From stuffed mushrooms and portobello burgers to creamy risotto, mushrooms are a meaty, umami-packed addition to any meal. You can grill, roast, sautée, and even fry this versatile veggie. But along with eating vegetables comes cleaning them. And while not everyone thinks they need to wash produce, we argue that yes, you do need to wash produce.
Mushrooms can be especially tricky, given their delicate, soft exterior. If you're prepping them in your home kitchen, you might be wondering about the best way to clean mushrooms. Some cooks prefer to soak them before slicing and cooking, while others give them a quick rinse under cool water or brush them one by one to remove dirt. Others avoid washing them altogether out of fear that they'll soak up too much water and become soggy.
Should You Wash Mushrooms?
Some might argue that mushrooms don't need to be washed. The thinking here is that the mushrooms will absorb water, making them soggy and, therefore, less than ideal for cooking.
But we're here to say you can wash most mushrooms without them getting waterlogged. You also should wash mushrooms, especially if there's a lot of dirt on them. Previously, we reported that, aside from cleaning off dirt, washing produce can help reduce pesticides and pathogens that can cause foodborne illness.
With all the conflicting info surrounding the preparation of these tasty morsels, what's a home cook to do? Here, our Food Editor, Brooke Caison, explains the best way to wash your mushrooms.
How To Wash Mushrooms With Water
"My go-to method is to rinse the mushrooms in a colander under water and shake to dislodge any dirt," Caisson says. "I'll pat them dry to make them easier to handle when cutting and to remove any super stubborn dirt."
Because she only gives them a quick rinse, the fungi don't absorb a significant enough amount of water to affect their texture. Plus, whether you're roasting or sautéing mushrooms, much of the liquid evaporates as they cook.
Of course, not everyone in the cooking community uses the same method. Delish Senior Food Director Robert Seixas cleans each mushroom individually under running water. I personally usually use the colander method or take a damp cloth to wipe away dirt, especially in the crevices.
How To Clean Mushrooms Using A Brush
When cleaning mushrooms individually, Caisson says you can also use a brush to help gently remove dirt—just make sure the bristles are soft, as mushrooms are delicate. You can save more heavy-duty brushes for produce with hard peels like oranges, lemons, and limes. Cleaning mushrooms with a soft-bristled brush can help reach all of the nooks and crannies, typically without using too much water. (Caveat: for mushrooms with pronounced gills such as portobellos, brushing without any water is preferred by some, since gills tend to absorb water. If you do use water to clean those kinds of shrooms, just be mindful.)
How you use the brush comes down to preference. Some might use the brush, dry or damp, to simply wipe away dirt. But to loosen debris first, you can also give the mushrooms a quick rinse under water, then use the brush to remove anything remaining. The key is to use the brush gently to keep your fungi in pristine shape for cooking.
Once you've thoroughly cleaned your portobellos and shiitakes, they're ready for any of our mushroom recipes. They're perfect in our classic beef stroganoff or as the focal point of our vegan mushroom pot pie.
