My hubby believes in not washing mushrooms to avoid water absorption, following his grandmother. I’m unsure due to potential dirt. Thoughts?My hubby believes in not washing mushrooms to avoid water absorption, following his grandmother. I’m unsure due to potential dirt. Thoughts?

3. Flavor Concentration: Dry preparation methods may help concentrate the mushroom’s naturally earthy flavor, whereas water can dilute it.
The Case for Cleaning Mushrooms
On the other hand, some argue that properly cleaning mushrooms is necessary for several reasons:
1. Food Safety: Washing can help remove potential bacteria, pesticides, or other contaminants that might linger on the surface of the mushrooms.
2. Removing Dirt and Grit: Some mushrooms, especially those not cultivated commercially, can have quite a bit of dirt and grit on them which may not be fully removed with just a brush or towel.
3. Modern Farming Techniques: Many of the mushrooms we buy today are grown in controlled environments using substrate materials that minimize the amount of dirt that clings to them. This can make a quick rinse sufficient and not detrimental to the texture or taste.
Best Practices for Mushroom Preparation
Given the varying opinions on this matter, what might be a reasonable approach to preparing mushrooms? Here are some suggestions that take into account both viewpoints:
1. Gentle Washing: If you decide to wash your mushrooms, do it gently and quickly under running water before cutting them. After washing, promptly pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
2. Brushing Off Dirt: For those who want to err on the side of caution without using water, gently brush the mushrooms with a soft brush or wipe them with a dry paper towel to remove loose dirt.
3. Limited Soaking: Avoid leaving mushrooms to soak as they can absorb water like a sponge. If you must use a bowl of water, make it a quick dip and not a prolonged bath.

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