Re: Mushrooms
Originally Posted by
Mups
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It seems this is rather debateable, so I'd like to hear what the cooks on here think please.
Do you wash, or not wash, Mushrooms before use?
I have always found them to go all slippery and change texture if I do, so have stopped doing it.
All "wild" mushrooms MUST be washed and dried - some, like chanterelles or black trumpets, will be contaminated with bacteria and bugs.
Privately cultivated mushrooms may be be cleaned using a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe off the excess 'dirt' they are grown in, and rinsed in cold water if required.
Commercial mushrooms are grown in a compost that's practically sterile. The soil is heat-treated at tightly controlled temperatures to remove common plant pathogens like mold, bacteria, viruses, worms, bugs and slugs. This process kills nearly all microorganisms - cooking will kill the rest. Wiping should be sufficient.
If in doubt, rinse in cold water and allow to dry out completely on paper towels.