Your Top Mushroom Questions Answered

We spend a lot of time chatting with mushroom lovers and, in doing so, we get tons of questions. From cleaning and handling to cooking and story, we're answering your top questions right here, right now.

1. Are mushrooms healthy?

Yes! Mushrooms are fat free, low in calories, low in sodium and contain natural antioxidants, like selenium, as well as other important nutrients. Learn more about their nutrition here.

2. Do you have to cook mushrooms?

Nope! Sliced, raw white mushrooms have been a mainstay of salad bars for years, and whole white or crimini mushrooms have made many appearances on crudité platters. One of our favorite ways to enjoy raw mushrooms is this simple and delicious Lemon Thyme Marinated Mushrooms from Shaina at Food for My Family.

3. Do you have to wash mushrooms?

Yes. According to the FDA, you should wash all produce before preparing and/or eating. To wash your mushrooms, brush off any debris with your fingers or a damp paper towel, or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Avoid fully immersing or soaking your mushrooms so they don't get waterlogged.

4. How long are mushrooms good for?

First, make sure you store them properly for the longest shelf life. It's best to keep mushrooms in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. Some mushrooms may keep for up to one week.

5. Can you freeze mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms should never be frozen, but you can freeze sautéed mushrooms. They will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

6. Can you eat the whole mushroom?

The short answer is yes, but it depends on the 'shroom. Here are a few tips:

• If the mushroom stem is tough, trim it before using.
• For shiitakes, stems should be removed before use.
• For portabellas, gills may be removed upon preference. Many people prefer to keep the gills intact for more flavor.

7. Can you blend mushrooms with any type of meat?

Absolutely! Finely chopped mushrooms mimic the texture and amplify the flavor of any ground meat, including ground beef, bison, chicken, lamb, turkey, pork and veal. Learn more about The Blend™ and its endless possibilities.

8. Which mushrooms are safe to eat?

All fresh mushrooms purchased in the grocery store are safe to eat, which are the kind we specialize in. However, there are thousands of species of fungi in the world. It's important to never eat wild mushrooms without the guidance of trained mycologist or mushroom expert, as many are poisonous.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page!