How to store, clean and choose mushrooms
Cooking with mushrooms is an easy way to flavor your favorite dishes. These edible mushrooms are packed with powerful antioxidants and come in a variety of textures and flavors. and size.
Whether you like white, cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms, they all contain varying amounts of protein and fiber. They also contain B vitamins and a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which supports the immune system and prevents damage to cells and tissues.
Here are some simple tips to help you choose, clean, and store the mighty mushroom.
How to choose fresh mushrooms
mushrooms can look pretty odd at times, but the choices don't have to be intimidating. Whether you're cooking with the popular tender white mushrooms, large, steak-shaped portobellos, or meaty shiitake mushrooms, you should choose those with a firm, smooth texture. Moisture and fungi don't get along, so choose ones that are dry but not dry or harsh.
When buying mushrooms, look for mushrooms that do not have gray-brown spots on the cap that could indicate rot. What to look out for depends on the type of mushrooms you are buying. Mushrooms are fresh when they are firm, bulging, free of bruises, and have no visible moisture on the outside. Avoid slimy or blotchy mushrooms. At the bottom of the mushroom, also examine the moist area near the gills under the cap. The gills should be firm as they will open as the mushrooms age. The underside of the stem may be slightly discolored, but it shouldn't be too dry, soft, or start to crumble.
For white or cremini mushrooms, ensure they are firm, smooth and clean. The cap should be attached to the stem. Portobello mushrooms have a rich, bold flavor that's great for grilling. Sniff them, they should smell earthy and have fresh looking gills. Shiitake mushrooms have an earthy, almost smoky flavor that makes them a great addition to any savory dish. They should have a firm, smooth cap and be tender, not dry, but not slimy either.
The presence of dirt is not an indication of freshness or quality. Cleaner mushrooms are the easiest to work with as they require less cleaning, but a little dirt on the cap or clumps near the stem aren't a problem.
Cooking with mushrooms is an easy way to add extra flavor to your favorite meals. These edible fungi are loaded with powerful antioxidants and come in varieties that range in texture, taste. and size.
Whether it’s white button, cremini, portobello or shiitake mushrooms that take your fancy, they all contain varying degrees of protein and fibre. They also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.
Here are some simple tips to help you select, clean, and store the mighty mushroom.