Laura Smith
The Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the cultivated mushroom, is a type of mushroom native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It is cultivated in more than 70 countries and is one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. The height of the Agaricus bisporus varies depending on its maturity. When immature, it is known as a white button mushroom and is smaller and whiter than its more mature counterparts, criminis and portobellos, which are the same mushroom but at different life stages. When mature, the mushroom is brown with a cap measuring 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in diameter and typically 1–2 inches tall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Common White Mushroom, Cultivated Mushroom, White Button Mushroom |
| Scientific Name | Agaricus Bisporus |
| Cap Colour | White, Beige, or Brown |
| Cap Shape | Flat with a Central Umbo |
| Cap Diameter | 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter |
| Height | 2-8 inches tall |
| Width | 1-4 inches wide |
| Weight | 100 grams (3.5 ounces) |
| Energy | 93 kilojoules (22 kilocalories) |
| Vitamin D Content | 0.2 micrograms (8 IU) per 100 g |
| Vitamin D2 Content after UV Exposure | 11.2 micrograms (446 IU) |
| Carbohydrates | 3% |
| Protein | 3% |
| Fat | Negligible |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The average common white mushroom is 2-8 inches tall
The average common white mushroom typically grows to a height of 2 to 8 inches. This height range is characteristic of the Agaricus bisporus species, also known as the cultivated mushroom or the common mushroom. It is native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and is cultivated in over 70 countries, making it one of the most commonly consumed mushrooms globally.
The common white mushroom was first discovered in 1925 at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. It was found growing among a bed of brown mushrooms and was introduced to commercial cultivation due to its visually appealing colour. Similar to the selective breeding of the navel orange and Red Delicious apple, the white mutation was cultivated and distributed.
The common mushroom has a complicated taxonomic history. It was initially described by English botanist Mordecai Cubitt Cooke in 1871 as a variety of mushroom species. However, it can be challenging to identify due to its resemblance to poisonous species. For example, it may be confused with young specimens of the lethal Amanita genus, known as "destroying angels," which can be distinguished by their white gills and volva or cup at the base.
The standard name "mushroom" is typically associated with the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. This name is given to fungi with a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae) underneath the cap. The gills produce microscopic spores that aid in the fungus's propagation. The common white mushroom is considered safe for consumption due to its controlled and sterilized cultivation environment.
The height of the common white mushroom, ranging from 2 to 8 inches, is an important distinguishing feature. While most mushrooms sold in supermarkets are commercially grown, it is essential to exercise caution when foraging for wild mushrooms. Proper identification is crucial, and consuming wild mushrooms without certainty about their safety can be dangerous.
Tomato, Mushroom, and Basket: Determinate or Indeterminate?
You may want to see also
White button mushrooms are the standard for the name mushroom
White button mushrooms, also known as Agaricus bisporus, are the most common variety of mushroom, accounting for about 90% of mushroom consumption in the United States. They are cultivated in at least 70 countries and are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms globally. Their versatility, quintessential mushroom flavour, and culinary versatility make them a popular choice.
White button mushrooms are the same species as the crimini or brown mushroom, as well as the portabella, with the difference being their age. The brown crimini and the large, brown portabella are simply more mature versions of the same mushroom. White button mushrooms are also known as baby button mushrooms when they are younger and smaller.
These mushrooms were discovered in 1925 at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, growing among a bed of brown mushrooms. The owner of the farm, Louis Ferdinand Lambert, a trained mycologist, brought the white mushroom back to his laboratory. The white mushroom was considered more attractive as a food item, similar to the reception of white bread, and soon became cultivated and distributed. Today, most cream-coloured store mushrooms are a result of this 1925 natural mutation.
White button mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They also provide dietary minerals like phosphorus and potassium. In terms of texture, they have a semi-firm bite and are crisp when sliced raw into salads or other dishes. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and have a great taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various recipes.
