Cleaning chanterelles: A simple flour trick to save time

The season for these aromatic mushrooms usually lasts from late spring to fall, and their unique taste makes them a frequent addition to many meals. However, before chanterelles make it to our table in the form of delicious dishes, they need to be properly cleaned. This stage, although it may seem cumbersome, does not have to be time-consuming if you use tried and tested home methods. One of the best ways to effectively remove impurities is to use flour. With this trick, the chanterelles will remain firm and ready for further culinary processing.

Flour acts like a magnet for fine impurities such as sand, needles, or small dirt particles. When sprinkled on the chanterelles and combined with some water, the flour binds with the dirt to form clumps that are easily removed during rinsing. This way, our mushrooms will be perfectly clean, and we will save a lot of time.

Step by step: how to clean chanterelles with flour

1. Prepare the ingredients: You will need a bowl, a sieve, flour, water, and chanterelles.
2. Sprinkle with flour: Put the chanterelles in the bowl and generously sprinkle them with flour. Gently shake the bowl to ensure the flour covers all the mushrooms.
3. Pour water: Pour cold water over the chanterelles. To keep the mushrooms firm, add a few ice cubes.
4. Mix and drain: Gently mix so the flour combines with the impurities. Then drain the chanterelles in a sieve, rinsing thoroughly under running water.
5. Dry: Spread the chanterelles on a clean paper towel to remove excess water.

You can use cleaned chanterelles to prepare many delicious dishes. They taste great fried in butter, added to sauces, soups, or risotto. You can also freeze them for later to enjoy their flavour throughout the year.