What should I do if mushrooms have a earthy smell

Mushrooms with a earthy odor can be removed by soaking, washing, blanching, seasoning, selecting fresh mushrooms, sun drying, and other methods. The earthy smell mainly comes from the soil and humus in the mushroom growth environment, and can be effectively improved in taste through appropriate treatment.

1. Soak and clean

Soak the mushrooms in clean water and add a small amount of salt or flour to help absorb surface impurities. The soaking time should be controlled at around 10 minutes, during which gently rub and wash the gills and stem of the mushroom with your hands. After cleaning, rinse repeatedly with running water to ensure the removal of residual sediment and humus. This method is suitable for handling freshly picked wild mushrooms or commercially available mushrooms that have not been thoroughly cleaned.

2. Blanching treatment

Add a little salt or white vinegar to boiling water and blanch the cleaned mushrooms for 30 seconds to 1 minute. High temperature can decompose some earthy substances while maintaining the crispy and tender taste of mushrooms. Immediately supercooling after blanching can prevent mushrooms from becoming soft, making it suitable for stir frying or cold mixing. Attention should be paid to the different heat resistance of different varieties of mushrooms. For mushrooms with thicker meat, the blanching time can be appropriately extended.

3. Seasoning

Adding ginger slices, minced garlic, cooking wine and other deodorizing seasonings during cooking can neutralize the earthy smell. Stir frying with butter or olive oil can enhance the aroma of mushrooms, and fermented seasonings such as soy sauce and oyster sauce can also mask unpleasant odors. When stewing soup, it can be paired with fresh ingredients such as chicken and ham to reduce the perception of earthy flavors through complex flavors.

4. Choose fresh mushrooms.

Priority should be given to selecting fresh mushrooms with tight caps, thick and short stalks, and no mucous exudation. Wild mushrooms should choose varieties that grow in clean environments and avoid collecting individuals near pollution sources. Attention should be paid to checking the packaging date of commercially available mushrooms. Vacuum packed mushrooms usually have a lighter earthy smell. Some artificially cultivated varieties such as Flammulina velutipes and Pleurotus eryngii have a mild earthy odor.

5. Sun drying treatment

Sliced mushrooms can be dried or dried to effectively evaporate soil odor substances. Soak dried mushrooms in warm water before use, and changing the water multiple times can further remove odors. This method is particularly suitable for mushroom varieties with high moisture content. After drying, it can also extend the storage time and is suitable for making dry goods or seasonings.

It is recommended to purchase mushrooms through legitimate channels for daily consumption and avoid collecting mushrooms of unknown species. When handling, pay attention to distinguishing between the earthy smell and the odor caused by decay. If there is a noticeable sour or moldy smell, it should be discarded immediately. Mushrooms are rich in protein and dietary fiber. It is recommended to consume them 2-3 times a week using healthy cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, and stewing. People who are allergic to mushrooms should consume them with caution, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as rash and diarrhea occur. When storing fresh mushrooms, wrap them in kitchen paper and refrigerate them to avoid spoilage caused by water accumulation in the sealed bag.