According to Richard LaMarita, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education, most mushrooms don’t need to be rinsed under running water like many of us do here at home. Instead, a gentler approach works best.
“The best way to clean mushrooms is to either wipe them with a slightly damp towel or, even better, gently brush them with a damp pastry brush.”
The chef avoids washing mushrooms under running water to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid, which can affect their texture and flavor. Washing mushrooms only adds water, making them soggy when cooked. Of course, if you’re dealing with freshly picked mushrooms covered in dirt and grit, a quick rinse is still your best bet.
What About Dirt and Debris?
You might wonder if these gentle cleaning methods leave too much dirt behind. LaMarita assures us that most mushrooms we buy are cultivated and arrive clean enough that a clean, damp towel or a damp pastry brush is usually enough. But if you picked the mushrooms yourself, a quick rinse is still recommended.
Tips for Cooking Mushrooms
The biggest challenge when cooking mushrooms is their moisture content. Too much liquid or fat can make them soggy. LaMarita recommends avoiding overcooking and excess liquid. Try sautéing mushrooms in a heavy-bottomed pan, like a cast-iron skillet with just a splash of olive oil, seasoning as you go. To keep mushrooms from turning rubbery, he doesn’t add any extra liquid.
How to Store Mushrooms
Storing mushrooms means protecting them from moisture right from the start. Whether you pick them yourself or buy them at the market or store, wipe them with paper towels and place them in a paper bag with the top folded just enough to let air in. Then pop them in the fridge.
While it’s easier to just toss pre-packaged mushrooms straight into the fridge, they spoil faster that way—especially if you wash them right after buying. Mushrooms may look dry, but they actually draw moisture from their environment constantly. That’s why it’s best to avoid soaking them in water for too long.
Source: wellandgood.com
