John Miller
Mushrooms are a fungus with an earthy flavor and creamy white caps. Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are the most common variety available. They are commercially grown and sold packaged whole, sliced, or chopped, often by the pound. When sliced, 8 ounces of fresh button mushrooms are equivalent to 3 to 5 mushrooms or 3/4 cup. If you're using dried mushrooms, 1.5 ounces will yield 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sliced fresh button mushrooms | 4-5 |
| Number of sliced fresh button mushrooms in a cup | 3-5 |
| Number of medium-sized fresh button mushrooms in a pound | 20-24 |
| Number of fresh button mushrooms in half a pound | 10-12 |
| Number of cups of sliced fresh button mushrooms in half a pound | 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 |
| Number of dried mushrooms | 1 1/2 oz |
| Number of drained canned sliced mushrooms | 4 oz |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh vs. dried mushrooms
Fresh button mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high moisture content. They are best sautéed, roasted, or baked and will last about a week in the refrigerator. When sliced, 8 oz of fresh button mushrooms equals 1.5 oz of dried mushrooms.
Dried mushrooms are often used when the fresh variety is expensive or not locally available. They are also used to add depth of flavour to dishes like carpaccio and tartare. Dried mushrooms have a stronger flavour than fresh mushrooms and are usually reconstituted before use. They can be ground into a powder and used in dishes like hamburgers, meatloaf, and meatballs. They can also be sliced and soaked in water before being added to recipes. Dried mushrooms can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place.
Fresh mushrooms are typically sold whole, sliced, or chopped, and are more affordable when purchased whole. They can be used in a variety of dishes and are best when fresh.
Dried mushrooms, on the other hand, are convenient to have on hand as they can be used in place of fresh mushrooms in many recipes. They can be reconstituted and plumped up with water to resemble fresh mushrooms. They also have a longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms.
When converting between fresh and dried mushrooms, it's important to note that the measurements may vary slightly depending on the type of mushroom and the method of drying. For example, 8 oz of sliced fresh button mushrooms is equivalent to 1.5 oz of dried mushrooms, while 16 oz of fresh button mushrooms would yield approximately 3 oz of dried mushrooms.
In summary, both fresh and dried mushrooms have their advantages and unique characteristics. Fresh mushrooms are versatile and taste great on their own, while dried mushrooms offer convenience, a longer shelf life, and a more concentrated flavour.
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Chopped vs. sliced
When it comes to button mushrooms, the amount you'll need depends on whether they're chopped or sliced, and whether they're fresh, dried, or canned.
If you're working with fresh button mushrooms, a half-pound (8 oz) will yield about 2 3/4 cups when chopped, and 2 1/2 cups when sliced. That's the equivalent of about 10-12 medium-sized mushrooms, or 4-5 mushrooms per cup. So, for 8 oz, you'd need around 8-10 mushrooms, whether sliced or chopped.
If you're using dried mushrooms, the equivalent of 8 oz of fresh sliced button mushrooms is 1 1/2 oz of dried mushrooms. This will yield a smaller amount, volume-wise, as dried mushrooms need to be reconstituted in water, which adds to their overall volume.
Canned mushrooms also yield less, with 8 oz of fresh sliced button mushrooms equalling 4 oz of drained canned mushrooms.
In summary, the number of button mushrooms you'll get from 8 oz depends on how they're prepared and whether they're fresh, dried, or canned. For fresh mushrooms, whether sliced or chopped, you'll need around 8-10 mushrooms to make 8 oz.
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Weight vs. volume
When it comes to cooking with mushrooms, it can be frustrating to try a new recipe and not know how much of the ingredient to purchase. Recipes may call for a certain volume of mushrooms, such as 8 ounces, or they may specify a number of mushrooms, like 2 cups, or even a produce description such as "2 large portabellas". This can be confusing, especially when you're dealing with fresh mushrooms that vary in size. So, how many button mushrooms are in 8 ounces?
First, it's important to understand the difference between weight and volume. Weight refers to the amount of force exerted on an object by gravity, typically measured in grams or ounces. Volume, on the other hand, measures the amount of space occupied by an object, often using cups or millilitres as units. When converting between weight and volume, it's crucial to consider the density of the object, which is calculated by dividing weight by volume.
In the context of mushrooms, weight and volume conversions can be tricky because mushrooms come in various sizes and shapes. A large portabella mushroom, for example, will take up more space (have a larger volume) than a small button mushroom, but it might not weigh much more. This is where understanding the density of mushrooms becomes useful. Generally, fresh mushrooms have a density of around 0.25 g/ml, which means that 1 gram of fresh mushrooms will occupy approximately 4 millilitres of space.
