Look for caps that are firm and whole with an even texture. Avoid mushrooms that are withered, damp, or slimy, as these signs indicate they are past their prime.
Get a heavy stainless-steel sauté pan very, very hot—it almost can't be too hot. Add a generous film of oil (mushrooms soak it up) ruhlman.com 5 Common Mushroom Cooking Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms are culinary "sponges" that require specific handling to achieve their best flavor and texture. Because they are roughly 80–90% water, the primary goal of preparation is to manage moisture. Look for caps that are firm and whole with an even texture
While many recommend brushing off dirt with a damp paper towel or pastry brush to avoid "waterlogging," testing shows that a quick rinse only increases mushroom weight by about 2%. Add a generous film of oil (mushrooms soak it up) ruhlman
Remove mushrooms from plastic wrapping immediately. Store them unwashed in an open paper bag in the refrigerator; the paper absorbs excess moisture and prevents them from becoming slimy.
