Emma Wilson
White mushrooms, also known as button mushrooms, are the most common variety of mushroom, making up 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini and portobello mushrooms, which are the same species harvested at different ages. White button mushrooms are mild in flavour and meaty in texture, making them extremely versatile in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. They are also a good source of dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | White button mushrooms are the most popular mushroom variety, making up 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are also widely consumed worldwide. |
| Scientific Name | Agaricus bisporus |
| Cultivation | Cultivated in more than 70 countries |
| Appearance | Small stem, smooth cap, closed veil under the mushroom cap |
| Texture | Firm, delicate flesh |
| Flavor | Mild, earthy, meaty, brothy (umami) |
| Nutritional Value | Low in calories and sugar, high in protein and vitamins D, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, C, and K |
| Storage | Store in the refrigerator for up to a week in the original packaging or a porous paper bag. Avoid plastic bags. |
| Preparation | Can be eaten raw or cooked via sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, braising, and roasting |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
White button mushrooms are the most popular variety
White button mushrooms, also known as Agaricus bisporus, are the most popular variety of mushrooms. They are cultivated in over 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms worldwide. In fact, they make up about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States.
White button mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. They have a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them a great addition to tarts, omelettes, pasta, risotto, and pizza. They are also excellent sources of nutrients, including vitamins B, D, and C, as well as minerals like phosphorus and potassium.
One of the reasons for their popularity is their ease of cooking. White button mushrooms hold their flavour well and are more forgiving in recipes than certain wild mushrooms. They are also readily available in grocery stores, typically sold fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or even in powdered form. When selecting white button mushrooms, look for firm mushrooms with a fresh, smooth appearance and a dry surface.
White button mushrooms are also known for their health benefits. They are low in calories and sugar, while being high in protein and vitamins, making them a favourite among those following plant-based diets. Additionally, they contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, and glutathione, which are believed to contribute to their potential cancer-fighting properties.
The Mushroom Chorus: Do Fungi Sing?
You may want to see also
They are versatile and can be cooked in many ways
White button mushrooms are the most popular mushroom variety, representing about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are versatile and can be cooked in many ways, including sautéing, roasting, and stuffing. Here are some delicious ways to prepare white button mushrooms:
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook white button mushrooms. To start, heat some olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning. Leave them undisturbed for a few minutes until they develop a golden colour, then stir and spread them into a single layer again to cook the other side. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavour, you can also add butter, garlic, thyme, and a splash of wine to the skillet. Sautéed mushrooms make a delicious side dish or topping for steaks, pork chops, or baked potatoes.
Roasted Mushrooms
Roasting is another option for preparing white button mushrooms. To roast mushrooms, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven at a moderate temperature until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Roasted mushrooms can be served as a side dish or added to salads, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.
Stuffed Mushrooms
White button mushrooms can also be stuffed with a variety of fillings. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and fill the caps with a mixture of your choice, such as breadcrumb and herb stuffing, cheese and vegetable mixtures, or even meat fillings. Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the oven until the filling is cooked through and the mushrooms are tender. Stuffed mushrooms can be served as an appetiser or a main course, paired with sides such as rice or roasted vegetables.
Mushroom Sides and Accompaniments
White button mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes. They can be sliced and sautéed with onions and peppers as a simple side dish, or they can be added to omelettes, quiches, and frittatas. Mushrooms also pair well with meats such as chicken, beef, and pork. They can be used as a topping for burgers or stuffed inside chicken breasts before baking.
White button mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavour combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy these delicious fungi!
How Bleach Can Kill Mushroom Spores
You may want to see also
They are low in calories and sugar
White button mushrooms are the most common variety of mushroom, constituting about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are also known as table, common, or champignon mushrooms. They are widely available in grocery stores around the world and are easy to cook.
White button mushrooms are low in calories and sugar. One cup (96 grams) of whole white mushrooms contains only 15 calories. They are also low in carbohydrates, with 93.3% water, 3.1% protein, 3.3% carbs, and 0.3% fat composition. This makes them a good choice for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
The low-calorie count of white button mushrooms is especially notable given their high nutrient density. They are a good source of protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. These nutrients make them a beneficial food for those following plant-based diets. White mushrooms also contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C.
