Cleaning mushrooms poll

[danpeikes]

Originally Posted by Barbara L

I wash mine under running water right before use. I have always done it this way and have never had a problem. Mushrooms are not as delicate as a lot of people think they are.

I loved the episode of Good Eats when Alton Brown proved that mushrooms don't quickly soak up a lot of liquid, as many people think. He started with a few batches of mushrooms, equal in weight. He brushed some, soaked some, and quickly washed some. I can't remember if there were any other cleaning methods used--I saw it a couple years ago. I can't remember the exact amounts, but if there was any weight difference, it was negligible.

Barbara

I second that

[Kayelle]

Jaques Pepin (my favorite tv chef) also says you can wash mushrooms but stresses to wash them just before using.

[4meandthem]

Originally Posted by Kayelle

Jaques Pepin (my favorite tv chef) also says you can wash mushrooms but stresses to wash them just before using.

I have alot of respect for him too.Have you read his biography?Great read!

He has more credentials than just about anyone and still found time and respect for Julia Child.I have his video series on techniques and it is good.His book and series with Julia is one of my faves.A real class act there and a greast artist to boot!

[babetoo]

damp paper towel

[Robo410]

t really depends on how I'm using them. Sauteed? I want them very dry so I just brush them. Going in a stew? rinse them. Raw in a salad? damp towel. DOes it really make a difference? Seems to.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Barbara L

I wash mine under running water right before use. I have always done it this way and have never had a problem. Mushrooms are not as delicate as a lot of people think they are.

Right!! They are not sponges!! ~~~ I hold a few of them at a time in my hand under running water...Jostle them around a bit, and use them for their intended purpose!

[taxlady]

Originally Posted by Barbara L

I wash mine under running water right before use. I have always done it this way and have never had a problem. Mushrooms are not as delicate as a lot of people think they are.

I loved the episode of Good Eats when Alton Brown proved that mushrooms don't quickly soak up a lot of liquid, as many people think. He started with a few batches of mushrooms, equal in weight. He brushed some, soaked some, and quickly washed some. I can't remember if there were any other cleaning methods used--I saw it a couple years ago. I can't remember the exact amounts, but if there was any weight difference, it was negligible.

Barbara

That's good to know.

[spork]

#4, usually.

Anyone who's ever seen a miniature forest of mushrooms sprouting from a cow patty knows instinctively that you should wash them. Keeping them dry, I think, is just an aesthetic. Wet mushrooms left on the cutting board oxidizes and turns black very quickly, which is of no big consequence if cooking but unappetizing in a raw salad.

I have a brush, which I also use for other cooking purposes. And I've also prepared mushrooms with #1, #2, #3 and #5, but usually go with a thorough wash followed by immediate cooking/eating.

[Hammster]

Another washer of mushrooms under running water person here. A.B.'s myth-blaster episode was very fun and informative.

[Oldvine]

I give them a wash and spin them out in my salad spinner. As far as I can tell they are clean and dry then. I know what they grown in.