Michael Davis
Portobello mushrooms are often considered to be better than button mushrooms due to their stronger flavour and larger size. Portobellos are the largest and fully mature version of agaricus bisporus, which is the same species as button mushrooms. This gives them a stronger mushroom flavour and a drier, meatier texture, making them popular meat substitutes. Portobellos also have larger caps, which can be used as substitutes for bread buns in burgers. While button mushrooms have a milder flavour, it does intensify when cooked. Both types of mushrooms are commonly used in cooking and have similar nutritional value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agaricus bisporus |
| Common Names | Portobello, Portabella, Portobella, Crimini, Cremini, Baby Bella, Button, White, Common, White Button, Cultivated, Table, Champignon |
| Colour | Portobello: Dark brown; Button: White to tan |
| Size | Portobello: Larger; Button: Smaller |
| Texture | Portobello: More textured; Button: Smooth |
| Flavour | Portobello: Stronger; Button: Milder |
| Moisture Content | Portobello: Less moisture; Button: More moisture |
| Harvest Time | Portobello: Longer; Button: Shorter |
| Popularity | Button: More popular |
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What You'll Learn
Portobellos are fully mature, larger and have a stronger flavour
Portobello, cremini, and button mushrooms are all different stages of maturity for the same mushroom species, scientifically known as agaricus bisporus. The young, immature versions of agaricus bisporus are often white and may be known as button mushrooms, white mushrooms, or common mushrooms. As they grow older, they start to brown and are commonly known as cremini, brown, or portobello mushrooms.
Portobello mushrooms are the largest, fully mature version of agaricus bisporus. They have had the most time to grow, allowing them to develop a stronger flavour and a drier texture compared to button and cremini mushrooms. Portobellos are often described as having a deeper, earthier, and more mushroom-y flavour. Their taste is savoury and umami-rich, and their texture is drier and meatier. This makes them popular meat substitutes in vegetarian dishes, such as the "Shroom Burger" by Shake Shack. Portobellos are also commonly used as substitutes for bread buns in Paleo, Keto, or low-carb diets.
The size of portobello mushrooms also sets them apart from button and cremini mushrooms. Portobellos have much larger caps, measuring 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The caps are brown with slight scales visible, and underneath, there are dark brown gills. In comparison, baby bella or cremini mushrooms have a smooth, rich brown cap that is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
While portobello mushrooms have a stronger flavour than button mushrooms, it is worth noting that their flavour is still relatively mild compared to other varieties of mushrooms. Additionally, the flavour of button mushrooms intensifies when they are cooked. Therefore, the choice between portobello and button mushrooms may depend on personal preference and the specific dish being prepared.
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Button mushrooms are mild in flavour and good for pickling
Portobello, cremini, and button mushrooms are all different stages of maturity for the same mushroom, scientifically known as agaricus bisporus. The young, immature versions of agaricus bisporus are often white and referred to as button mushrooms, while the older, browner versions are known as cremini or portobello mushrooms.
Button mushrooms have a mild flavour, which intensifies when they are cooked. Their mild flavour makes them a good choice for pickling and marinating. They are also cheaper than other types of mushrooms and are commonly used in cooking.
Portobello mushrooms, on the other hand, are the largest and most mature version of agaricus bisporus. They have had more time to develop a deeper, stronger flavour and a drier, meatier texture. They are often used as meat substitutes in vegetarian dishes and are popular for grilling or roasting.
Crimini mushrooms, sometimes called baby bella mushrooms, are the immature brown strain of agaricus bisporus and are slightly older than button mushrooms but younger than portobello mushrooms. They have a firmer texture and a more earthy flavour than button mushrooms.
While button mushrooms are mild in flavour and good for pickling, portobello mushrooms offer a stronger flavour and a meatier texture, making them a popular choice for vegetarian dishes and grilling. Crimini mushrooms, being slightly more mature than button mushrooms, fall somewhere in between in terms of flavour and texture. Ultimately, the choice between these mushrooms depends on the desired flavour and texture for a particular dish.
