How to Buy, Clean, and Store Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms should feel firm and dry, with no sour smell or wet patches. A little surface marking is harmless; a slippery coating means they are past their best.

Storing mushrooms

Keep them unwashed in a paper bag or their ventilated carton in the fridge. A sealed plastic bag traps moisture and makes them slimy faster. Use delicate varieties within a few days.

Cleaning them

Brush away loose soil. If they need more cleaning, rinse briefly under cool water and dry straight away. Mushrooms absorb far less water during a quick rinse than kitchen folklore suggests, but soaking them is unnecessary.

Better browning

Use a wide, hot pan and leave space between the pieces. Let the first side colour before stirring, then add salt once browning is underway. Crowded mushrooms release steam and cook pale.