Mushrooms are edible fungi full of deep woodsy flavor that add depth and heartiness to dishes. There are untold varieties of edible mushrooms, but as different as their flavors are they can be treated and used in much the same way.
How to Buy Mushrooms
Photo © Molly Watson
Look for mushrooms that look fresh and smell good. Avoid mushrooms that have any wiff of a mildew, mold, or musty smell rather than a clean, woodsy scent. Also avoid mushrooms that look shriveled, desiccated, darkened, wet, or moldy.
How to Store Mushrooms
Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Plastic will make the mushrooms sweat and spoil more quickly. Wild mushrooms will last for a few days stored this way; cultivated mushrooms will last up to a week or two.How to Clean Mushrooms
Mushrooms are like sponges and will soak up any water they get near. Minimize how much water mushrooms are exposed to to keep them from getting water-laden and soggy. Relatively clean mushrooms can simply be brushed clean with a pastry brush or dry paper towel. For more cleaning power, use a damp paper towel. If rinse or wash you must, put mushrooms in a large basin of cold water, swish them around, and quickly lift them out of the water and into a colander or layers of papers towels so the water can drip off the mushrooms quickly.Mushroom Varieties
Photo © Molly Watson
There are tons of mushrooms out there, and more and more of them are finding their way to markets. See this Guide to Cultivated Mushrooms and this Guide to Wild Mushrooms.
How to Cook Mushrooms
Photo © Molly Watson
Too many fine mushrooms are ruined by slow, stewing heat. Mushrooms are at their best when quickly cooked over very high heat so as they release their liquid it is cooked off quickly.
Mushrooms are also delicious grilled and cooked in soups.
