“She rinsed her mushrooms like always — but chefs say it’s a huge mistake…” 🍄😶🚫 They look dirty, so it feels right to wash them. But what if that habit is secretly ruining your food? There’s a reason professionals avoid it — and it’s not what you think. Full story in the article below 👇
“They grow in dirt — of course I should wash them, right?”
That’s the logic many of us use. Mushrooms look earthy, feel a bit grimy, and sometimes have visible soil clinging to the stems. It feels almost gross to just throw them into a pan without a good rinse. But here’s the catch: washing mushrooms might seem smart — until you realize what it’s actually doing to your food.
Let’s break down this juicy fungus debate.
Why People Wash Mushrooms
The reasoning is simple: mushrooms grow close to the ground, often in compost-rich soil, and sometimes arrive with flecks of dirt. For many, the instinct to rinse them under running water feels like basic hygiene.
Some even go further — soaking them in a bowl of water to “fully clean them.” It feels like the only way to make sure they’re truly safe.
But here’s where it gets tricky.
Mushrooms Are Basically Sponges
Unlike most vegetables, mushrooms are porous. They soak up water fast — and they don’t let it go easily. So when you wash them, you’re not just removing dirt… you’re adding moisture.
And that extra water doesn’t just disappear when you start cooking.
Instead of sautéing and getting that delicious golden-brown crust, wet mushrooms tend to steam and go soggy. You lose flavor, texture, and even nutrients in the process. Suddenly your gourmet mushroom dish feels like a slimy side salad.
The Chef-Approved Way
Ask any professional chef, and you’ll hear the same advice:
Don’t wash mushrooms — wipe them.
Use a damp paper towel, a soft brush, or even your fingers to gently clean off any dirt. It might take an extra minute, but it keeps the mushroom’s texture intact. If you absolutely must rinse them, do it quickly and dry immediately with paper towels. Never soak them.
Oh, and that dirt you see? In most cases, it’s not harmful. In fact, it’s more natural than most things you’ll find in processed food.
But What About Food Safety?
Good news: mushrooms are not high-risk when it comes to bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. If they’re commercially grown and stored properly, surface dirt is cosmetic — not dangerous. So no, you’re not skipping a crucial safety step when you don’t rinse them.
In short: clean carefully, not obsessively.
Because sometimes, a little dirt on the outside is better than a soggy mess on your plate.
