Do Mushrooms Need to Be Washed? Chef Shares Her Opinion

When you buy mushrooms, they often need some cleaning before use. Like other fresh produce, it's important to make sure they're free of dirt and debris. But due to their delicate texture, there’s often debate on the best method to clean them.

Do Mushrooms Need to Be Washed?

Some people argue that washing mushrooms makes them slimy and less flavorful, preferring to remove dirt by scraping or peeling. However, chef Alex Guarnaschelli insists it’s perfectly fine to wash your mushrooms.

In a video shared on Instagram and TikTok, Guarnaschelli reveals that she typically uses a knife or damp cloth to remove dirt from mushrooms, but if they’re particularly dirty, she washes them.

The Best Way to Clean Mushrooms

Yes, you can wash your mushrooms! Just be sure to do so right before cooking to prevent them from soaking up excess water. After rinsing, simply dry them off, and they’re ready to cook.

While many TikTok users still prefer brushing or peeling their mushrooms, others are happy to learn they can save time by washing them. One user commented, 'Thank you for sharing this! I’m always so worried about getting my mushrooms too wet.' Many also recalled a segment on Alton Brown's 'Good Eats' debunking the myth that mushrooms absorb too much water when washed.

Food historian Harold McGee, author of 'On Food and Cooking,' explains that cookbooks often warn against washing mushrooms to avoid sogginess or flavor loss. However, since mushrooms are mostly water already, a quick rinse doesn’t dilute their flavor much. Just be sure to cook them right away to avoid damaging their surface and causing discoloration.

If you prefer, you can always opt for other cleaning methods, like gently brushing off dirt with a soft-bristle brush or using chef Emeril Lagasse's technique: dipping a small brush in water and gently brushing the mushrooms to minimize water use.