The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Mushrooms

There are various ways to clean mushrooms, and the best method depends on the type of mushroom. Mushrooms can be cultivated or wild, with the latter often requiring a more thorough cleaning due to the presence of dirt, grit, or bugs. Cultivated mushrooms, on the other hand, are typically grown in sterile environments and may only need a quick brush or rinse to remove any excess compost. When cleaning mushrooms with exposed gills, such as oyster mushrooms, portobellos, or shiitakes, it is recommended to use a dry approach by brushing away dirt with a paper towel, pastry brush, or mushroom brush. For mushrooms without exposed gills, like button, cremini, or porcini mushrooms, a quick rinse in cold water followed by drying on a clean towel is usually sufficient. It is important to clean mushrooms just before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy or spoiling.

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Cleaning cultivated vs. wild mushrooms

The cleaning process for mushrooms depends on whether they are cultivated or wild. Cultivated mushrooms are grown in sterile environments, similar to a science laboratory, and are commonly found in grocery stores. On the other hand, wild mushrooms are foraged or purchased from reputable foragers at farmer's markets.

Cleaning Cultivated Mushrooms

Cultivated mushrooms, such as button, cremini, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms, are typically cleaner due to their sterile growing environment. Therefore, they only require a light cleaning. Here are the steps to clean cultivated mushrooms:

• Brush off any visible dirt or debris from the mushrooms using a mushroom brush, a soft toothbrush, or a dry towel.
• If necessary, use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt, especially in the gills or crevices.
• Ensure the mushrooms are dry before cooking or storing.

Cleaning Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms, such as Morel, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Puffballs, may require a more thorough cleaning as they can be covered in dirt, grit, or forest debris. Here are some general steps to clean wild mushrooms:

• Clean wild mushrooms as soon as possible after foraging to prevent dirt from spreading to other mushrooms.
• Use a brush or a damp towel to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the mushrooms.
• Cut off the dirty or woody base of the mushroom where it was attached to the ground, as this part tends to hold the most dirt.
• Break or cut the mushroom into smaller pieces to expose the interior and remove any large debris, such as sticks or needles.
• Fill a sink or a large bowl with cold water and plunge the mushroom pieces into it. Swirl them around to loosen and remove any remaining dirt.
• Drain the water and repeat the process if necessary.
• Spread the mushrooms in a colander and spray them with cool water at different angles to ensure complete cleaning.
• Pat the mushrooms dry with a clean towel before cooking or storing.

It is important to note that some wild mushrooms may require unique cleaning methods, so it is always a good idea to research the specific type of mushroom you have foraged. Additionally, wild mushrooms may harbour bugs or parasites, so some sources suggest soaking them in salted water to remove any unwanted creatures.

Brushing vs. washing

Whether you should brush or wash mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom and how it was sourced.

Brushing

Mushroom brushes, extra-soft toothbrushes, and baby brushes can be used to gently and effectively remove dirt from mushrooms. Brushing is a good option for wild mushrooms, which tend to be less gritty and hardy than cultivated mushrooms. Brushing is also a good option for cultivated mushrooms, which are grown in sterile environments and do not need to be washed.

Washing

Mushrooms can be washed in water, but they should not be soaked for long as they are like little sponges and can easily absorb water, which will affect the cooking process. To wash mushrooms, fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them around in the water for about ten seconds, then remove them and pat dry with a lint-free towel. If there is still visible dirt, use a damp paper towel to wipe it off.

Exceptions

Morel mushrooms, which are foraged, can be very dirty and should be cleaned with a brush and some water. On the other hand, pre-sliced or chopped mushrooms from the grocery store are already clean and ready to eat.

How to dry mushrooms

Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use. The process is straightforward and can be done at home without any special equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry mushrooms:

Preparation:

Start with fresh mushrooms that are in their prime. Wipe them clean with a damp towel, but do not wash them under running water. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can pre-dry the mushrooms by placing them on a dry towel or cardboard in a well-ventilated area. You can also use a fan to air them out.

Air-Drying:

Transfer the mushrooms to a container that allows for good airflow, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack placed on a baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the mushrooms. Place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun. Allow the mushrooms to air dry for about a week or until they are completely dry. The drying time will vary depending on humidity levels and the size of the mushrooms.

Oven-Drying:

If you want to use an oven, preheat it to 140 degrees F (60°C) or 170°F (convection). You can also use a dehydrator at this temperature. Brush the mushrooms clean and cut them into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange the mushrooms on drying screens or trays, ensuring they are in a single layer. Prop open the oven door slightly to vent steam. Dehydrate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the mushrooms are dry and leathery. If using a dehydrator, the process may take up to 10 hours.

Storage:

Once the mushrooms are dried, let them cool to room temperature. Store the mushrooms in airtight containers or jars and keep them in a cool, dry place. Properly dried mushrooms can last for up to a year or even longer.

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Tools for cleaning mushrooms

While mushrooms can be cleaned with just a few paper towels and a brush, some mushrooms, like morels, require more care and attention. Here are some tools to help you clean your mushrooms effectively.

Paper Towels

Paper towels can be used to wipe off any dirt or heavy residue on your mushrooms. It is important to remember not to use too much water or apply too much pressure, as this can ruin the mushrooms.

Mushroom Brush

Mushroom brushes are small and round with soft bristles, making them perfect for cleaning delicate mushrooms. They are designed to remove excess dirt without crushing or bloating the mushrooms with water. The Full Circle FunGuy 2-in-1 Mushroom Cleaning Brush is a popular option.

Colander

If you have a particularly dirty batch of mushrooms, a colander can be used to gently shake off any excess dirt.

Bowl of Water

For wild mushrooms, it is recommended to dunk them into a bowl of water, swirl the water with your hands, and then drain them. This will help remove any dirt, grit, or bugs.

Salad Spinner

Salad spinners are useful for removing moisture from the mushrooms after they have been washed, especially for wild mushrooms that may require a more aggressive cleaning.

Knife

After cleaning, mushrooms can be trimmed and cut into the desired size using a sharp, non-serrated knife. Removing the stems is often the first step in preparing mushrooms for cooking.

When to clean mushrooms

It is important to clean mushrooms right before you intend to use them, as any moisture can create an opportunity for mould.

If you are using store-bought mushrooms, they are likely cultivated and grown in sterile environments, so they do not need to be washed. Simply brush off any visible dirt or use a damp cloth to wipe each mushroom. If the mushrooms look clean, this may be enough.

However, if your mushrooms are exceptionally dirty, you may need to soak them in lightly salted water to remove any remaining insects and dirt. Change the water as needed until the dirt is removed. Then, rinse the mushrooms, pat them dry, and use them in your recipe.

If you are using wild mushrooms, they may harbour bugs or have dirt or grit from the woodland floor. In this case, you will need to wash the mushrooms more aggressively. Cut the mushroom into pieces before washing to help remove dirt from crevices and gills. Submerge the pieces in water and agitate them to loosen any dirt. Then, remove the mushrooms from the water, pat them dry, and lay them out to air-dry before cooking.

Remember, mushrooms are porous and tend to soak up liquid like sponges, so it is important to avoid soaking them for too long and to dry them thoroughly before cooking.

Frequently asked questions