Mushrooms can be used in many different dishes.They're a great addition to sauces, soups and side dishes because of their robust texture, and they can be used with meat and heartier recipes.Because mushrooms grow from the soil and are not typically peeled before use, they require careful cleaning to remove dirt, mold andbacteria from their outer surface.There are a number of ways to clean mushrooms prior to cooking which can be done in a few minutes.
Step 1: The mushrooms will be used in the dish.
You can prepare your mushrooms recipe by halving them, quartering them or removing the stems.If the stems are to be used in the dish, set them aside.After the mushrooms have been cleaned, save all major chopping or slicing.More of the mushroom will get cleaned when it is cut into smaller segments.
Step 2: The mushrooms should be placed in a strainer.
Put the mushrooms in a kitchen strainer.The mushrooms will be exposed to more water if they are spread out.A quick rinse under the faucet will clean most small, smooth types of mushrooms, like the white, button and leaf varieties.
Step 3: Cool water over the mushrooms.
The mushrooms should be washed under room-temperature water at a medium pressure.The mushrooms should be washed thoroughly.Make sure that all the mushrooms have been washed by shaking the colander or turning them by hand.This method is sufficient for cleaning most varieties of mushrooms.Recent research has shown that rinsing mushrooms doesn't increase their internal water content because it is thought to water down natural subtle flavors.
Step 4: Remove the dirt or mold.
Put the mushrooms out on a flat surface lined with paper towels and shake any excess water from the colander.You can slice off any part of the mushrooms that are caked with dirt or have mold growing on them with a sharp knife.A small amount of mold is normal on most mushrooms because of their high natural water content.If the mushrooms have a dry, withered appearance, they are past their prime and shouldn't be used.
Step 5: The mushrooms should be dried with a paper towel.
Once the mushrooms have been washed, press them gently with a folded paper towel.To help them dry faster, separate the mushrooms into a single flat layer.They are ready to be chopped and cooked.Don't damage the mushrooms while they are drying.
Step 6: Put the paper towel in the warm water.
Warm water can be run over a paper towel.To create an edge while wiping the mushrooms, wring out excess water and fold or crumple a paper towel.Warm water will loosen caked-on debris.
Step 7: The cap and stem have dirt on them.
The cap and stem should be wiped with a damp paper towel.Pay particular attention to areas where dirt is the most dense.Wet a fresh paper towel.If the type of mushroom you're cleaning has a larger surface area, handwringing can be useful.If you want to clean many individual mushrooms by hand, this method is for you.Many experienced chefs prefer wiping mushrooms to rinsing them, as they feel it preserves the mushroom's flavor.
Step 8: To dry the mushrooms, set them aside.
To dry the mushrooms, place them on a cutting board or sheet of paper towels.Remove any mold or dirt from the mushroom.
Step 9: To scrub mushrooms, use a brush.
If the mushrooms have a ruffled or even texture, you can use a mushroom brush or ordinary toothbrush to clean them.Wet the bristles of the brush and use small motions to clean the mushroom cap.The Mushrooms brushes are designed to clean dirt from vegetables without damaging them.If you are going to use a toothbrush to scrub mushrooms, make sure it is soft enough to work on the bodies of delicate mushrooms.
Step 10: Put dried mushrooms in liquid.
Take the dried mushrooms out of their container and put them in a bowl.Make sure to submerge the mushrooms in the first place to make sure they don't get wet.For small to medium-sized mushrooms, soaking will work, but rougher types may need to be wiped or scrubbed before soaking, as their porous surfaces tend to hold more silt.Before mushrooms can be used in dishes, they need to be soaked.These mushrooms are great for adding flavor to food.
Step 11: The mushrooms should be soaked for a while.
The mushrooms should be left to soak in the liquid for around 20 minutes.They will become soft and plump as they are rehydrated.Don't allow the mushrooms to remain in the liquid for too long, and keep a close watch on them as they soak.Mushrooms that are soaked for too long can become soggy and lose their flavor.
Step 12: Don't touch the mushrooms.
Put the mushrooms between layers of paper towels to dry after they have been rehydrated.Don't try to get more water out of the mushrooms as they will gradually absorb the water.Cut off any parts of the mushroom that are still dirty.Before cooking with mushrooms, they should be rehydrated.If you want to store dried mushrooms for future use, you should not soak them.
Step 13: Take the soaking liquid and save it.
The liquid that you soaked the mushrooms in will have a flavor.You can save this liquid and use it to prepare other parts of the dish.If you want to do this, you need to remove any debris that washed off of the mushrooms.Put a paper towel over the opening of the container and pour the liquid from the soaking bowl into it.The dirt can be thrown away if it is trapped by the filter.If you have used wine, oil or broth, you should reuse the soaking liquid.Mushroom liquid can be used in other dishes.