Under water or with a cloth, with or without peeling: the way you clean the mushrooms is not trivial and directly influences the result on the plate.
Return from the market with basket full of mushrooms freshly picked, it’s always promising. But the enthusiasm quickly fades when we realize that they are still covered in earth. Between those who rinse them under the tap, those who prefer to dry them delicately or even peel themhabits diverge.
However, the objective remains the same: remove impurities without dulling their flavor or making them soggy. And the question is not so trivial, since the way of cleaning them can really influence the final texture on the plate.
The subject is also debated until in professional kitchensproof that there is no absolute consensus, as highlighted by Guardian.
The daily reminds us that the idea according to which a simple going under water would cause the mushrooms to swell and make them watery when cooked is very common, but it deserves to be nuanced. How to do this often depends on the variety, freshness and envisaged recipe. In other words, before getting out the brush or cloth, it can be useful to know what you expect from the final dish.
The right way to clean mushrooms without damaging them
The idea that a brief going under water systematically deteriorates mushrooms is tenacious, yet some data allow us to nuance it.
The Guardian thus cites the experience reported in the book The Curious Cookwhere author Harold McGee “weighed 252 g of fresh mushrooms, immersed them in water for five minutes, then removed them, wiped their surfaces and weighed them again. The result was 258g, which is 1/16th teaspoon ofextra water by mushroom. This was after five minutes of soaking, so five to ten seconds of rinsing under running water does not will make no difference ».
This brief reminder shows that a quick rinse does not alter neither their taste nor their textureas long as you avoid letting them soak for a long time. For those who prefer to remain cautious, it is possible to clean mushrooms without water or almost.
A clean, slightly damp cloth or a sheet of absorbent paper is enough to remove impurities the most visible. We simply cut off the end of the stem, often the dirtiest part. When residue persists in the folds of the hat, a small knife, soft brush or paintbrush can reach delicate areas without soaking the flesh.
Should you peel mushrooms?
The question of peeling divides more, but the chefs interviewed by The Guardian agree on one point: peel a mushroom is generally not necessary. This step removes part of its natural protection and brings little interest in the majority of culinary uses.
We only come to consider it if the foot is hard or fibrousor if the skin shows signs of aging. In cases where the mushrooms have waited a little too long in the refrigerator, there is also no question of throw them away too quickly.
“Give them a second chance and peel the top layer using a small knife »recommends Conor Spacey. A simple way to limit waste while preserving flavor and texture, without complicated procedures.
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