John Miller
There are many different opinions on how to wash mushrooms. Some people believe that mushrooms should be brushed off with a dry towel or mushroom brush, while others argue that they should be washed with water. The best method for washing mushrooms depends on the variety of mushroom and how they were sourced. Wild mushrooms, for example, are more likely to be dirty and require a more thorough cleaning than cultivated mushrooms, which are grown in sterile environments. It's important to note that mushrooms are absorbent, so when using water to wash them, it's best to avoid letting them soak for too long.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dirt on mushrooms | The "dirt" is most likely the compost they are grown in. Mushrooms purchased at a store are grown on sterile manure. |
| Washing mushrooms | Mushrooms can be washed in water. However, some sources suggest that it is best to brush off the dirt, especially for wild mushrooms. |
| Water absorption | Mushrooms are like sponges and can absorb a lot of water, which can affect the cooking. Therefore, it is recommended to wash them just before cooking. |
| Washing methods | Mushrooms can be washed in a colander, salad spinner, or with a damp paper towel or dishcloth. |
| Drying | After washing, mushrooms should be dried using a clean, lint-free towel or paper towels. |
| Pre-sliced mushrooms | Pre-sliced mushrooms are clean and ready to eat, and do not need to be washed. |
| Foraged mushrooms | Foraged mushrooms should be washed to remove dirt and insects. |
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What You'll Learn
Wash store-bought mushrooms
Store-bought mushrooms, such as white, button, cremini, and shiitake, are usually quite clean as they are grown in indoor farms with pre-treated compost to reduce bacteria levels.
If you wish to clean your store-bought mushrooms, it is recommended that you do so just before cooking, as unwashed mushrooms tend to last longer in the refrigerator. The two most common methods for washing mushrooms are using a damp paper towel or rinsing them under running water.
If you choose to use the damp paper towel method, lightly dampen a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and gently wipe the mushrooms to remove any dirt. If there are stubborn bits of dirt, use a damp paper towel to wipe them off.
If your mushrooms have a lot of visible dirt, you may prefer to rinse them. Place the mushrooms in a colander and quickly rinse them with cold water, shaking off any excess. Dry the mushrooms as much as possible with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
It is important to note that mushrooms are high in moisture content, and while they may absorb a small amount of water when washed, it is unlikely to significantly affect their taste or texture. However, if you are aiming for crispy mushrooms, the quick-rinse option might deter them from achieving the desired golden-brown crisp.
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Wash wild mushrooms
There are conflicting opinions on whether mushrooms should be washed with water or simply brushed off. The answer depends on how the mushrooms were sourced and how you intend to use them. Mushrooms purchased at a store are grown on sterile manure, which is the "dirt" that clings to them. While this isn't unsafe to consume, it can be unpleasant. Brushing can remove this dirt if it is loose, but some bits may be more firmly attached or hiding in the gills.
Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, are likely to have less grit and can be carefully brushed to prevent any damage to the product. If you are foraging wild mushrooms yourself, it is important to only do so safely and to triple-check any foraged items before consumption. Wild mushrooms purchased from a reputable forager at a farmer's market or other sources are likely to be significantly more expensive, so careful brushing is recommended.
However, if your wild mushrooms have lots of visible dirt, you may prefer to rinse them with water. To do this, fill a large bowl with cold water and have a clean, lint-free towel nearby. Add a few mushrooms at a time to the water, swirling them around for about ten seconds to loosen any dirt. Then, immediately remove them to the towel, patting them dry and laying them out (caps up) to air-dry before washing the next batch. Examine the mushrooms after washing to ensure no visible dirt remains, using a damp paper towel to wipe away any stubborn bits.
If you are concerned about bugs in your wild mushrooms, you can add salt to the washing water. Dissolve one tablespoon of salt per four cups of water, then add the mushrooms and soak for 20 minutes. Drain the water and arrange the mushrooms on paper towels to pat dry.
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Brush mushrooms
Brushing mushrooms is a great way to clean them, especially if they are foraged or wild mushrooms, as these will likely have less grit and be less hardy than store-bought mushrooms. Brushing is also a good option if you are concerned about the mushrooms absorbing water, which can affect their cooking.
When brushing mushrooms, it is important to use a gentle touch, especially if the mushrooms are delicate. You can use a mushroom brush, which has soft bristles, or a soft vegetable brush. For foraged mushrooms, a compact brush with gentle bristles can be used to safely clean them and remove any dirt or grit.
If you are brushing store-bought mushrooms, it is a good idea to brush them gently to remove any loose dirt before rinsing them with water. This is because store-bought mushrooms are often grown on sterile manure, which can cling to the caps. By brushing first, you can remove any large pieces of dirt before rinsing.
