In the Kitchen
I only link to products I've used and believe in. If you click on the link, I will earn a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay but does allow me to keep the website free of all those crazy ads on other sites.
Mushrooms are one of my favorite foods. I could make a meal of just mushrooms (and I have ☺️)
Cleaning them can seem like a daunting task, but fear not! I'm here to demystify the process and ensure your mushrooms are squeaky clean and ready to shine in your culinary creations.
The Great Mushroom Debate: To Wash or Not to Wash?
Ah, the age-old question - what is the best way to clean mushrooms? Some swear by a gentle rinse, while others insist on a dry brush. So, what's the truth? Well, it's a bit of both, depending on the type of mushroom and its level of dirtiness.
What is the Best Way to Clean Mushrooms?
The Dry Brush Method: For the Slightly Dirty Mushrooms
For mushrooms with just a light dusting of dirt, a dry brush, mushroom or pastry, or even a paper towel is your best friend (I personally use the paper towel method). Gently brush away any visible dirt or debris. This method is especially great for delicate mushrooms like chanterelles or oyster mushrooms.
The Quick Rinse: When Dirt Gets Serious
If your mushrooms are sporting a bit more mud than usual, a quick rinse is in order. Although there is a myth that mushrooms absorb water, they really don’t according to Alton Brown and Harold McGee, mushrooms don’t absorb a lot of water. Even Julia Child washed mushrooms on her Mushroom show. You don’t want to soak them because they will get soft so keep it brief!
Here's how to do it:
Prepare a Colander: Place your mushrooms in a colander.
Gentle Shower: Run cold water over the mushrooms, gently swishing them around with your hand.
Pat Dry: Immediately pat the mushrooms dry with paper towels.
The "Serious Dirt" Solution: The Water Bath (Use Sparingly)
For those mushrooms that look like they've just returned from a mud wrestling match, a quick water bath might be necessary. However, this method should be used sparingly, as prolonged soaking can make your mushrooms soggy.
Here's the procedure:
Quick Dip: Dip the mushrooms in a bowl of cold water, just for a few seconds. Rub them around to remove the dirt.
Swift Dry: Immediately remove them and pat them dry with paper towels.
A Word From the Wise:
"The key is to minimize the amount of water the mushrooms absorb," says Harold McGee, author of "On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen." "A quick rinse or brushing is usually sufficient."
Tips and Tricks for Sparkling Mushrooms:
Don't Soak: Avoid soaking mushrooms for extended periods, as they will become waterlogged and lose their flavor.
Trim the Ends: Cut off any tough or dirty stem ends.
Clean Just Before Cooking: Clean your mushrooms right before you plan to use them to maintain their freshness. This is key. Don’t clean them before. When you brush or wash them, you may bruise them. These bruises can cause them to go bad quicker.
Ultimately, the best way to clean mushrooms depends on the situation. For lightly soiled mushrooms, a dry brush is sufficient. For more stubborn dirt, a quick rinse is acceptable. And in extreme cases, a very short water bath is permissible. Just remember to treat your mushrooms with care, and they'll reward you with their delicious, earthy goodness.
Happy Cooking!
Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020. Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook. Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking. Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.
Comments