In a recent collaboration with European Mushrooms, This Morning’s chef Clodagh McKenna highlighted common cooking errors made with mushrooms and ways to avoid them. With over 20 years of culinary experience, McKenna pointed out that peeling and washing mushrooms before cooking them is unnecessary and can affect their texture. She emphasised the importance of cooking mushrooms on a low heat to prevent steaming and ensure proper browning. Additionally, she highlighted the nutritional value of mushrooms, which are rich in B vitamins, low in calories, and fat.
A survey of 1,000 adults who consume mushrooms revealed that 1 in 10 mistakenly believe mushrooms are a vegetable. Many people tend to wash (59%) or peel (33%) mushrooms before use, which can compromise their quality. McKenna advised lightly brushing off any dirt with a damp cloth or soft brush instead of washing them. European Mushrooms aims to dispel misconceptions about mushrooms and educate people on the correct way to handle and cook them for optimal taste and nutritional benefits.
It was revealed that less than half of the participants were aware that most mushrooms are zero-waste, yet 34% discard the stem unnecessarily. Furthermore, 11% store mushrooms in cupboards instead of refrigerating them. Popular dishes featuring mushrooms include the full English breakfast, spaghetti Bolognese, pizza slices, and stir-fries, showcasing the versatility of mushrooms in various recipes throughout the day. European Mushrooms stressed the value, nutritional benefits, and eco-friendliness of mushrooms, encouraging consumers to handle and prepare them correctly for a more sustainable food system.