Preparing Mushrooms

Cultivated mushrooms, including oysters and shiitakes, are grown in sterilized compost so they don’t need washing or peeling. A wipe with a clean damp cloth is more than sufficient. Baby-sized buttons can be used whole, while open caps can be sliced, quartered or skewered whole for kebabs. Flat mushrooms, however, are best brushed with oil, stuffed and grilled.

• Wipe mushrooms with a clean, damp cloth. Trim the base of the stems, then slice thickly or thinly as required.