So, to answer the question, 8 ounces of sliced fresh button mushrooms is equivalent to approximately 1 cup of mushrooms, or around 4 to 5 individual mushrooms. This conversion factor can be extremely helpful when adapting recipes that call for a specific volume or weight of mushrooms. It's worth noting that this weight-to-volume ratio applies specifically to sliced fresh button mushrooms and may not be accurate for other types of mushrooms or preparation methods, such as canned or dried mushrooms.
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Fresh button mushrooms to canned
When it comes to cooking, it can be frustrating when a recipe lists ingredients by weight and others by volume. This is especially true when dealing with fresh, dried, or canned ingredients, which have different weights and volumes. Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are the most common variety available. They are sold whole, sliced, or chopped, and sometimes by the pound or less.
If a recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced fresh button mushrooms, you will need to adjust the quantity if you are using canned mushrooms. This is because 8 ounces of sliced fresh button mushrooms is equivalent to 4 ounces of drained canned sliced mushrooms. So, for 8 ounces of drained canned mushrooms, you would need 16 ounces of fresh button mushrooms.
However, if you only have access to dried mushrooms, the conversion is different. 8 ounces of sliced fresh button mushrooms are equivalent to 1 1/2 ounces of dried mushrooms. So, for 8 ounces of dried mushrooms, you would need just over 1 pound of fresh button mushrooms.
It's important to note that these conversions may not be exact due to variations in the size and shape of mushrooms. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to have extra mushrooms on hand when cooking, as they can shrink significantly during the cooking process.
Additionally, if you are using canned mushrooms, be aware that they may have a different texture and flavour compared to fresh or dried mushrooms. Canned mushrooms are typically softer and may have a more pronounced earthy flavour.
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Fresh button mushrooms to powdered
Step 1: Choosing and Preparing the Mushrooms
Start by selecting fresh button mushrooms that are not damaged or impaired. You can also opt for other varieties, such as shiitake or porcini mushrooms, which are known for their strong flavour. Using a kitchen towel, gently wipe each mushroom to clean it. If you notice any imperfections or impurities, cut them out.
Step 2: Slicing the Mushrooms
Slice the mushrooms into thin pieces, aiming for approximately 0.5 millimetres or 1/4 inch in thickness. This step ensures that the mushrooms dry evenly and thoroughly. Arrange the mushroom slices in a single layer on dehydrating trays, and place the trays in a dehydrator.
Step 3: Dehydrating the Mushrooms
Set your dehydrator to a temperature of around 117°F (47°C). Dehydrate the mushroom slices for 6 to 12 hours, or until they are crispy and snap easily. It's important to check on the mushrooms periodically to ensure they don't overdry. Remember to swap the tray positions from time to time for uniform drying.
Step 4: Grinding the Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are fully dehydrated, let them cool down to room temperature. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding. Transfer the dried mushroom slices to a food processor or blender. Pulse the processor in short bursts for about 15-20 seconds to break up the larger pieces, and then maintain a constant pulse for approximately one minute, or until the mushrooms turn into a fine powder.
Step 5: Storing the Mushroom Powder
Proper storage is crucial to extend the freshness of your mushroom powder. While plastic ziplock bags or containers can be used, an airtight glass jar is recommended for optimal shelf life. Store the jar away from direct heat and light, such as in a cabinet. When stored properly, your homemade mushroom powder can last for several months.
Tips and Tricks:
- You can add other spices and seasonings to your mushroom powder to create unique flavour profiles.
- Mushroom powder is an excellent way to add savoury umami flavour to soups, stews, beans, taco fillings, and more.
- If you don't have a dehydrator, you can also dry the mushroom slices in a low-heat oven.
- Always wait to open the jar of mushroom powder a few minutes after grinding, as the fine powder can create a mess if not allowed to settle.
- Start with a small amount of mushroom powder when seasoning your dishes, as a little goes a long way, and the flavour can become quite strong.
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Frequently asked questions
You would need 2 packages, as 1 pound of fresh button mushrooms yields about 5 cups of sliced mushrooms, and this will turn into about 2 cups after cooking.
You would need 1.5 packages, as 1/2 pound of fresh button mushrooms yields about 2 3/4 cups of chopped mushrooms, or 2 1/2 cups of sliced mushrooms.
You would need 1.5 oz of dried mushrooms.
You would need 4 oz of drained canned sliced mushrooms.
You would need 8 packages, as 1 tablespoon of powdered mushrooms is equal to 4 oz of fresh mushrooms.
