Laura Smith
Portobello mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are a popular variety of edible mushrooms, known for their rich, meaty flavour and substantial texture. Prized for their savoury taste and low-calorie content, they are also packed with nutrients. Portobello mushrooms are easy to grow at home, and doing so is fun, cheap, and can save you money. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and typically take 4-6 weeks to grow from spore to harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agaricus bisporus |
| Common Name | Portobello, Portabella, Crimini, Cremini |
| Flavour | Savoury, meaty, fresh, intense |
| Texture | Hearty, meat-like, substantial |
| Nutrients | Niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (B5), copper, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, iron |
| Calories | 16 Kcals per 100 grams |
| Growth Conditions | Temperatures between 55-70°F, shaded location protected from direct sun and strong winds |
| Growth Medium | Compost, mushroom spores |
| Container | Drainage holes or gravel at the bottom to prevent water retention |
| Outdoor Growth | Cover the bed with black plastic to sterilize the soil |
| Sterilization | Cover the compost with cardboard and a layer of black plastic sheeting |
| Moisture | Keep the soil moist |
| Harvest | Harvest when the caps have fully opened and gills are exposed |
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What You'll Learn
- Portobello mushrooms are the mature form of the Agaricus bisporus fungus
- Prepare the growing environment: containers, compost, spores, and moisture
- Portobellos grow best in temperatures between 55-70°F, in shaded locations
- Harvest when mature and brown with exposed gills
- Portobello mushrooms are low-calorie and nutrient-rich
Portobello mushrooms are the mature form of the Agaricus bisporus fungus
Portobello mushrooms, known scientifically as Agaricus bisporus, are mature brown mushrooms with a meaty texture and a rich flavour. They are the same species as white button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms, which are both harvested at an earlier stage of development. Portobellos are typically harvested when their caps have fully opened and their gills are exposed, revealing brown spores. They are also larger than their immature counterparts, with a cap diameter of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches).
Agaricus bisporus is a basidiomycete mushroom native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It has been cultivated for centuries and is now grown in more than 70 countries, making it one of the most commonly consumed mushrooms worldwide. The species has increased in popularity in North America with the introduction of brown strains, including Portobello. Commercial production of Portobello mushrooms typically occurs in temperature- and humidity-controlled environments, although historically, cultivation took place in caves, tunnels, or abandoned quarries.
To raise Portobello mushrooms, one must mimic the conditions in which they thrive. Portobellos prefer temperatures between 15.5 and 21 °C (60-70 °F) and high humidity levels of 65-80%. They can be grown outdoors in shaded locations protected from direct sun and strong winds. The ideal outdoor growing temperature is between 55-70°F. One can build a raised bed approximately 8 inches deep and fill it with composted material, such as wheat straw and horse manure, or substitutes like hay, corncobs, or cotton seed hulls. It is important to sterilise the soil to prevent contamination. This can be done by covering the bed with cardboard and a black plastic sheet, allowing the sun to clear the compost of harmful bacteria.
Once the bed is prepared, mushroom spores can be sprinkled onto the compost and misted with water to maintain moisture. Portobello mushrooms require abundant moisture and humidity to thrive. With proper care, one can expect 2-3 flushes from a single substrate, with each flush producing fewer mushrooms. When production stops or contamination occurs, the substrate should be replaced to start a new cycle.
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Prepare the growing environment: containers, compost, spores, and moisture
Portobello mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are a great choice for home growers as they are easy to grow, have a rich flavour, and are highly nutritious. They are the mature form of the Agaricus bisporus fungus, also known as cremini or button mushrooms.
When preparing the growing environment for your Portobello mushrooms, you will need to consider the following:
Containers
If you are growing your mushrooms indoors, you will need a container that is large enough to accommodate the number of mushrooms you wish to grow. The container should have proper drainage, such as drainage holes at the bottom, to prevent water retention and anaerobic conditions that could lead to bacterial growth.
Compost
Fill your chosen container with compost. To sterilise the soil before adding the compost, lay a piece of cardboard over the soil and cover it with a single layer of black plastic sheeting. Leave the black plastic sheet in place and let the bed sit outside in the sun. The sunlight passing through the plastic and cardboard will help clear the compost of harmful bacteria that could damage the mushrooms.
Spores
Mushroom spores can be purchased from garden stores. After removing the cardboard and plastic, mix the spores into the compost. You can also try liquid inoculation, transferring to popcorn, and then growing on coco coir. Mist the spores with water to moisten the soil.
Moisture
Portobello mushrooms require a lot of moisture and humidity to grow. Ensure that you keep the soil moist throughout the growing process, which typically takes 4-6 weeks from spore to harvest.
