Mushroom Tips & Tricks
From Lion's Mane to Shiitake, explore
practical tips, wellness insight, and
nourishing ways to incorporate mushrooms
into your daily routine.
Should you wash your mushrooms?
Should you wash your mushrooms before using them - it’s actually controversial. The concern is that moisture can make mushrooms slimy and can make it difficult to brown them if they are wet. The problem is that a lot of mushrooms are covered in dirt. You can clean them with a wet paper towel or cloth to remove dirt and debris. They also sell mushroom brushes which are more delicate. Personally, I like to quickly rinse them with cool water and pat dry.
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Some mushrooms are more absorbent than others. Mushrooms with exposed gills like portobellos and shiitakes will absorb more moisture, so it’s better to brush them instead of rinsing. For mushrooms without gills like button mushrooms rinsing them is easier.
Lion’s Mane Steak
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While chatting with our friendly lady from the Mushroom Farm at my local Farmer’s Market she told me about a quick and easy way to cook Lion’s Mane which was delicious.
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Take them out of their paper bag and clean them.
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Trim the base so it sits flat on the cutting board.
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Cut the mushroom into thick 1 - 1.5 inch slices
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Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on them.
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Cook on a skillet over medium-high heat after adding 1 tablespoon of oil for 4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. While cooking compress the mushrooms with a second heavy pan or bacon press. Some people compress the steaks before searing to remove moisture and create a firmer texture.
Another option is marinating with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, soy sauce and oil for 15-30 minutes.