How to Clean Mushrooms
The only “tool” you’ll need is a paper towel.
How to Clean All Mushrooms (Except Morels)
Use a damp paper towel or a soft mushroom brush to wipe each mushroom, one at a time, to remove any dirt. We can imagine the follow-up question now: How do you clean mushrooms when you don’t have time to individually wipe each one? We grant you permission to lightly rinse the mushrooms with cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Don’t soak the mushrooms. Because they absorb water like little sponges, mushrooms won’t brown nicely when cooked if they are full of water. Though portobellos are larger than most other varieties, this is how to clean portobello mushrooms, too. Keep reading to learn more about their gills.
How to Clean Morel Mushrooms
Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each morel mushroom stem and, if desired, cut the mushrooms in half from stem to tip. Rinse in cool water to remove any dirt and insects. If the mushrooms look clean, this may be enough; if not, a short soak in lightly salted water brings out any remaining insects and dirt. If soaking, change the water as needed until dirt and debris are removed. Rinse the morels well, pat dry, and use in place of other mushrooms in recipes. Add cleaned morel mushrooms to our skillet-cooked mushroom medley.
How to Clean Sliced Mushrooms
Most of the time, pre-sliced mushrooms at the store will say they’ve been washed already, but if you see some dirt, you may want to clean again. To clean sliced mushrooms, give them a shake in a colander to loosen any dirt, then give them a quick rinse just before you’re ready to cook. Dry them off with paper towels or a clean tea towel.
How to Clean Mushrooms for Stuffing
Portobello Mushrooms
For portobello mushrooms, clean as directed above. Gently twist off or cut off the stem of each mushroom. You can reserve the stems to use in the stuffed mushroom filling, if desired. Holding a mushroom in one hand, use a spoon to gently scrape the gills from the underside of the portobello mushroom cap; discard the gills. Repeat with remaining mushrooms. Now they are ready to stuff. Test Kitchen Tip: Gills do not have to be removed from portobello mushrooms to eat them, but if you’re planning to stuff them, the gills will be in your way. For grilled portobello burgers and other nonstuffed mushroom recipes, you may leave the gills for richer flavor.
White Mushrooms
For white mushrooms and cremini mushrooms, choose fairly large mushrooms for stuffing. Clean as directed above. Gently twist off or cut off the stem of each mushroom. You can reserve the stems to use in the stuffed mushroom filling, if desired. Use a teaspoon to fill each mushroom with the desired filling.
How to Cut Mushrooms
After cleaning mushrooms, trim thin slices from the ends of the stems. Using a sharp knife, non-serrated knife (Wusthof Gourmet Chef’s Knife, $100, Sur La Table), cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters, or slice or chop as needed.
Test Kitchen Tip: If a mushroom stem is tough, trim it. Always remove shiitake mushroom stems before cutting; they are very tough and not pleasant for eating.
Selecting and Storing Mushrooms
Mushrooms are fresh if they are firm, plump, and free from bruises with no visible moisture on the outside. Avoid slimy or spotted mushrooms.For white mushrooms, also called button mushrooms, the gills on the underside should be tightly closed.Store mushrooms (except morels) unwashed in the refrigerator for up to two days in a paper bag or in the original packaging. Because they need to breathe, mushrooms shouldn’t be stored in a plastic bag.To store morel mushrooms, clean and wrap mushrooms loosely in damp paper towels or damp clean cotton cloth, and place the bundle in a bowl. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping towels damp so the mushrooms don’t dry out.
Mushroom math: 8 ounces whole mushrooms equals 3 cups sliced or chopped. With the exception of morels, wait to clean mushrooms until just before using. Enjoy your dirt-free mushrooms in your quiche for brunch, baked in lasagna instead of beef, or on top of pizza.