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Portobellos grow best in temperatures between 55-70°F, in shaded locations
Portobello mushrooms are the mature form of the Agaricus bisporus fungus, which also produces white button and cremini varieties. They are known for their rich, meaty flavour and hearty texture. Portobellos can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and the process is quite simple.
When growing Portobello mushrooms, it is important to remember that they thrive in specific temperature and lighting conditions. Portobello mushrooms grow best in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 70°F. If the temperature exceeds 80°F, it can stress the mycelium and increase the risk of contamination. Therefore, maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
When growing outdoors, choose a shaded location that is protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. Build a raised bed approximately 8 inches deep and fill it with composted material. The bed should be placed in an area that receives partial sun, such as a spot shaded by a house, bush, or tree. Monitor the soil temperature using a soil thermometer to ensure it stays within the optimal range.
For indoor cultivation, place the mushroom container in a cool, dark room, such as a basement or closet. Maintain the temperature between 65°F and 70°F. If the room is too bright, cover the container with a sheet of opaque plastic to create the necessary dark environment.
By providing the right temperature and lighting conditions, you can create an optimal environment for Portobello mushrooms to thrive and successfully grow your own supply of these delicious fungi.
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Harvest when mature and brown with exposed gills
Portobello mushrooms are the mature form of the Agaricus bisporus fungus, which are known for their savoury flavour and meaty texture. They are also low in calories and rich in nutrients such as vitamins B2, B3, and B5, as well as minerals like copper, potassium, and iron.
When growing Portobello mushrooms, it is important to know when to harvest them. Harvesting should occur when the mushrooms are mature and brown with exposed gills. These mushrooms are simply mature Criminis, which are three to seven days older and larger, with a size of around 5 inches (13 cm) across. When immature and brown, they are called Crimini mushrooms, and when immature and white, they are called button mushrooms.
To harvest Portobello mushrooms, it is best to wait until their caps have fully opened and their gills are exposed. This typically occurs when the mushrooms are between 3 to 7 days old and have reached a diameter of approximately 5 inches (13 cm). It is important to note that the mushrooms will continue to grow after being picked, so it is advisable to pick them slightly earlier if a smaller size is preferred.
The process of growing Portobello mushrooms involves preparing a suitable environment, usually a raised bed filled with compost and inoculated with spawn. The bed should be kept moist, and the mushrooms typically take 4-6 weeks to grow from spore to harvest. Portobello mushrooms require a lot of moisture and humidity to grow, so ensuring proper drainage is crucial to prevent water retention and anaerobic conditions that could lead to bacterial growth.
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Portobello mushrooms are low-calorie and nutrient-rich
Portobello mushrooms are the mature form of the Agaricus bisporus fungus, known for their rich, meaty flavour and substantial texture. They are also incredibly nutritious and low in calories, making them a popular food for health-conscious consumers.
Portobello mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrients, including copper and selenium. Copper is essential for forming connective tissue, metabolising iron, and producing energy and antioxidants. Selenium, on the other hand, helps the body produce thyroid hormones and antioxidants, and also supports the immune system and regulates inflammation. These mushrooms are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which is unique among non-animal food sources. Additionally, they contain non-nutritive compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
The low-calorie content of Portobello mushrooms makes them an attractive option for those watching their weight. According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving, or about one mushroom, contains only 18 calories. This is significantly lower than other protein sources such as meat. For example, 3 ounces of cooked ground beef contains 218 calories, whereas the same amount of Portobello mushrooms would provide only 18 calories. This makes Portobellos an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Portobello mushrooms are also versatile in the kitchen. They can be grilled like steaks, stuffed with various fillings, or used as a meat substitute in dishes like burgers and pasta. Their ability to soak up marinades and their meaty texture make them a favourite among vegetarians and those looking to reduce their meat consumption.
Growing your own Portobello mushrooms at home is easy and can be done both indoors and outdoors. The process involves filling a container with compost, sterilising the soil with cardboard and black plastic sheeting, and then sprinkling mushroom spores on top while maintaining moisture. With the right care, you can enjoy your own supply of tasty and nutritious Portobello mushrooms in just 4-6 weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
First, fill a container with compost and ensure it has proper drainage. Cover the bed with cardboard and a black plastic sheet. Then, sprinkle mushroom spores and mist with water. Portobellos need a lot of moisture and humidity to grow.
Portobello mushrooms grow best when daytime temperatures are between 55-70°F (10-21°C) and night temperatures do not drop below 50°F (10°C).
Portobello mushrooms are mature Criminis. Harvest the mushrooms when their caps have fully opened and their gills are exposed, typically when they are around 5 inches (13 cm) across.
Portobellos are prized for their rich, meaty flavor and low-calorie content. They are also a good source of nutrients including vitamins B2, B3, and B5, as well as minerals like copper, potassium, and iron. Additionally, growing your own mushrooms can be fun, easy, and cost-effective.
