Some mushrooms like button mushrooms have a firm texture, meaning they retain their shape even after cooking. This makes them perfect for stir-frying, grilling, or stewing. Crunchy: Mushrooms such as shiitake have a slightly crunchy texture, especially when sautéed over high heat. This texture adds dimension to a dish and feels great in the mouth. Soft: Mushrooms like oyster mushrooms have a soft, tender texture that becomes almost melting when cooked. They are perfect for soups, sauces or stir-fry dishes where a more delicate texture is desired. Spongy: Portobello mushrooms have a spongy, meaty texture, making them ideal for grilling or serving as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes. Elastic: Some Asian mushrooms, such as black mushrooms (dried shiitake), have a slightly elastic texture when rehydrated. This texture is appreciated in soups and stir-fries. Delicate: Mushrooms like chanterelles have a delicate, almost crispy texture when cooked quickly over high heat. They are often used in fine dishes and sauces to add a touch of elegance. By understanding the different textures of mushrooms, you can choose the one that best suits your dish and bring a variety of sensations to your cooking.

Tomatoes that are still green or slightly under-ripe have a firm, crunchy texture. They are ideal for salads where a crunchy texture is desired. Juicy: Ripe tomatoes have a juicy, meaty texture. When cut into slices, their juice is released abundantly, making them perfect for sandwiches, burgers or simply to be enjoyed fresh with a little salt. Fondant: Well-ripe, even slightly over-ripe, tomatoes have a melting and almost creamy texture. They are ideal for sauces, soups and purees where a smooth and velvety texture is desired. Crunchy: Some varieties of cherry tomatoes have a slightly crisp, crunchy texture, making them perfect for salads or appetizer platters. Fleshy: “Coeur de Boeuf” or “Roma” type tomatoes have a fleshy and dense texture. They are ideal for sauces, jams and preserves due to their high flesh and juice content. Some varieties of tomatoes, like heirloom tomatoes, have a delicate texture with tender, fragile flesh. They are perfect to be enjoyed raw in salads to highlight their complex flavor and delicate texture.

Kitchen hygiene is essential to ensure food safety and the health of those who consume the prepared food. Proper cleaning of utensils, surfaces and hands reduces the risk of bacterial contamination and the spread of food-borne illnesses. In addition, maintaining a clean and orderly environment promotes better conservation of food and preserves its freshness and quality. Hygiene in the kitchen is therefore an essential element in promoting well-being and preventing possible health problems linked to the consumption of contaminated food.