How To Clean Mushrooms

Should you wash mushrooms or brush off the dirt? To clear up this kitchen conundrum, here's how to clean mushrooms…the right way.

How to clean mushrooms

What's the best way to clean mushrooms? If you're like us, you might have heard the old adage: never wash mushrooms . The rationale was that mushrooms are 90% water, so they would absorb the water and become waterlogged. But the method of brushing off each mushroom with a small brush or paper towel takes way too long.

Turns out according to The Kitchn and Martha Stewart, yes, you can wash mushrooms! At least, you can give them a little shower. A mushroom farmer interviewed by The Kitchn indicated that "mushrooms need a shower, not a bath." This works for most types of mushrooms you'll find at the grocery. One caveat is morel mushrooms: these foraged mushrooms can be very dirty, so use a brush and some water to get them as clean as possible.

How to clean mushrooms: the right way!

Here's the right way of how to clean mushrooms: and it takes no time at all! There's a best case method, and a cheater method in case you're feeling lazy:

  • Bowl method: Fill a large bowl with water. Add the mushrooms and toss them in the water for a minute or so until the dirty mostly settles to the bottom. Remove from the bowl and pat dry.
  • Strainer method: Or for a cheaters method, you can simply place the mushrooms in a colander and spray them with water until the dirt washes away. Then pat the mushrooms dry.

For both methods, make sure not to soak the mushrooms: remember, shower not bath! You'll want to get the mushrooms out of the water as soon as you can.

Print

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  • Mushrooms of any type (except morels*)
  1. Fill a large bowl with water. Add the mushrooms and toss them in the water for a minute or so until the dirty mostly settles to the bottom. Remove from the bowl and pat dry. Or for a cheaters method, you can simply place the mushrooms in a colander and spray them with water until the dirt washes away.
  2. Cook using your favorite method, like Best Ever Sauteed Mushrooms, Roasted Mushrooms, or Grilled Mushrooms.

Notes

*Morels can be very dirty, so the require cleaning with a scrub brush.

  • Category: Essentials
  • Method: Washing
  • Cuisine: Vegetables

Keywords: How to clean mushrooms

More mushroom recipes

Here are some of our top mushroom recipes for using these flavor-packed fungi:

  • Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese or Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan *Fan favorite!* Each quick and easy dinner recipe tastes like it took all day to make.
  • Mushroom Pizza with Fresh Herbs A white pizza covered with mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfection!
  • Lion's Mane Mushrooms Saute up a pan of these unique mushrooms…then add them to a sandwich with spicy mayo (yum!).
  • Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions The best side dish! Pair with almost anything for an outstanding meal.
  • Mushroom Barley Soup or Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup Full of vegetables, chewy barley, and warming broth. It's a recipe for cozy on gray days!
  • Farro with Mushrooms Take this chewy whole grain to new heights! It's sauteed with garlic, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
  • Roasted Mushrooms Meaty, tender and juicy, they'll make a mushroom lover out of anyone.

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.