Has this ever happenned to you? Last week I bought an 8 oz prepackaged package of mushrooms to have with my steak. I used half of them and put the rest in a zip-lock and put in the fridge. So tonight I took out the mushrooms and hey were slightly frozen (cold fridge). So I nuked 'em for 30 seconds, openned the zip lock and dumped on the cutting board, and 3 LITTLE BUGS CAME SCURRYING OUT!!!!! I don't know what kind of bug. They were smaller than ants. I can't believe they survived the freezing and the nuking.
So anyway do you wash your mushrooms? I was once told not to wash them cuz then they get soggy. Any tips?

gregg

196/188/165-170

Gregg,
Eewwww...
I have no idea what the bugs were...

It's true that you should not *wash* your mushrooms, but they do need to be cleaned before you eat them.

I worked in the food/restaurant industry for 5 years and we were made to individually wipe each raw mushroom with a damp paper towel.
Of course, some lazier employees just ran them under the faucet anyway, but that *wiping* them is what you are supposed to do.
If I am going to eat them right away, I just wash them under the faucet and then gently pat them dry.
HTH,

Summer


www.herstorygirl.com

That is absolutely revolting!!!

I'm sorry, but I just cannot NOT wash them. Blech!

Keep fresh mushrooms in a paper bag, btw.

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

EWWWWWWW!!!!

I don't know what it is either, but I don't think I'm going to be able to eat mushrooms ever again.



Always eat your veggies first!
LCE member since March 2002

Nasty! Amazing how resilient bugs can be!

I always wash my mushrooms in a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Gets the dirt off swith no scrubbing. And defintely store in a paper bag - plastic can make them slimy.

Jen
175/129/120

What's wrong with washing them? Is it a texture thing?

Needless to say Brightlady those went right in the trash. I think I'll be at least wiping them them with a damp paper towel (thanks Summer) from nmow on.

Thanks for the paper bag tip Sharron!

gregg

196/188/165-170

The reason you shouldn't wash mushrooms is because they are like a sponge. They will absorb the water and become soggy.

I feel bad about your bug problem...
I sure am glad that I never have liked mushrooms!


Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/128/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

Gregg: Bugs DON'T COUNT!!! I am sure our "cavemen" would appreciate them :-))

Clean mushrooms with a brush! It is the easiest way. Never peel them, never wash them. They have a lot of protein, so they decay rapidly. And for the bugs: their larvaes can stand extreme temperatures and conditions. When putting the mushrooms into room temperature, they slip into "life".
I like to gather mushrooms in the woods. It's all nature.
Do not stop eating them: low carbs lots of protein.
BTW: you can reheat mushrooms without any problem. The material of modern pots do allow this. You could cook or roast them and freeze them.
This no bug will survive!

cheers
Fritz

protine

BigLez Soon to be Littlelez

If you have never made a mistake then you've done nothing

I have never had this problem. Thank goodness . I love mushrooms. I just rinse mine off. I am not a cook!! In fact, I usually buy the mushrooms in a jar. Much easier!

Susan ( AKA Northwest)
207/170/160/
size 16/12/8
LC since 4/03

I didn't know about the paper bag thing either...thanks!

I just plugged bugs into Fitday...don't worry...very low carb.


227.5/213 helloooooo 150!
Gertie

I've never had that happen. Yuck. But I have had those green caterpillars meander out of the broccoli, even after being refrigerated....



BC
172/108/108--5'2"
Zone since 4/98

I cut open a head of lettuce once and it was filled with black ants! About 50 of them came scurrying out all over my counter! I screamed and DH came and "took care of it."

I am always leary now of making a salad.

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/128/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

Washing mushrooms is actually okay. You just shouldn't leave them in the water. They don't soak up very much water just by running them under for the few seconds it takes to wash them. That's just one of those things we've been told for years that makes no difference at all. Really, have you ever made your mushrooms too soggy? I haven't!

Besides, you would never wash them unless you were about to use them, anyway.

As far as bugs...growing an organic garden puts you in contact with a lot of critters...I don't want to think about it right now.

OK - you guys are grossing me out now!!! Ants in lettuce, green bugs in broccoli! Oh my, we are supposed to be eating these types of food!

The gills in a portabello mushroom make me curious what's hiding in there! Now I think I might know