Laura Smith
White button mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are the most common variety of mushrooms. They are cultivated in over 70 countries and are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms globally. With a trumpet-like shape and a depression in the centre of their caps, they are mild in flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are also a good source of B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agaricus bisporus |
| Common Name | White button mushroom |
| Origin | Native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America |
| Cultivation | Cultivated in more than 70 countries |
| Commercial Cultivation Initiated | Europe, 17th Century |
| Global Production (2022) | 48 million tonnes |
| Nutritional Composition | 92% water, 3% carbohydrates, 3% protein, negligible fat |
| Vitamin Content | B vitamins, selenium, potassium |
| Vitamin D Content (Raw) | Low |
| Vitamin D Content (Exposed to UV Light) | High |
| Flavor | Mild, earthy, meaty, brothy (umami) |
| Texture | Delicate, prone to bruising |
| Culinary Uses | Soups, salads, pizzas, stuffing, sautéing, etc. |
| Toxicity | Contains small amounts of hydrazines (carcinogenic) |
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What You'll Learn
Button mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores
Button mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries. They are also the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world.
Button mushrooms are white when immature and brown when mature, with a cap measuring 10-15 cm (4-6 in). They are easy to slice and prepare, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes. Their flesh is delicate, and they should be handled gently to avoid bruising. They have a mild umami flavour, which comes from the amino acid glutamate naturally present in mushrooms and other foods such as parmesan cheese and anchovies.
Button mushrooms are highly nutritious, containing B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium. While they do not naturally contain high levels of vitamin D, exposing them to UV light during growth can significantly increase their vitamin D content.
In grocery stores, it is best to select loose button mushrooms that are smooth, plump, and firm, with unopened caps and no signs of bruising or sliminess. They should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, and used within a few days to avoid spoilage.
Button mushrooms are versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes, including soups, salads, pizzas, quesadillas, and more. They are a popular ingredient due to their mild flavour, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits.
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They are mild in flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked
Button mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores. They are also the most widely consumed mushroom variety in the world. They are mild in flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked.
When eaten raw, button mushrooms have a bitter taste. However, when cooked, they develop a sweet nuttiness. They are also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, pizzas, quesadillas, and burgers. They are also great when stuffed or sautéed.
Button mushrooms are easy to cook and hold their flavour well. They are also more forgiving in a recipe than certain wild mushrooms. They can be chopped and sautéed with a little oil that has a high smoke point, resulting in delicious little flavour bombs that can be added to any dish.
Button mushrooms are highly nutritious. They contain B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of protein, with around 20-30% by dry weight. In addition, button mushrooms contain a high amount of retene, which is believed to have an antagonistic effect on certain types of tumours.
While button mushrooms can be eaten raw, it is recommended to cook them to reduce the risk of exposure to poisonous or irritating compounds, such as hydrazines, which are present in small amounts. Cooking also makes the mushrooms more digestible, as the chitinous cell walls of raw mushrooms are difficult for humans to digest.
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They are 92% water, making them prone to mould
Button mushrooms (Agaricus spp.) are the most popular mushroom variety globally, with China accounting for 94% of the world's total production in 2022. They are also the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores, with an estimated 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the US belonging to the button variety.
Button mushrooms are cultivated in at least 70 countries and are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. They are highly nutritious, containing B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of protein, with a content of around 20–30% by dry weight.
Button mushrooms have a high water content, at approximately 92%. This makes them prone to turning mouldy or slimy. To prevent this, they should be used as soon as possible after purchase. While they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, it is important to avoid encasing them in plastic, as this traps moisture and accelerates spoilage. Instead, they should be kept loose in the crisper drawer, lined with a clean paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
The high water content in button mushrooms dilutes their umami flavour, making it less intense compared to other mushroom varieties. As the mushrooms mature into their cremini and portobello phases, their water content decreases, resulting in an enhanced umami taste.
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They are cultivated in over 70 countries
The button mushroom, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, is the most popular mushroom variety cultivated and consumed globally. It is native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and is cultivated in over 70 countries.
The earliest scientific description of the commercial cultivation of A. bisporus was made by French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in 1707. However, the cultivation of button mushrooms (A. bisporus) started in the 16th century, and on a commercial scale in Europe in the 17th century.
Commercial cultivation of button mushrooms has been influenced by various factors, including the development of sterilized or pure culture spawn, which was discovered by the Pasteur Institute in Paris in 1893. This breakthrough allowed for reliable cultivation on composted horse manure. Additionally, the discovery of the white button mushroom in 1925 at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, contributed to its widespread cultivation.
Today, large-scale production of button mushrooms is centred in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. India is a significant producer, with its diverse agroclimate conditions and abundance of agricultural wastes, exporting the highest quantity of its mushroom production to the United States. The Netherlands and China are also major exporters, with Germany being the largest importer.
The button mushroom is widely available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. It is easy to cook and holds its flavour well, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes, including soups, salads, pizzas, and more.
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They are a good source of vitamins and minerals
Buttons and mushrooms are distinct objects, with the latter being a type of fungus that grows in nature, while buttons are typically made of plastic or metal and used on garments. Now, here is the content you requested about mushrooms:
Mushrooms are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, offering a plethora of health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, providing a natural and healthy boost to your diet. Vitamins are essential for the body's normal growth and development, while minerals play a crucial role in regulating bodily functions and maintaining overall health.
These vitamin-rich foods are high in B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are vital for energy production, brain health, and healthy skin. Riboflavin, for instance, helps convert food into energy and is necessary for the production of red blood cells, while niacin aids in lowering cholesterol and improving heart health.
In addition to B vitamins, mushrooms are a rare non-animal source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. When exposed to sunlight or UV light, they produce vitamin D2, a plant-based form of this vital nutrient. Including mushrooms in your diet can help ensure you're getting enough vitamin D, especially if you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Minerals found in mushrooms include selenium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, while copper plays a role in energy production and the formation of red blood cells. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function, while phosphorus works alongside calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
By incorporating mushrooms into your meals, you can reap the benefits of these vitamins and minerals. Whether you enjoy them raw, grilled, or sautéed, mushrooms add not only flavor but also a nutritious boost to your favorite dishes. So, the next time you're reaching for a snack or planning a meal, remember that mushrooms are a tasty and healthy option that can contribute to your overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
A button mushroom is a type of mushroom that is widely cultivated and consumed around the world. It is also known as Agaricus bisporus, and it has a mild flavour and a high water content.
Button mushrooms are white or brown with a trumpet-like shape and a depression in the centre of their caps. They have a veil underneath the cap, which indicates freshness—a closed veil means the mushroom is fresh, while an open veil means it is less fresh.
Button mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often sautéed, sliced into salads, or added to soups, pizzas, and other dishes. They are easy to cook and hold their flavour well.
Button mushrooms contain B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of protein and have medicinal properties. However, they contain small amounts of hydrazines, which are carcinogenic chemicals, so it is recommended to cook them before consuming.
Button mushrooms are widely available at supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. They are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores, constituting an estimated 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the US.
