I used to soak mushrooms until I learnt mushrooms absorb a lot of water that way (which prolongs their cooking time).

A good dousing under running cold water works more effectively.

Here in Dehra Dun, we are so sure of the conditions they are grown in, that simply brushing off any dirt with a damp towel works just as well.

Great thing about mushrooms is that any bad/damaged areas can be sliced off and discarded without having to throw away the whole mushroom.

I use the whole mushroom, stem and all because they are full of good texture and flavor as well unless my recipe requires the stems to be removed (stuffed mushroom caps or another recipe that calls for the caps only).

In that case they will usually pop right out when you give them a little twist and can be used to make a soup or flavour gravy.

The button mushrooms you get in Dehra Dun are tight and firm.

Great for

 - cooking

 -  seaming

 -  baking

 -  grilling whole

 -  slicing

 - marinating

 - adding raw to salads or

 - tossed with other vegetables in stir-fries.

Photograph: Stock Xchange