Handling

Selecting and Harvesting

Fresh white button mushrooms should have a firm composition, should be white or cream in colour and have a dry surface. You can harvest your mushrooms at different stages. When you harvest your mushrooms will be determined by the type of cooking you are doing. Sautéed or whole roasted mushrooms may lead you to harvest at an earlier stage than cooking stuffed mushrooms.

When you decide to harvest your first flush, be sure to remove all the mushrooms from the box. This way you can track how many flushes you have had and how many more to expect. Set up correctly, your fungi mushroom growing kit can produce up to 3 flushes of mushrooms.

Take hold of each mushroom by its stem and twist to break at the bottom of the stem. Be sure not to pull compost and additional spawn from your kit as this will mean less mushrooms on your next flush.

Preparing

Mushrooms are very quick and easy to prepare. You can use the whole mushroom stem and all so there is no waste.

If you are eating your mushrooms raw, wipe them gently with a paper towel. If they are considerably dirty, give them a quick rinse under some fresh water and pat dry. Remember never to soak your mushrooms or they will become mushy.

Mushrooms prepared ahead of time can be sprinkled with a little bit of lemon juice to prevent discolouration.

The stem is a great source of flavour and nutrients. There is no need to remove the stems and throw them away. If you do decide to remove the stems as a dish may require, be sure to keep them for soups, casseroles, and sauces.

Storing

Mushrooms are best stored unwashed in brown paper bags in the refrigerator, preferably on the lowest shelf. You will find some fungi brown paper bags included in your kit.

It is important that your mushrooms are stored in something that allows them to breathe, however will not let your mushrooms dry out. Alternatively, use a cloth bag or tea towel for storage. Plastic bags and containers are not suitable.

Mushrooms can be frozen for extended periods of time. The most effective way to do so is to slice each mushroom for use in soups, stir frys, and casseroles. You can freeze whole mushrooms for later use however for presentation, taste, and texture - fresh is always best!