My hubby believes in not washing mushrooms to avoid water absorption, following his grandmother. I’m unsure due to potential dirt. Thoughts?My hubby believes in not washing mushrooms to avoid water absorption, following his grandmother. I’m unsure due to potential dirt. Thoughts?

4. Testing Texture: If you’re curious about how various methods impact your mushrooms, try preparing two batches—one washed and one brushed—and cook both the same way to compare texture and taste.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to wash or not wash mushrooms comes down to personal preference and the level of cleanliness you are comfortable with. It is important to consider the source of your mushrooms, the environment in which they were grown, and whether or not you’re okay with the possibility of consuming a bit of extra dirt or the theoretical risk of sponge-like water absorption. Assessing the advice from culinary experts versus time-honored family traditions can lead to various practices, but as long as food safety isn’t compromised, there’s room for flexibility.
Considering these points, it may well be that your husband’s adherence to his grandmother’s method has validity in preserving the integrity of the mushroom’s texture and flavor. However, ensuring that mushrooms are clean and safe to eat is also an undeniable priority. A balanced approach that places hygiene at the forefront while attempting to maintain the mushrooms’ quality may be the best path forward.