PSA: You're Probably Washing Your Mushrooms Wrong
Mushrooms are the unsung heroes of the kitchen—versatile, meaty, and packed with umami goodness. Whether you're tossing them into a stir-fry, stuffing them with cheese, or just sautéing them with garlic and butter, they deserve a little extra love before hitting the pan. But here’s the thing: most of us are washing them all wrong.
If you’ve ever just given them a quick rinse under the faucet and called it a day, you’re not alone—but you’re also not doing enough. Mushrooms grow in dirt (duh), and that means they need a proper scrub-down before they make their way into your meal.
Why Mushrooms Need More Than a Quick Splash
Store-bought mushrooms usually come with some natural discoloration—brown spots are normal, but if you see anything green, blue, black, or fuzzy, toss ‘em. That’s mold, and no amount of washing will fix it.
Before you even touch the mushrooms, wash your hands. And here’s a pro tip: keep unwashed mushrooms away from anything you’re eating raw (like salad greens, cucumbers, or peppers). Cross-contamination is real, and nobody wants a side of dirt with their veggies.
The Right Way to Wash Mushrooms
The FDA says it loud and clear—rinse all produce (yes, even fungi) under running water to cut down on bacteria. But mushrooms are delicate, so you can’t just blast them with high-pressure H2O.
Here’s the expert-approved method:
Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. Excess moisture can make them soggy when cooking, and nobody likes a mushy mushroom.
Bonus Tip: Skip the Soak
Some people swear by soaking mushrooms to get them extra clean, but that’s a rookie move. Mushrooms are like sponges—they absorb water, which means they’ll steam instead of sear when you cook them. A quick rinse is all they need.
Cooking Kills the Rest
Washing removes dirt and reduces bacteria, but cooking is what really makes them safe to eat. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or frying, heat takes care of any lingering nasties.
So next time you grab a pack of mushrooms, give ‘em the spa treatment they deserve. Your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you.
Now, who’s ready to whip up some garlic butter mushrooms?
