Emily Johnson
Button mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries and are prized for their juicy texture and mild flavour. They are also one of the cheapest and easiest mushrooms to find in grocery stores. This versatile mushroom can be cooked in many ways, such as sautéing, grilling, or stuffing, and can be served as a side dish or incorporated into main courses like pasta, pizza, or soup. Growing button mushrooms at home is a rewarding hobby, offering fresh, organic produce regardless of outdoor conditions. With a predictable growth cycle, button mushrooms are an excellent choice for beginner cultivators, who can start with a simplified growing kit before advancing to more complex methods.
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What You'll Learn
How to cook button mushrooms
Button mushrooms are versatile and can be used in anything from pasta to curry and burgers. They have an earthy flavour and meaty texture.
To cook button mushrooms, start by cleaning them with a damp paper towel, removing any excess dirt. Trim any extra-long stems. You can gently rinse them, but be careful as mushrooms absorb a lot of water, which can affect their texture when cooked. Make sure they are completely dry.
Add butter and olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Let the mushrooms cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring infrequently, to allow them to brown and caramelize.
Reduce the heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, coating the mushrooms with the herbs and garlic. Toss everything together in the pan, then add to a serving dish, pouring any remaining pan juices over the top.
You can also sauté button mushrooms with garlic, teriyaki sauce, and a splash of red wine. This is perfect for topping steaks, pork chops, or baked potatoes.
Alternatively, roast the mushrooms with garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon and thyme leaves. This is a great, quick side dish.
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How to clean button mushrooms
There are several ways to clean button mushrooms, and the method you choose will depend on the type of mushroom and how dirty it is. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean button mushrooms effectively:
Inspect the mushrooms
Before cleaning, inspect the mushrooms for any signs of decay, such as grey-brown spots on the caps or discolouration on the stems. Also, check the moist area near the gills under the cap, as this can start to turn before the rest of the mushroom. While a little dirt on the cap or stem is normal and safe, you'll want to remove any large clumps of compost or soil.
Brush off the dirt
If your mushrooms are cultivated, they will likely be relatively clean since they are grown in sterile environments. In this case, you can simply brush off any remaining dirt with a dry towel, a mushroom brush, or an extra-soft toothbrush. You can also use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe down the mushrooms and remove any visible dirt.
Rinse with water
If your mushrooms are particularly dirty, you may need to rinse them with water. Place the mushrooms in a colander or salad spinner and rinse them under running water, gently rubbing them with your hands to remove any stubborn dirt. Then, drain them well and pat them dry with a clean dish towel or layers of paper towels.
Remove the stems
After cleaning the caps, you can remove the stems by grasping the base of the stem and twisting it back and forth to loosen and remove it. If the edges of the caps are straggly, you can trim them with kitchen shears.
Scoop out the gills
If you plan on slicing or stuffing the mushrooms, you may want to scoop out the gills with a spoon. Hold your finger on the outside of the cap behind the edges to prevent it from breaking apart.
Remember, it is best to clean mushrooms right before you intend to cook them to avoid any excess moisture or mould. Also, keep in mind that mushrooms are like little sponges, so avoid soaking them for too long, as they can absorb water, which may affect their cooking time and texture.
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How to grow button mushrooms
Growing white button mushrooms is a great project for beginner gardeners as their spores grow quickly and easily. They can be grown indoors, which means you can plant them at any time of the year.
To grow button mushrooms, you will need a dedicated growing space with temperature control. You can purchase ready-made spores online or at a nursery, and get a 14 by 16-inch tray. You can also buy a mushroom growing kit, which is a simplified entry point to button mushroom cultivation.
To create an indoor bed for your mushrooms, fill a wooden box that's at least 6 inches deep with nitrogen-rich manure, such as horse manure. Leave a few inches of space below the rim of the box. Add a mixture of equal parts compost and manure to the box and fill it with spores. Cover the spores with 1 inch of potting soil. As the temperature falls, spread a layer of regular potting soil over the newly formed roots. This layer will protect the delicate mycelium and provide nutrients for the new mushrooms as they grow.
