How to determine if a mushroom is ripe

Whether mushrooms are fully ripe can be determined by observing characteristics such as color changes, texture softness, juice exudation, odor emission, and volume shrinkage.

1. Color Change

Raw mushrooms usually present a uniform light or primary color, and the color gradually darkens after heating. For example, white mushrooms change from pure white to light brown, and mushroom caps change from brownish yellow to dark brown. The color change is the result of the release of pigments from the cell wall due to thermal rupture, but it should be noted that some varieties, such as Flammulina velutipes, still tend to be white after ripening and need to be judged based on other characteristics.

2. Texture Softness and Softness

Using chopsticks to lightly poke the center of the mushroom cap can feel the texture change. Raw mushrooms have elasticity and obvious rebound, but after ripening, the texture becomes soft and there is no rebound. The stem of the mushroom has changed from brittle and hard to easily breakable, especially in thick varieties such as shiitake mushrooms, where the center no longer has a hard core, indicating maturity.

3. Juice exudation

The water exudation of mushroom cells during the heating process is an important criterion for judgment. Transparent juice appearing at the bottom of the pan during stir frying, or juice droplets seeping out from mushroom gills during baking, indicate that it is cooked. However, it should be noted that varieties such as shiitake mushrooms have less juice, and the heating time needs to be extended to ensure that the interior is fully cooked.

4. Odor emitted

Raw mushrooms have a earthy or grassy smell, which turns into a strong mushroom aroma after ripening. Especially for aroma substances such as matsutake and boletus, they will only be released at temperatures above 80 ℃, and by the time a clear aroma is detected, it is usually at a safe consumption temperature. If there is still a fishy smell, continue heating.

5. Volume shrinkage

Mushrooms have a water content of up to 90%, and after heating, their volume will shrink to about two-thirds of their original size. Observe whether the edge of the mushroom cap is curled inward and whether the flesh of the mushroom has become thinner, such as when the mushroom cap is significantly curled and wrinkled after it is fully cooked. However, the shrinkage of artificially cultivated crab flavored mushrooms is relatively small and requires comprehensive judgment.

Different cooking methods require corresponding judgment methods. When boiling mushrooms, floating is used as a sign of maturity, while when frying, the degree of surface golden color should be observed. It is recommended to extend the heating time appropriately when trying new varieties for the first time. Wild mushrooms must be fully cooked to avoid the risk of poisoning. In daily life, mushrooms can be torn into small pieces to accelerate heating, and when paired with seasonings such as minced garlic, it can enhance fragrance and assist in determining ripeness. When storing, pay attention to keeping it dry and ventilated to avoid spoilage and the production of harmful substances.