I washed my mushrooms - was this wrong?

JennyW_2

I had some mushrooms left in the fridge that I thought would be best frozen.

I washed them as they were a bit gritty then left them to drain. However they seemed to have absorbed loads of water - I can squeeze them and they drip out water

Was this the wrong thing to do? Do mushrooms always act likes sponges?

Penelope_Penguin

JennyW wrote: »

IWas this the wrong thing to do?

Not wrong - what do you want to do with them After freezing, they'll be best in casseroles or sauces, so I'd just chuck them into the freezer, then add them to a dish later

I don't wash mushrooms, jist wipe with a cloth.

Penny. x

mummysaver

Think most people advise just wiping mushrooms, but if they are destined for the freezer then a bit of extra water won't do them much harm, so long as they're going to be eaten cooked as this'll evapourate the excess liquid anyway.

CCP

Mushrooms do tend to absorb a lot of water so I find it's best not to wash them, but if they're really dirty there's sometimes no choice. If I have to wash them, I find the best way is to dip them in water as quickly as possible, then dry them on kitchen paper as soon as they're clean - that way they don't get the chance to absorb too much water.

Yours should probably be fine for casseroles etc, as Penny says. I've never frozen raw mushrooms but I would imagine they will be a bit softer when they're defrosted anyway, so it probably won't make a lot of difference in the long run!

lowesy

My ex was a chef and always told me never to wash mushrooms for the reasons you describe above. I'd do as PP suggests and chuck them in the freezer and then use them in sauces casseroles etc. If you get some mushrooms and they go a bit skanky round the edges, I was told to peel them with a knife - it only takes off the slightest layer and they're almost like new IYSWIM.

purpleivy

I'm a slob, I don't always wipe them, especially if they look clean. It's only mushroom compost (aka chicken $h*t) LOL! I usually fry them well esp if they are destined for risotto or casserole. Gives them a more intense flavour.

oystercatcher

I always wash my mushrooms. There's nothing worse than finding a bit of compost in a finished meal!
Mostly when I am using mushrooms it's something with a sauce so a bit of extra juice doesn't hurt!