Keep the environment constantly moist. Water the soil daily and cover the tray with a damp cloth. You can also use a layer of damp newspaper spread across the top of the soil. When mushrooms begin to form, remove the newspaper. In about a month, you should start to see mushrooms. Harvest them by twisting them out of the soil when you're ready to eat them. Your bed should continue to produce mushrooms for 3 to 6 months.
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How to identify button mushrooms
Button mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are the immature form of edible fungi that also include cremini and portobello mushrooms. They are the most widely cultivated mushroom in the world and are commonly found in fields and grassy areas following rain, especially in association with manure.
Button mushrooms are small and have a pale white colour, measuring 1 to 3 inches across. They have a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them extremely versatile. They are commonly used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, from tarts and omelettes to pasta, risotto, and pizza.
When selecting button mushrooms, look for those that are firm with a fresh, smooth appearance. The surface should be dry but not dried out, and they should appear plump. Button mushrooms typically feature a closed veil under the mushroom cap, as opposed to an open veil that reveals the mushroom's gills.
It is important to note that button mushrooms have a high water content, which means they are prone to turning mouldy or slimy if not used soon after purchase. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days, and avoid storing them in plastic bags or containers that can trap moisture.
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How to serve button mushrooms
Button mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a simple and flavorful way to prepare button mushrooms. To make them, heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced button mushrooms and cook until they are browned and caramelized. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Sautéed mushrooms make a great side dish and can be served with steak, pork chops, baked potatoes, or pasta. They can also be used as a topping for burgers or pizzas.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Another popular way to serve button mushrooms is to cook them in garlic butter. Melt butter in a pan and add sliced mushrooms, garlic, and herbs such as thyme and parsley. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized. These garlic butter mushrooms can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for meats like chicken or pork. They can also be added to breakfast dishes or stuffed inside chicken breasts for a savory main course.
Mushroom Gravy
If you have a larger quantity of button mushrooms, you can make a delicious mushroom gravy. Simply sauté the mushrooms in butter or olive oil and add them to a stock-based gravy. This gravy can be served with meats, potatoes, or used as a base for a shepherd's pie.
Mushroom Pasta Sauce
Button mushrooms can also be used to make a flavorful pasta sauce. Sauté the mushrooms with garlic and herbs, then add them to a tomato-based sauce or cream sauce. You can also include other ingredients like spinach, green onions, and cheese for a hearty and tasty mushroom pasta dish.
Other Ideas
Button mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some additional ideas:
- Mushroom quiche
- Mushroom risotto
- Scrambled eggs with mushrooms
- Mushroom lasagne
- Chicken or beef dishes with mushrooms
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Frequently asked questions
Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as button mushrooms, are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries.
Button mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, or adding them to dishes like pizza, pasta, or soup. When sautéing, heat oil in a large skillet over high heat, add the mushrooms and let them caramelize before tossing. Then, add butter, salt, garlic, and any other desired seasonings or ingredients like thyme, lemon juice, or white wine.
Button mushrooms are often quite dirty and may have a lot of dirt stuck to them. To clean them, use a damp paper towel to wipe them down gently, removing excess dirt. You can also give them a quick rinse to get rid of any remaining dirt, but be careful as mushrooms absorb water, which can affect their texture when cooked. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking.
Button mushrooms can be grown at home using a growing kit, which provides a straightforward way to cultivate mushrooms without the complexity of starting from scratch. These kits come with a pre-inoculated substrate and mushroom spawn. Alternatively, you can grow them from scratch by preparing the substrate, inoculating the spawn, and following the critical phases of cultivation, including substrate formulation and harvest.
Button mushrooms are 92% water and have minimal caloric content. They also provide significant amounts of B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and copper. Additionally, they are a good source of protein and contain negligible fat.