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Crimini/baby bella are a middle ground in terms of flavour and colour
Crimini/baby bella mushrooms are considered a middle ground when compared to button and portabella mushrooms in terms of flavour and colour. They are slightly older than button mushrooms but are still juvenile when compared to portobellos. Crimini/baby bella mushrooms are also known as brown mushrooms and have a smooth, rich brown cap. They have a firmer texture and a more earthy flavour compared to white button mushrooms. They are also more flavourful than white buttons, with a classic umami-rich mushroom taste.
Crimini/baby bella mushrooms are often used in cooking, especially in dishes where a stronger mushroom flavour is desired. They are commonly used in Stroganoff, for example, where their flavour is enhanced by the sauce. When dried, they become very meaty and chewy, making them a good choice for dishes that require a hearty texture.
In terms of size, crimini/baby bella mushrooms are smaller than portobellos but larger than button mushrooms. Portobellos have much larger caps, measuring 4 to 6 inches in diameter, while crimini/baby bella mushrooms have caps that are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
It is important to note that button, crimini/baby bella, and portobello mushrooms are all the same species of mushroom, known as Agaricus bisporus. The differences in flavour, colour, and size are due to the different stages of maturity at which they are harvested. As they mature, their flavour intensifies, and they take on a browner colour.
So, to conclude, crimini/baby bella mushrooms indeed offer a middle ground in terms of flavour and colour when compared to button and portabella mushrooms. They have a slightly stronger flavour and a darker colour than button mushrooms, but they are not as mature and flavourful as portobellos.
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Agaricus bisporus is the scientific name for all three
Portobello, button, and cremini mushrooms are all the same type of mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, picked at different stages of maturity. The young, immature versions of Agaricus bisporus are often white or pale tan and are known as button mushrooms, white mushrooms, or common mushrooms. As they grow older, they start to brown and are known as cremini, brown, or portobello mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms are the largest and fully mature version of Agaricus bisporus. They have been given the most time to grow, allowing them to hold less moisture than button and cremini mushrooms and develop a stronger flavour.
Button mushrooms are consumed on a much larger scale than portobellos, with some estimates stating that up to 90% of mushroom consumption in the US is of button mushrooms. However, portobello mushrooms have gained popularity in recent years, particularly among vegetarians, due to their size and texture, earning them the nickname the "steak" of the veggie world. Portobellos are also commonly used in cooking, such as in pizzas and burgers, where they can serve as a meat substitute.
While Agaricus bisporus is primarily used in cooking, mushrooms contain powerful and nutritious compounds, and different varieties may offer specific health benefits. For example, medicinal mushrooms, defined as macroscopic fungi used in the form of extracts or powders for medicinal and nutritional purposes, have surged in popularity. These medicinal mushrooms contain a high concentration of active polysaccharides, which are long-chain carbohydrates that are considered very healthy.
Although Agaricus bisporus is the most commonly consumed mushroom variety in the US and Australia, there are many other types of mushrooms available, such as Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Maitake. These mushrooms may offer unique flavours, textures, and health benefits that vary from those of Agaricus bisporus. Ultimately, the choice between portobello, button, or any other type of mushroom depends on the specific dish being prepared and the desired taste and nutritional profile.
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Portobellos are popular meat substitutes
Portobello mushrooms are large, mature versions of agaricus bisporus, more commonly known as button mushrooms. They are popular meat substitutes due to their hearty texture and ability to absorb flavours.
Portobellos have a stronger flavour than button mushrooms, but it is worth noting that their flavour is mild compared to other varieties of mushrooms. They are also less moist than their immature counterparts, making them ideal for grilling. Their large size and sturdy texture make them perfect for vegetarian burgers, as they can hold their shape and be served on buns.
To prepare portobellos as a meat substitute, they can be marinated in a variety of sauces, such as Korean-style barbecue sauce, Mediterranean-style herbs, or a sweet and spicy combination. Grilling them for four to five minutes on each side over medium to medium-high heat is recommended. They can also be stuffed with cheese, sauce, or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavour.
Portobellos are a good option for those seeking a plant-based diet, but it is important to note that they are not a direct nutritional replacement for meat. While they provide a savoury and "meaty" experience, they are not a significant source of protein, iron, B12, or zinc, which are typically found in meat.
Despite this, portobellos are a versatile and tasty alternative to meat, and their popularity as a meat substitute is well-deserved. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to mushroom pot pies, offering a satisfying and flavourful experience for those looking to reduce their meat consumption.
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