How to Destem a Mushroom

Removing the stem of a mushroom is quick and easy with the right technique.

Dozens of edible mushrooms exist, which range from tiny enoki to massive portobellos, each with its own unique flavor and appearance. Preparing a mushroom for cooking is not difficult and usually involves washing and removing the stem from the mushroom, followed by chopping or slicing if necessary. The stem part of the mushroom, which is the trunk-like base under the head, can be woody or tough, which makes it unpleasant to eat and can alter the cooking time of the mushroom. Removing the stem allows the mushroom to cook evenly and improves the appearance of the dish. Does this Spark an idea?

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Towel
Knife

Instructions

Hand Method
- 1
  
  Hold the mushroom in your non-dominant hand with the head of the mushroom down and the stem of the mushroom facing up. For large mushrooms, hold the head in the palm of your hand; for smaller mushrooms, hold the head between your thumb and forefinger.
- 2
  
  Hold the stem of the mushroom with the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Begin by gently rocking the stem back and forth while holding the head of the mushroom still. Continue until the stem begins to loosen from the head.
- 3
  
  Twist and bend the stem once it has loosened from the head until it comes free.
Knife Method
- 4
  
  Hold the mushroom with the fingers and thumb of your non-dominant hand, with the stem facing up. If the mushroom is slick, place a towel in your hand before picking up the mushroom for extra grip and protection.
- 5
  
  Insert the tip of a sharp knife at an angle where the stem and the head of the mushroom meet. Push the knife tip into the mushroom about half the depth of the stem. Take care not to push the knife too far so that it doesn’t come out the other side of the mushroom.
- 6
  
  Leave the knife in the mushroom and tilt it parallel to the head of the mushroom and move the tip of the knife in a circle around the stem. Pull the stem away from the mushroom.

Tips & Warnings

Discard unused stems or save them for making stock. Soft stems can be chopped up and added to the dish.
Use caution when working with knives. Keep knives sharp for safety.