Laura Smith
Crimini mushrooms, also known as cremini mushrooms, are a type of edible mushroom that belongs to the Agaricus bisporus genus. They are a slightly more mature version of white button mushrooms but are less mature than portobello mushrooms. Crimini mushrooms are small to medium in size, with a rounded cap that ranges from light to dark brown and a short, stubby stem. They have a meatier texture and an earthy flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes, including pastas, soups, casseroles, and salads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Edible mushroom |
| Genus | Agaricus bisporus |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Colour | Light to dark brown |
| Texture | Firm and spongy |
| Flavour | Earthy, meatier than white mushrooms |
| Uses | Pastas, soups, casseroles, risottos, omelets, quesadillas, tacos, tarts, bruschettas, salads, sauces, gravies |
| Storage | Wash immediately before use |
| Nutritional value | Contain potassium, amino acids, vitamin D, selenium, riboflavin, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and manganese |
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What You'll Learn
Crimini mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom
Crimini mushrooms, also known as cremini mushrooms, are edible mushrooms that are a part of the Agaricus bisporus genus. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries. Crimini mushrooms are matured versions of white button mushrooms but are less mature than portobello mushrooms. They are small and have a light tan to rich brown cap with a firmer texture. Their flavour is described as ""earthy", and it intensifies when cooked, lending a pleasant meaty texture to dishes. They are also known as "baby bellas" or "baby portobellos" as they are the last stage of maturity before they become portobellos.
Crimini mushrooms are widely available in stores and are one of the most popular mushrooms due to their versatility in the kitchen. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including pastas, soups, casseroles, risottos, omelettes, quesadillas, tacos, tarts, bruschetta, and salads. They can also be used in sauces and gravies, and can be prepared by sautéing, roasting, baking, or simmering. Crimini mushrooms can be stored in their original packaging or in a brown paper bag in the centre of the fridge. They should be washed immediately before use and should be avoided if they have dark, soft, or mushy spots.
The Agaricus bisporus mushroom has a complicated taxonomic history. It was first described by English botanist Mordecai Cubitt Cooke in his 1871 Handbook of British Fungi. The white variety was discovered in 1925 at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Louis Ferdinand Lambert, the owner of the farm and a trained mycologist, brought the white mushroom back to his laboratory. The white mushroom was seen as a more attractive food item and soon became cultivated and distributed.
The Agaricus bisporus mushroom has two colour states while immature: white and brown. When marketed in its mature state, the mushroom is brown with a cap measuring 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). This form is commonly sold under the names portobello, portabella, or portobella. The mushroom is commonly found worldwide in fields and grassy areas following rain, especially in association with manure.
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They are part of the Agaricus bisporus genus
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are a type of edible mushroom that is part of the Agaricus bisporus genus. Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the cultivated mushroom, is a basidiomycete 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 globally.
The Agaricus bisporus mushroom has two colour states while immature—white and brown—with additional names for the mature state, such as chestnut, portobello, portabellini, button, and champignon de Paris. The mature mushroom is brown with a cap measuring 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in diameter. This form is commonly sold under the names portobello, portabella, or portobella.
The original wild species of Agaricus bisporus has a pale grey-brown cap with broad, flat scales on a paler background, fading towards the margins. The cap is first hemispherical before flattening out with maturity, typically measuring 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter. The gills of the mushroom are initially pink, then turn red-brown, and finally become dark brown with a whitish edge.
Agaricus 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 a good source of dietary minerals like phosphorus and potassium.
Cremini mushrooms are matured versions of white button mushrooms but less mature than portobello mushrooms. They are small and tan on top, with an "earthy" flavour. Cremini mushrooms are widely available and can be used interchangeably with white mushrooms in recipes, although they offer a more intense mushroom flavour.
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Criminis are matured versions of white button mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as "baby bellas", are a type of edible mushroom that is a part of the genus Agaricus bisporus. They are widely available and can be easily found in grocery stores. Criminis are the matured versions of white button mushrooms but are less mature than portobello mushrooms. In other words, they are the middle stage of development of the common mushroom.
