply brush off the dirt. Some sources suggest that washing mushrooms is unnecessary and can make them slimy or waterlogged. However, others argue that a quick rinse or a gentle shower is sufficient and will not affect the mushrooms' texture or flavour.

If you choose to wash your mushrooms, there are a few methods you can use:

The Strainer/Colander Method

Place the mushrooms in a colander and spray them with water until the dirt washes away. Then, pat the mushrooms dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Make sure not to soak the mushrooms for too long, as they can absorb water, affecting their cooking properties.

The Bowl Method

Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them around for a few seconds to loosen any dirt, then remove them to a towel and pat them dry. Lay them out with the caps up to finish air-drying before washing the next batch.

The Paper Towel Method

If your mushrooms do not appear too dirty, you can simply dampen a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and gently wipe each mushroom to remove any dirt.

The Brush Method

For wild mushrooms or those with more firmly attached dirt, you can use a small, soft-bristled mushroom brush to gently brush away the dirt. If the mushrooms are very dirty, you may need to cut them into pieces and soak them in water before brushing and drying.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to wash mushrooms just before you need to use them, as unwashed mushrooms tend to last longer in the refrigerator. Additionally, always examine your mushrooms after cleaning to ensure no visible dirt remains.

How to prevent waterlogging

There are several methods to wash mushrooms without waterlogging them. Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms from the grocery store may not need to be washed as they are grown on sterile manure, and pre-sliced mushrooms are usually pre-washed. However, if you do choose to wash them, there are a few techniques to avoid waterlogging.

One method is to use a damp paper towel or a soft mushroom brush to gently wipe each mushroom and remove any dirt. This is a good option if your mushrooms do not have much visible dirt on them. If there is more dirt or you prefer to rinse them, you can place the mushrooms in a colander and quickly rinse them with cold water, shaking off the excess water, and then drying them as much as possible with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.

Another method is to fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time, swirling them around for about ten seconds to loosen any dirt. Immediately remove them from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel, laying them out (caps up) to finish air-drying.

For wild mushrooms, you can cut them into pieces before washing. Submerge the pieces in water and agitate them to remove dirt, then pat them dry between clean kitchen towels.

Additionally, for morel mushrooms, it is recommended to soak them in saltwater to kill bugs and remove dirt, then rinse and gently pat them dry.

Remember, the key is to avoid soaking or leaving mushrooms in water for too long, as they can absorb water, which can affect their cooking and texture.

Frequently asked questions