When you bring home a punnet of button mushrooms or come back from picking them in the forest – be careful to choose the edible mushrooms carefully – the question is always the same: should you wash them? Indeed, you already know, mushrooms grow directly on the ground and are therefore often covered with earth and other small impurities. And since no one likes to bite into a piece of earth in the middle of an autumnal pie or a mushroom risotto, it’s better to take the time to clean the mushrooms well. So how to go about it?
The risks of washing with water
Mushrooms are like sponges capable of retaining a large amount of water. By washing them under water, they absorb the liquid and quickly turn into a soggy, spongy mass. Once soaked, the mushrooms lose their natural firmness, essential for good cooking and tasting. Soaking will also have the terrible effect of making your mushrooms blander and less flavorful. Which is a shame, especially when you know how well-prepared mushrooms enhance an autumn dish.
The correct cleaning method
The simplest and gentlest way to clean your mushrooms is to use a clean, slightly damp cloth or paper towel. Gently pass it over the surface of each mushroom to remove soil and small impurities. Do not hesitate to cut the end of the stem of the mushroom which is logically the most earthy part. If your mushrooms have harder-to-reach areas, like the folds under the cap, use a small, soft brush, like a mushroom brush, or even a paintbrush. This will allow you to remove encrusted dirt without damaging them.
To summarize: we avoid water as much as possible to preserve the taste and texture of our mushrooms and we favor gentle methods such as wiping and brushing so as not to damage them too much.
