NutritionDoc

Choose mushrooms that are smooth, dry and free from major blemishes and they will last longer. The freshest one have "closed veils" - the membrane that extends from the bottom of the cap to the stem. If you can see brown gills under the cap, it means the veil has opened, a sign of older mushrooms with stronger flavor.

 

Refrigerate mushrooms -in a paper bag is best, not in the plastic wrapped container they come in - it collects toooo much moisture. Do not clean mushrooms till you are ready to use them. Then rinse with cold water and pat dry with a towel or simply wipe with a damp cloth. The dirt that clings to them is actually sterile compost, which won't harm you.

 

It takes a bit of time to choose, store and clean mushrooms carefully, but for your trouble you will be rewarded with good nutrition; mushrooms are rich in niacin, riboflavin, copper and selenium, and also provide some vit. D and potassium.