White button mushrooms are the least mature form of this mushroom variety and are cultivated for their white colour and soft texture. They are also the youngest variety and are very familiar kitchen staples. As mushrooms age, their colour changes from pale white to a medium cocoa brown, and their flavour intensifies. They get drier and develop a stronger, deeper, savoury umami flavour. Criminis are described as having an ""earthy" flavour and are smaller in size with a light tan to a rich brown cap and a firmer texture. Their flavour is more intense than white mushrooms, but less intense than portobellos.
Portobello mushrooms are the most mature version of the Agaricus bisporus mushroom. They are left to grow longer, resulting in a larger size and a more intense flavour. When marketed in its mature state, the mushroom is brown with a cap measuring 10–15 cm (4–6 in). This form is commonly sold under the names portobello, portabella, or portobella.
Cremini, white button, and portobello mushrooms can sometimes be substituted for one another in recipes, depending on the desired flavour and texture. Criminis are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including pastas, soups, casseroles, risottos, omelettes, quesadillas, tacos, tarts, bruschetta, and salads. They can also be used to make sauces and gravies. When selecting cremini mushrooms at the grocery store, look for those that are firm with a fresh, smooth appearance.
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Criminis are versatile in the kitchen
Criminis are indeed versatile in the kitchen. They are a type of edible mushroom that is a part of the genus Agaricus bisporus. Criminis are matured versions of white button mushrooms but less mature than portobello mushrooms. They are small and tan on top, commonly described as having an "'earthy' flavour. Their flavour is correlated with their age, which is negatively correlated with their moisture content. As the mushrooms age, they get drier and more flavourful.
Criminis can be used in a variety of dishes, including pastas, soups, casseroles, risottos, omelettes, quesadillas, tacos, tarts, bruschettas, and salads, as well as for making sauces and gravies. They can be prepared via sautéing, roasting, baking, simmering, and can also be served raw.
Criminis can be used interchangeably with white mushrooms in recipes, although the dish will lose some flavour when substituting white mushrooms for criminis. They can also be used interchangeably with portobello mushrooms, although they are smaller in size.
When purchasing criminis, look for those that are firm with a fresh, smooth appearance. Avoid those that have dark, soft, or mushy spots. Criminis should be stored fresh and unrinsed in their original packaging or in a brown paper bag with the top folded over in the centre of the fridge, not the crisper drawer. For long-term storage, they can be frozen. To wash criminis, swish them around in a bowl of water for about 10 seconds, then immediately pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Criminis are more flavorful than white mushrooms
Crimini mushrooms, also known as cremini, baby bella, or baby portobellos, are a type of edible mushroom within the Agaricus bisporus species. They are matured versions of white button mushrooms but less mature than portobello mushrooms. Crimini mushrooms are small and tan or brown on top, with a cap measuring 1-2 inches in diameter. They are commonly described as having an "earthy" and "heartier" flavor compared to white mushrooms.
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the youngest variety of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms. They are cultivated for their white color and soft texture, making them visually appealing and versatile in the kitchen. While they are widely consumed, they are milder in flavor than crimini mushrooms.
The difference between these two popular varieties of mushrooms is primarily their age. Crimini mushrooms are simply more mature versions of white mushrooms. As Agaricus bisporus mushrooms mature, they change from white to brown, developing a more robust flavor. Portobello mushrooms are the most mature form, with the largest caps and the strongest flavor.
When choosing between crimini and white mushrooms, it is important to consider the desired flavor profile and the specific recipe requirements. Both types of mushrooms are widely available and can be used interchangeably in many dishes, although substituting white mushrooms for crimini may result in some loss of flavor.
In terms of storage, fresh mushrooms should be kept in their original packaging or loosely in a paper bag in the refrigerator. They should not be stored in enclosed containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent condensation and spoilage. For optimal quality, it is recommended to use fresh mushrooms within a week of purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
Crimini mushrooms, also known as Cremini mushrooms, are a type of edible mushroom that is part of the Agaricus bisporus genus. They are a moderately mature version of the white button mushroom and are smaller and less mature than portobello mushrooms.
Crimini mushrooms are small to medium in size and have a rounded cap with a short, stubby stem. The smooth cap ranges from light to dark brown and is firm and spongy.
Crimini mushrooms are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, baking, and simmering. They can also be served raw and are commonly used in pastas, soups, casseroles, risottos, omelets, and salads.
