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February 14 - Should You Peel or Wash Mushrooms?

There isn't a single, simple answer to the question of whether or not you should peel mushrooms. Some say you shouldn't even wash mushrooms let alone peel them so that they keep all of their flavor. It's recommended that mushrooms are only wiped with a damp cloth and then dried. Remove the stalks if they are moldy or stringy or, if they're in good condition, just cut them off at the base. An exception can be made if the mushroom's skin has a bitter taste. These mushrooms can be peeled. If you feel that you must wash your mushrooms, do it quickly but don't let them become saturated with water.

Peeling mushrooms can alter their texture

Peeling mushrooms removes many of the nutrients and changes their texture. Cookbooks used to recommend peeling mushrooms because wild varieties had tough skins. Since cultivated mushrooms are now widely available, today's store-bought varieties should never be peeled. Many prefer to wash store-bought mushrooms but keep in mind that mushrooms absorb water quickly and they can become soggy. This can affect their texture when cooked. If you prefer your mushrooms crisp, take extra care when washing them.

OASIS has much more information on mushrooms.

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