Unveiling Mushroom's Identity on Masked Singer
You may want to see also
White button mushrooms are the same as portobellos and criminis
White button mushrooms, criminis, and portobellos are all the same mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, but at different stages of maturity. When Agaricus bisporus is immature and white, it is known as a white button mushroom, common mushroom, white mushroom, cultivated mushroom, table mushroom, or champignon mushroom. As it grows older, it starts to turn brown and is known as a crimini, brown, or Swiss brown mushroom. When it reaches maturity, it is known as a portobello mushroom, often shortened to just portobello. The mature mushroom typically has a dark brown cap that can be as wide as the palm of an adult's hand.
White button mushrooms, also known as baby button mushrooms, are the youngest of the three. They have a white colour and a subtle, mild, almost bland flavour. Criminis, sometimes spelled cremini, are the middle-aged version of the mushroom. They are darker, firmer, and more mature than white button mushrooms, but smaller and younger than portobellos. They have a slight earthy flavour. Portobellos are the oldest and largest of the three. They have a strong earthy woody flavour.
White button mushrooms, criminis, and portobellos are commonly found worldwide in fields and grassy areas following rain, from late spring to autumn, especially in association with manure. They are cultivated in at least seventy countries worldwide and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, copper, iron, and magnesium.
The average height of the Agaricus bisporus mushroom is between 4 and 10 inches tall, with a cap width of 1 to 5.5 inches. However, this may vary depending on the stage of maturity, with younger mushrooms being smaller and older mushrooms being larger.
Mushrooming Philly Cheesesteak: The Best Fungi for Your Sandwich
You may want to see also
Explore related products
White mushrooms were discovered in 1925 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania
The common white mushroom, or Agaricus bisporus, is an edible basidiomycete mushroom native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It has two colour states while immature – white and brown. The mature state is brown with a cap measuring 10–15 centimetres (4–6 inches).
A. bisporus is cultivated in at least seventy countries worldwide and is one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. In the United States, the white button form of A. bisporus alone accounts for about 90% of mushrooms sold. In a 100-gram serving, raw white mushrooms provide 93 kilojoules (22 kilocalories) of food energy and are an excellent source of B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
White mushrooms are commonly found worldwide in fields and grassy areas following rain, especially in association with manure. They are often found in late spring through to autumn. When cooked, these mushrooms are crunchy with a sweet nuttiness; raw, they taste bitter.
White button mushrooms, criminis, and portobellos are the same mushroom. When portobellos are young and small, they are called criminis; when they are even younger and smaller, they are called white button mushrooms. Portobellos have a dark brown cap and are commonly used in Italian cooking as a meat substitute.
Deadly Mushrooms: Identifying the Lethal Few
You may want to see also
White mushrooms are cultivated in over 70 countries
The average height of the common white mushroom, or Agaricus bisporus, ranges from 1 to 2 centimetres (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) wide. The mature state of this mushroom is brown with a cap measuring 10–15 centimetres (4–6 in). This form is commonly sold under the names portobello, portabella, or portobella. When young and small, they are called white button mushrooms, and when they are even younger and smaller, they are known as criminis.
Today, most cream-coloured store mushrooms are products of this 1925 chance natural mutation. A. bisporus mushrooms are 92% water, 3% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and contain negligible fat. They are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, and are a good source of dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium.
The global production of mushrooms is estimated at approximately 48 million metric tons, with China being the largest producer, contributing 94% of the total production. China's extensive cultivation practices and diverse range of mushroom varieties, including Shiitake and Agaricus bisporus, contribute to its dominant position in the industry. Italy is the second-largest producer, generating 785,000 metric tons annually, with a focus on high-quality mushrooms such as Porcini and Agaricus bisporus. The United States of America, Netherlands, and Poland are also among the top five producers.
Steaming Mushrooms: Quick, Easy, and Healthy Way
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The average common white mushroom, or Agaricus bisporus, grows to be about 4 to 6 inches tall.
The cap of a common white mushroom typically measures 2 to 4 inches in diameter.
Yes, there are a few different types of common white mushrooms, including white button mushrooms, criminis, and portobellos. These are all the same mushroom at various points in their life cycle.