The health benefits of white button mushrooms include improved heart health, cancer-fighting properties, cholesterol-lowering effects, and improved gut health. They are also a good source of dietary fiber. White button mushrooms can be consumed raw, but cooking them first is recommended to reduce toxic compounds and improve nutrient absorption.
Quickly Peel Mushrooms: The Easiest Way
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals
White button mushrooms are the most popular mushroom, representing about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are also found in virtually every grocery store worldwide.
White button mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source of vitamin D, which is important for bone and immune health. They also contain vitamin B6, which helps our bodies form red blood cells, and vitamin B12, which is usually obtained from animal sources. In addition, white button mushrooms have a higher protein content than most vegetables, making them a good option for those following a plant-based diet.
White button mushrooms also contain various minerals, including selenium, which can help prevent cell damage, and potassium, which can reduce the negative impact of sodium on the body and lower blood pressure.
Mushrooms are also a good source of antioxidants, which can improve the efficiency of the immune system and protect against obesity-related hypertension. The antioxidant glutathione acts as a detoxification agent, helping to eliminate potentially harmful foreign substances from the body. Meanwhile, the antioxidant ergothioneine protects DNA from oxidative damage.
White button mushrooms are not only nutritious but also easy to cook. They hold their flavor well and are more forgiving in recipes than certain wild mushrooms. They can be stored in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Mushrooms and Colitis: A Safe Combination?
You may want to see also
They can be cultivated at home
White button mushrooms can be cultivated at home, but it is a complicated process that requires composting. Most mushrooms that people like to grow are called primary decomposers, meaning they can break down raw wood chips or logs to feed themselves. However, white button mushrooms are secondary decomposers, meaning they need to work with bacteria that carry out the primary decomposition of cellulose material.
To grow white button mushrooms at home, you will need to create the right compost. The most commonly used soil for button mushroom cultivation is rice straw, which is a byproduct of cultivating brown rice. It has a low nutrient content and is very dry, making it ideal for mycelial growth. You can buy it in large bags at any gardening store. Prepare the compost in a sheltered area with a hard floor by spreading a layer of straw about 15 cm high and about 1.5 m x 1.5 m in area. Then, sprinkle a generous handful of gypsum and add a similar layer of nitrogen-rich manure. Repeat until you have created a mound approximately 1.5-2 m high. Cover the pile with polythene or tarpaulin to avoid drying out and leave for about 2 days. The pile should start to heat up, and you will need to turn the compost to prevent it from becoming anaerobic. Loosen the compost as it will begin to sink. Repeat this process at 2-day intervals until the compost stops heating.
The compost is now ready to move into the mushroom beds. The heating should reach 70 degrees C, which will pasteurise the compost and prevent the growth of competitor microorganisms. Once cooled, the compost is ready for Agaricus spawn to be added. Add the spawn to the compost (approximately 3% by dry weight); so 60 g of button mushroom spawn will seed up to 4 kg of compost. Ensure that the compost is all under 30 degrees C, as failure to ensure the compost is adequately cooled is a common cause of poor or no results. Mix the spawn thoroughly. Next, create a high CO2 environment for the mushrooms to grow by covering or enclosing the compost in polythene. This encourages the spawn to run through the compost. Place this somewhere dark and at a warm room temperature (20 to 26 degrees C) but not above 30 degrees C. After a few days, you will see thread-like growths coming from the spawn, and after a few more days, the compost should look like it is covered in cobwebs or mould.
You can also buy pre-packaged kits to grow white button mushrooms at home, which are easy, fun, educational, and delicious.
Ascomycota: Home to Mushrooms?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms, also known as button mushrooms, are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus. They are white and have a small stem and a smooth cap.
Yes, white mushrooms and button mushrooms are the same thing. They are called button mushrooms because they are the immature form of the fungus and have unopened caps.
White mushrooms are low in calories and sugar, and high in protein and vitamin D. They are also a source of vitamin B12 and various other vitamins and minerals. They are considered beneficial for those following plant-based diets.
No, white mushrooms are not poisonous. However, there are some poisonous mushrooms that look similar to white mushrooms, such as the death cap mushroom and the destroying angel mushroom. It is important to be able to distinguish between these mushrooms before consuming them.
White mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, braising, and roasting. They have a mild flavor and meaty texture, making them very versatile.
