
White mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes and cuisines. They have a mild flavor and soft texture, making them a popular ingredient in many parts of the world, including the United States. With a short shelf life of 3-4 days when fresh, these mushrooms are also available in frozen, canned, dried, or powdered forms. But how many carbs do they contain?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1 cup of raw white mushrooms contains 2.3g of total carbs |
| Calories | 15-21 calories per cup of raw white mushrooms |
| Fat | 0.2g fat per cup of raw white mushrooms |
| Protein | 2.2g protein per cup of raw white mushrooms |
| Bioactive Compounds | Rich in bioactive compounds that may protect against cancer and heart disease, improve blood sugar control and enhance gut health |
| Vitamin D2 | Natural, non-animal source of vitamin D2 |
| Presentation | Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, powdered |
| Shelf Life | Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life of 3-4 days |
| Edible Parts | Both the caps and stems are edible |
| Culinary Uses | Can be eaten raw or cooked; added to salads, stir-fries, scrambled eggs, omelets, roasted as a crunchy snack, sautéed with herbs and other vegetables, or boiled to make a broth |
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What You'll Learn
- Carb breakdown: 1 cup of raw white mushrooms contains 2.3g carbs, 1.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat, 2.2g protein, and 15 calories
- Nutritional value: White mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, offering health benefits such as improved gut health and cancer-fighting properties
- Versatile ingredient: White mushrooms have a mild flavour and soft texture, making them a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw or cooked
- Preservation methods: Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life, so they are often preserved through freezing, canning, or drying to extend their shelf life
- Health benefits: White mushrooms are low in calories, high in protein, and a natural source of vitamin D2, making them a nutritious food item

Carb breakdown: 1 cup of raw white mushrooms contains 2.3g carbs, 1.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat, 2.2g protein, and 15 calories
White mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, either cooked or raw. They have a mild flavor and soft texture, making them a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and omelets, or simply sautéed with herbs and spices as a side dish.
In terms of carbohydrate breakdown, 1 cup (70 grams) of raw white mushrooms contains 2.3 grams of total carbohydrates. This includes 1.6 grams of net carbs (or digestible carbohydrates) and a trace amount of fiber, contributing to the remaining 0.7 grams of carbohydrates.
Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and certain sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate count. These specific types of carbohydrates are subtracted because they are not fully metabolized by the body and have a minimal impact on blood sugar. As a result, they are often discounted from the total carbohydrate count to give a more accurate representation of the carbohydrates that provide energy and affect blood sugar levels.
In addition to the carbohydrate content, 1 cup of raw white mushrooms also contains 0.2 grams of fat, 2.2 grams of protein, and 15 calories. The protein content in mushrooms is considered high relative to their overall calorie content, making them a good source of lean protein.
White mushrooms also offer a range of health benefits due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. These compounds have been associated with cancer prevention, improved heart health, better blood sugar control, and positive effects on gut health. Furthermore, white mushrooms are a natural source of vitamin D2, which can effectively increase blood levels of this essential vitamin.
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Nutritional value: White mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, offering health benefits such as improved gut health and cancer-fighting properties
A cup of fresh, raw white mushrooms contains 2.3 g of total carbohydrates, 1.6 g of net carbs, and 15 calories. White mushrooms are also a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering health benefits such as improved gut health and cancer-fighting properties.
Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, that support a healthy gut and immune system. These compounds promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, inhibit harmful bacteria, and support a balanced gut microbiota. This balance helps regulate digestion and healthy inflammatory responses. Oyster, shiitake, reishi, and lion's mane mushrooms are particularly beneficial for gut health due to their high content of these bioactive compounds.
White mushrooms are also known for their potential cancer-fighting properties. Medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that activate and regulate the immune system, helping to inhibit cancer cell metastasis and growth. β-Glucan, for example, stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses and has been found to improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced cancer. Hispolon, an active polyphenol compound, possesses anti-neoplastic properties and enhances the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents.
The use of mushrooms in cancer treatment is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry due to their potential anti-cancer properties and active compounds. Mushrooms are known to complement chemotherapy and radiation therapy by countering side effects such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, and lowered resistance. Further research and clinical trials are being conducted to assess the benefits of using mushroom extracts in cancer therapy, both individually and as adjuncts.
Incorporating white mushrooms into your diet can provide potential health benefits, including improved gut health and cancer-fighting properties. These mushrooms are a good source of bioactive compounds that support overall health and well-being.
