How to clean mushrooms the proper way

Should you wash mushrooms?

Mushrooms are very similar to sponges, in that they soak up water easily. Soaking your mushrooms in water means risking big, tasteless bits that have absorbed too much water in your dish. To maintain their delicious taste, it’s best to clean the mushrooms with a damp towel or paper towel; simply rub the dirty parts carefully and they should be good to go. If you’re short on time, the best way would be to quickly rinse them, but never soak them! This way they will retain their taste and structure, staying firm and delicious. There are also small brushes you can buy to meticulously clean your mushrooms, if you are looking for a more professional approach. For the rest of the mushroom, although the stem is edible, if it has become dry or slightly stained, you can cut a small piece off.

How to eat mushrooms

You can consume mushrooms as soon as they are cleaned—cultivated species, such as champignons, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms can be consumed raw. Wild species however, such as chanterelles, should always be cooked; otherwise they may cause digestion problems. Aside from eating the mushrooms on their own, you can try stuffed mushrooms and eat them in a variety of dishes. To have the best stuffed mushrooms of any kind, it's often best to clean out the gills with a spoon. Simply carve the "mushroom bowl", add your stuffing and cook away! In general, mushrooms are great additions to your meals, helping to both balance the nutritional profile and improve texture.

Enjoy your meal!