2007-02-12 08:01:44 · 6 answers · asked by ronald b 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Fresh mushrooms being bad is somewhat of a contradiction in terms, isn't it? The best way to select or use mushrooms is to ensure that the crown of the mushroom meets the stem with no breaks. If the crown does not touch the stem, i.e., if it has begun to pull away and expose the underside of the mushroom, then it is not as fresh as it could be, but that may be okay. Portabello and shiitake mushrooms frequently are used when they are completely "open" on the bottom. Even slightly not-so-fresh mushrooms can still be used if they are put into recipes where presentation is not an issue, e.g., stroganoff perhaps.
2007-02-12 08:15:01 · answer #1 · answered by Michael T 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about those white button mushrooms, they start to turn brown with age. Look under the umbrella too. The covering on the underside will peel back and reveal the little brown slit things when it gets old. Then the cap and stalk feel slippery and slimy.
I usually don't buy them unless they are white and the covering on the underside is still covered up and not all slimy feeling.
2007-02-12 16:15:04 · answer #2 · answered by Elisa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stick with what's in the store and you won't have to worry. Maybe you can go to an agriculture store and see if you can buy spores for edible mushrooms (do they sell those?).
Don't count on looks alone. There are many types of mushrooms.
2007-02-12 16:09:02 · answer #3 · answered by Thegustaffa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The look "off", they get slimy, they'll have dark spots on them and the start to look shriveled.
2007-02-12 16:05:27 · answer #4 · answered by BlueSea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of brown spots and slimy.
2007-02-12 16:04:29 · answer #5 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have a strong smell and look look all wrinkled up.
2007-02-12 16:20:48 · answer #6 · answered by EventNewYork 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