However, keep in mind that brushing may not remove all the dirt, especially if it is firmly attached or hiding in the gills. In this case, you may need to use a damp paper towel to wipe the mushrooms clean or gently rinse them with water. If you do use water, be sure to pat the mushrooms dry with a clean, lint-free towel to remove any excess moisture before cooking.
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Soak mushrooms
There are several ways to soak mushrooms, depending on the type of mushroom and how they will be used.
Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are often used to add flavour to dishes. They can be soaked in water to reconstitute them, which produces both the mushrooms themselves and a flavourful soaking liquid. The mushrooms and the liquid can be used in soups, stews, sauces, pâtés, and gratins.
To soak dried mushrooms, first, brush off any dust or dirt. Then, submerge the mushrooms in cold water and cover with food wrap so that they are fully submerged. Leave them to soak in the refrigerator for 5-24 hours to increase the Umami Guanylate. If you are in a hurry, you can use hot water instead, but this may reduce the flavour. After soaking, the mushrooms should be rinsed under running water to remove any residual grit.
Fresh Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms can be soaked to clean them, although this is not necessary for pre-sliced or chopped mushrooms, which are usually already clean. To soak fresh mushrooms, fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time, swirling them around to loosen any dirt. Then, remove the mushrooms from the water and pat them dry with a clean, lint-free towel.
For foraged mushrooms or wild mushrooms, it is recommended to add salt to the water before soaking, as this will remove any tiny creatures. Soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes, then drain and repeat. After soaking, dry the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels.
Maitake/Oyster Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, also known as oyster mushrooms, have very delicate caps that tend to break. To clean them, trim their ends, then soak them for five minutes. Drain them and dry very carefully, as the caps are fragile. A salad spinner can be useful for removing moisture from the frills.
Morels
Morels have a honeycomb texture that requires a different cleaning method. They should be brushed with a mushroom brush before being cut in half lengthwise. The halved morels can then be soaked in a bowl of water and dried in a salad spinner.
Chanterelles
Chanterelles should be checked for tiny bug holes at the stem end. If there are no bug holes, they can be soaked using the same method as wild hen of the woods mushrooms. If there are bug holes, add salt to the water before soaking to evict any tiny creatures. Soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes, then drain and repeat. Dry the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels.
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Dry mushrooms
There are several ways to clean mushrooms and the best method depends on the type of mushroom and how it was sourced. Here is a guide on how to clean dry mushrooms:
Brushing
Brushing is a good method for dry mushrooms, especially if they are wild or foraged. Wild mushrooms are grown in unsterile environments and may have leaves, twigs, pine needles, dirt, and bugs on them. Brushing them gently with a dry towel or a mushroom brush will help to remove this dirt without damaging the product.
Washing
Soaking
Some dry mushrooms may require a soak. For example, when cleaning chanterelles, check for tiny bug holes at the stem end. If there are no bug holes, add a tablespoon of salt to 4 cups of water and swoosh to dissolve. Soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes, then drain and repeat. Dry the mushrooms on a double layer of cotton dish towels.
Peeling
A dietician was mentioned in one source who peels all her mushrooms before cooking, and this is another option for cleaning dry mushrooms.
Salad Spinner
A salad spinner can be used to dry mushrooms after they have been rinsed or soaked.
Paper Towel
A paper towel can be used to wipe down dry mushrooms, especially store-bought sliced mushrooms.
In summary, there are several ways to clean dry mushrooms, and the best method will depend on the type of mushroom and how it was sourced. Brushing is a good option for wild mushrooms, while cultivated mushrooms can be washed or soaked. Peeling, wiping with a paper towel, or using a salad spinner are also options for ensuring your dry mushrooms are clean.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wash mushrooms. However, it is not always necessary. Mushrooms from the grocery store are cultivated in sterile environments, so they are quite clean and only need a quick brush to remove any excess compost.
Mushrooms are absorbent, so avoid submerging them in water. Instead, rinse them briefly under a cold tap, one or two at a time, with the gills down. Then, gently rub them with your fingers or a soft cloth to dislodge any stubborn dirt.
Wild mushrooms are grown in unsterile environments, so they will likely have more dirt, leaves, or bugs on them. To clean them, gently brush off any loose dirt, then fill a bowl with cold water and swirl the mushrooms in it for about 10 seconds. Remove them and pat dry with a towel.
Pre-sliced mushrooms are already clean and ready to eat, so you don't need to wash them. However, if you feel they need a rinse, give them a brief wipe or rinse and pat them dry before cooking.
Yes, you can use a salad spinner to wash and dry mushrooms. Place the mushrooms in the spinner, rinse them under running water, then spin them dry.