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Versatile ingredient: White mushrooms have a mild flavour and soft texture, making them a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw or cooked
White mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. They have a mild flavour and soft texture, making them a great addition to a variety of dishes. Both the caps and stems are edible, and they can be found fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or powdered.
White mushrooms are a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, offering health benefits such as cancer-fighting properties, improved gut health, and lower cholesterol. They are also low in calories and high in protein. Their mild flavour and ability to absorb other flavours make them a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including salads, stir-fries, soups, and omelettes.
When used in cooking, white mushrooms can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, or boiled. They pair well with many ingredients, including garlic, rosemary, thyme, carrots, leeks, and onions. White mushrooms can also be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes.
White mushrooms are the most immature form of the Agaricus bisporus species, which also includes baby bellas and portobellos. They have a smooth, white cap ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter. White mushrooms are incredibly popular, representing nearly 90% of all mushrooms consumed in the United States.
When preparing white mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Contrary to popular belief, they can be cleaned with water without ruining their texture, as long as they are not soaked for an extended period. Ensuring that the mushrooms are as dry as possible before cooking helps optimise their flavour and texture.
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Preservation methods: Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life, so they are often preserved through freezing, canning, or drying to extend their shelf life
Fresh white mushrooms are low in calories but rich in bioactive compounds, offering health benefits such as cancer-fighting properties, improved blood sugar control, and better gut health. They have a mild flavor and soft texture, making them a versatile addition to various dishes. However, their high respiratory rate, high water content, and lack of a cuticular structure result in a short shelf life of 3–4 days.
To extend the shelf life of fresh mushrooms, various preservation methods can be employed. One common method is freezing. Before freezing mushrooms, they should be cleaned, cut into small pieces, and cooked for a short period. They are then allowed to cool and drain before being packaged and sealed for freezing. This process helps retain the quality and nutritional value of the mushrooms.
Another preservation method is canning or pickling. Mushrooms can be boiled and then covered with a mixture of boiled water and other ingredients, or they can be prepared for making mushroom ketchup, which involves chopping and salting them before sealing them in a jar. These techniques provide an effective way to preserve the freshness and flavor of the mushrooms while also enhancing their nutritional value.
Drying is also used to preserve mushrooms. This method involves dehydrating the mushrooms, either through the use of a dehydrator or natural drying techniques. By removing moisture, the shelf life of the mushrooms is significantly extended. Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated by soaking them in water before use, providing a convenient way to enjoy mushrooms with an extended shelf life.
These preservation methods allow individuals to enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of fresh mushrooms over an extended period, making them a versatile and healthy addition to various dishes even when fresh mushrooms are not readily available.
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Health benefits: White mushrooms are low in calories, high in protein, and a natural source of vitamin D2, making them a nutritious food item
White mushrooms are a nutritious food item with multiple health benefits. They are low in calories, with one cup (96 grams) of whole white mushrooms containing only 15 calories. In addition, they are a good source of protein, with 2.2 grams of protein per cup. White mushrooms are also a natural source of vitamin D2, a plant-based form of vitamin D that can raise blood levels of this vitamin as effectively as a supplement. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health, and a deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, mineral deficiency, and muscle weakness.
White mushrooms are also a source of vitamin B12, which is typically found in animal-based foods. This makes them an excellent nutrient source for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet. They contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C. These compounds have been linked to improved gut health, cancer prevention, and cholesterol reduction. The antioxidant properties of these compounds help combat the harmful effects of oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage, accelerated aging, and an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
The versatility of white mushrooms makes them a great addition to various dishes. They have a mild flavor and soft texture, and both the caps and stems are edible. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and added to salads, stir-fries, scrambled eggs, omelets, or roasted as a crunchy snack. White mushrooms can also be purchased in powdered form and added to baked goods to boost their nutritional value.
When buying white mushrooms, it is important to note that their vitamin D2 content may vary depending on their exposure to UV light. Mushrooms grown indoors in dark, controlled environments will contain little to no vitamin D. However, some manufacturers expose mushrooms to ultraviolet (UV) light, either by natural sunlight or a UV lamp, to increase their vitamin D2 content.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh white mushrooms contain 2.3g of total carbs per cup.
Yes, white mushrooms can also be consumed dried, canned, frozen, or powdered.
White mushrooms are low in calories and rich in bioactive compounds that may protect against cancer and heart disease. They also have cholesterol-lowering effects and may improve gut health.
Yes, both the caps and stems of white mushrooms are edible.
Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life of about 3-4 days.

























