How To Properly Clean Mushrooms

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With all of their marvelous gills and crevices, you might be wondering how you can get them properly cleaned and ready for cooking or eating.

For most mushrooms from the grocery store or farmer’s market, you don’t actually need to wash them. It’s sufficient to give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth if you notice any gristle.

That’s right. If you’re still coming to terms with the idea that you shouldn’t wash meat before cooking it – as doing so only contaminates your sink, rather than having any effect on pathogens – you might not feel comfortable leaving your mushrooms unwashed.

For now, I’m still rinsing off my mushrooms. As mushrooms are porous, too much excess moisture can make them soggy, but a quick shower will give you peace of mind and remove any visible grit.

If you are going to wash your mushrooms, here’s how it’s done:

1. Remove stems, if desired. Mushroom stems are edible, though they can be tough. If you’re making blended recipes, keep them on. For, say, a portobello burger, you’d want to remove that stem.
2. Quickly run each mushroom under your faucet or sprayer and shake off excess water.
3. Pat dry, then cook immediately.*

*Washed mushrooms get slimy in the fridge. Only wash immediately before cooking or eating.

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