The Best Ways to Clean Mushrooms for Safe Consumption

We’re often advised to wash our fruits and vegetables, but is there an exception for mushrooms? While mushrooms can sometimes have noticeable dirt spots, your first instinct might be to rinse or soak them. However, chefs have long debated whether mushrooms should be washed or not.

There may not be a definitive answer, and it could depend on your personal preference or who you ask. Perhaps the amount of dirt on the mushrooms might influence your choice. One thing is clear: cleaning mushrooms is essential. Read on for helpful tips on washing and cleaning your mushrooms.

Should Mushrooms Be Washed?

When it comes to cleaning mushrooms, there are two main viewpoints: one that insists mushrooms should never be washed with water, and another that allows it.

In many culinary schools, rinsing mushrooms under running water is seen as a major faux pas, almost like an offense against culinary tradition. Instead, the damp paper towel method is typically recommended to gently wipe away the dirt. Some argue that washing mushrooms would make them absorb too much water, causing them to become soggy and preventing them from achieving that perfect brown color when cooked. The New Food Lover's Companion suggests the damp towel method, but also allows for a rinse with cold water if necessary, as long as they’re thoroughly dried afterward. Yet, the esteemed Harold McGee, in his 1990 book Curious Cook: More Kitchen Science and Lore, debunked this fear by showing through his experiments that very little water is actually absorbed by mushrooms when washed, thus seemingly giving the green light to rinse them under water. So, what should you do?

The Final Word on Washing Mushrooms

Despite the ongoing debate over the best way to remove dirt from mushrooms, one thing is clear: it is essential to clean mushrooms before cooking. Vegetables (and fruits) can sometimes carry harmful germs that may lead to foodborne illness, so it's important to be cautious.

The Right Way to Clean Mushrooms

To properly clean your mushrooms, you can choose between two main methods: the damp paper towel technique or rinsing them under water. Below, we break down which approach works best for different types of mushrooms. Follow these steps to ensure your mushrooms are cleaned properly.

Damp Paper Towel Cleaning Technique

This method is ideal when your mushrooms have little visible dirt on them.

1. Moisten a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth slightly.
2. Gently wipe the mushrooms with the damp paper towel to remove any dirt or debris.

Rinsing Under the Faucet Method

If your mushrooms have a lot of dirt on them or if you prefer to rinse them, here’s the proper way to wash mushrooms.

1. Place the mushrooms in a colander.
2. Rinse them quickly with cold water, then shake off the excess water.
3. Use a paper or clean kitchen towel to dry them as much as possible.

Cleaning Store-Bought Mushrooms

Most mushrooms available at supermarkets, like white, button, and cremini, are cultivated in controlled indoor environments with pre-treated compost to lower bacterial risks. These mushrooms are generally quite clean when purchased. A simple wipe with a damp paper towel is usually enough. However, if you find any stubborn dirt, a quick rinse followed by a shake and dry will work well.

Cleaning Cultivated Mushrooms

Some of the most widely cultivated mushrooms, according to the North American Mycological Association, include shiitake, maitake, royal trumpet, and oyster mushrooms. The latter is actually one of the easiest mushrooms to grow at home. These mushrooms are low-maintenance, but if you're aiming for crispy mushrooms, a quick rinse might prevent them from achieving that golden-brown crunch.

How to Clean Wild Foraged Mushrooms

If you're reading this, you're likely an experienced mushroom enthusiast or perhaps you went for a foraging walk with a mushroom expert or trained mycologist—a scientist who specializes in fungi. Extreme caution is essential when harvesting wild mushrooms. Foraging may sound exciting and even romantic, but some wild mushrooms might seem harmless or familiar, yet they can be dangerous. Never consume wild mushrooms without professional guidance or expertise.

The Mushroom Council warns that there are thousands of inedible and poisonous mushroom varieties. They suggest purchasing mushrooms from reliable commercial sources, shopping at trusted retailers, or enjoying wild mushrooms at reputable restaurants if you're craving a wild mushroom experience.

That said, the same basic rule for washing mushrooms applies to wild-foraged ones as it does to other types. Morels and chanterelles are two of the most common wild-foraged varieties. Here’s how to clean each of these mushrooms:

How to Clean Morel Mushrooms

Morels have a unique honeycomb structure, which means dirt can easily get lodged in their crevices, particularly with larger mushrooms. If you're lucky, a simple brush-off might do the trick. However, most likely, you'll need to follow the steps below to properly clean the morels.

1. Start by shaking fresh morels in a paper bag to loosen any dirt or debris.
2. Before cooking, swish them around in a bowl of cold water, ideally with a couple of tablespoons of salt dissolved to help remove more dirt.
3. Place them on paper towels and gently pat them dry. Due to their honeycomb shape, water can easily seep in, so don't skip this drying step.

Cleaning Chanterelle Mushrooms

For chanterelles, you can choose either the paper towel or water rinse method. However, if you spot any small bug holes at the stem end, it’s best to follow the steps below to make sure any critters hiding inside the mushroom are removed.

1. Dissolve salt into the water you plan to use for washing the mushrooms.
2. Submerge the mushrooms into the salted water and let them soak for 20 minutes.
3. Drain the water.
4. Place the mushrooms on paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly.