Emily Johnson
Flat mushrooms, also known as field or BBQ mushrooms, are the largest variety of white mushrooms. They are cultivated in over 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. Flat mushrooms are simply button mushrooms that have been left to grow for longer. As they mature, they flatten and open, revealing their gills underneath, which gives them a darker colour and a softer texture. They have a rich umami flavour, making them ideal for adding a savoury taste to dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Flat mushrooms, field mushrooms, BBQ mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, portabello mushrooms, champignon |
| Colour | White |
| Size | Large |
| Cap | Wide, open cup |
| Texture | Softer than younger versions |
| Taste | Rich, earthy, meaty, brothy, nutty |
| Nutritional value | 93 kilojoules (22 kilocalories) of food energy, excellent source of B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, good source of dietary minerals phosphorus and potassium |
| Use cases | Grilled, broiled, stuffed, baked, roasted, barbecued, sandwiches, burgers, stir-fries, sauces, strudels, pastries, pasta, risotto, pizza, soups, salads |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 2-3 days, store loose in the crisper drawer on a humid setting with a clean paper towel underneath |
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What You'll Learn
- Flat mushrooms are the biggest in the white mushroom family
- They are also known as 'field' or 'BBQ' mushrooms
- Flat mushrooms are the same as button mushrooms, just left to grow longer
- They have a rich umami flavour and a softer texture
- Flat mushrooms are versatile and can be baked, grilled, roasted, or barbecued
Flat mushrooms are the biggest in the white mushroom family
Flat mushrooms, also known as field or BBQ mushrooms, are the largest in the white mushroom family. They are cultivated in over 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. Flat mushrooms are the same species as button mushrooms and mushroom cups, but they are allowed to grow for longer. As mushrooms mature, they flatten and open, revealing their gills underneath. This gives the mushroom a softer texture and a much richer umami flavour. Flat mushrooms are ideal when you want a rich mushroom flavour and a dark colour in your dish.
Button mushrooms are the least mature, with cremini being the in-between stage, followed by flat mushrooms, which are the largest, darkest brown, and most mature stage of the species. Flat mushrooms can grow to be over 10 cm in diameter. They have a white head and a wide, open cup. Flat mushrooms are best used when you want the richest mushroom flavour in your meal and the darkest colour in sauces.
The appeal of cooking with flat mushrooms lies in how herb butter soaks deeply into the mushrooms. They can be cooked in many ways, including grilling, roasting, stuffing, and baking. Flat mushrooms are also a good meat substitute in sandwiches, burgers, and paninis. They can be sliced and used as a filling for strudels and other pastries and as an ingredient in pasta, risotto, pizza, stir-fries, and sauces.
Flat mushrooms are best prepared and served soon after purchasing, but they can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. The best way to store them is loose, in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator on the humid setting, with a clean paper towel underneath.
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They are also known as 'field' or 'BBQ' mushrooms
Flat mushrooms, also known as field or BBQ mushrooms, are the largest variety of white mushrooms. They are also known as portobello mushrooms, which are mature brown mushrooms with a large, flat cup. Flat mushrooms are the same as button mushrooms or mushroom cups, but they are allowed to grow for a longer period, resulting in a softer texture and a richer umami flavour. They are often used in recipes that call for a rich mushroom flavour and a dark colour, such as sauces.
Flat mushrooms get their name from their flat appearance, which occurs as the mushroom matures and its cap opens up, revealing its gills. This process also contributes to the darker colour of the mushroom. Flat mushrooms are typically around 10 cm in diameter, but they can double in size every 24 hours during their growth period.
As flat mushrooms are a mature variety, they have a more intense flavour than their younger counterparts. This flavour is often described as earthy, meaty, and savoury, making them a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. They are also commonly used as a burger substitute, with their caps grilled and served in sandwiches, paninis, and burgers.
Flat mushrooms are versatile and can be prepared in various ways. They can be grilled, baked, stuffed, or used as a base for toppings. One popular recipe for flat mushrooms involves roasting them with herb butter and green onions, creating a flavoursome and visually appealing dish.
Flat mushrooms are widely available in supermarkets and farmers' markets and are typically stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. They are best prepared and served soon after purchase to ensure optimal freshness and flavour.
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Flat mushrooms are the same as button mushrooms, just left to grow longer
Flat mushrooms, also known as field or BBQ mushrooms, are the same variety as button mushrooms, just left to grow for longer. They are the biggest mushroom in the white mushroom family and can grow to over 10cm in diameter. They are left on the growing bed to get bigger, which results in a softer texture and a much richer umami flavour.
Button mushrooms are simply the youngest version of this mushroom variety. They are usually the smallest and are harvested the earliest. They have a delicate flavour and can be cooked whole. Flat mushrooms, on the other hand, are the most mature version, with their caps fully opened, revealing their gills underneath. This gives them a darker colour and a richer flavour.
The process of growing flat mushrooms involves leaving the mushrooms on the growing bed for a few extra days, allowing them to increase in size. This additional growth time results in the distinctive flat shape and larger size compared to button mushrooms.
Flat mushrooms are highly versatile in cooking. They can be used in various dishes, including roasting, grilling, stuffing, and barbecuing. Their rich flavour and soft texture make them ideal for enhancing the taste and appearance of meals.
In summary, flat mushrooms and button mushrooms belong to the same species, with the primary difference being their stage of maturity. Flat mushrooms are simply button mushrooms that have been allowed to grow longer, resulting in a larger size, darker colour, and richer flavour.
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They have a rich umami flavour and a softer texture
Flat mushrooms, also known as field or BBQ mushrooms, are the largest variety of white mushrooms. They are left to grow longer than their younger versions, the white cup and button mushrooms, and as a result, have a much softer texture and a richer umami flavour.
The umami flavour in flat mushrooms comes from a type of amino acid called glutamate, which is naturally present in mushrooms. As the mushrooms mature and lose their water content, the flavours become more concentrated, giving flat mushrooms a rich and bold flavour. This flavour, along with their meaty texture, makes them a popular meat substitute.
Flat mushrooms are best used when you want the richest mushroom flavour in your meal and the darkest colour in sauces. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, stuffing, and baking. One simple recipe is to roast them with herb butter, where the butter soaks deeply into the mushrooms, adding a distinct flavour.
Flat mushrooms are also commonly used as a meat substitute in sandwiches, burgers, and paninis. The caps can be grilled and served as burger substitutes or hollowed out and stuffed, making them a versatile ingredient in vegetarian cooking.
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Flat mushrooms are versatile and can be baked, grilled, roasted, or barbecued
Flat mushrooms, also known as field mushrooms, BBQ mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms, are incredibly versatile and can be baked, grilled, roasted, or barbecued. They are the biggest mushrooms in the white mushroom family and are essentially just button mushrooms or white cup mushrooms that have been left to grow bigger. Flat mushrooms have a softer texture than their younger counterparts and a much richer umami flavour.
When it comes to cooking flat mushrooms, there are several options available. One popular method is to roast them in an oven. To do this, simply brush the mushrooms with olive oil or butter, sprinkle them with thyme or other herbs, and bake them at 180-200°C for 15-25 minutes, depending on their size. Roasting flat mushrooms is a simple and tasty way to prepare them, and they can be served as a main course for vegetarians or as a side dish.
Another option for cooking flat mushrooms is to grill them. Grilled flat mushrooms can be a delicious addition to a variety of dishes, such as steak dinners, burgers, or grilled meat meals. They can also be added to Asian-inspired dishes, such as ramen or stir-fries. Grilling flat mushrooms is a quick and easy way to add flavour and texture to any meal.
Flat mushrooms can also be baked or barbecued. Baking flat mushrooms allows for creative stuffings and fillings, while barbecuing them can enhance their smoky flavour. Flat mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes and cooking methods. Whether baked, grilled, roasted, or barbecued, flat mushrooms make a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Additionally, flat mushrooms can be cooked in an air fryer. To ensure perfectly cooked flat mushrooms, it is important to brush away any dirt, melt butter, and brush it onto the tops and undersides of the mushrooms. Seasoning with sea salt flakes adds flavour, and pre-heating the air fryer ensures even cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Flat mushrooms are the same as button mushrooms or mushroom cups, they are simply left to grow longer. They are the biggest mushroom in the white mushroom family and can be over 10cm in diameter.
Flat mushrooms have a rich umami flavour and a softer texture than their younger versions. They are darker in colour and have a richer taste.
Flat mushrooms are versatile and can be baked, grilled, barbecued, or roasted. They are often used as a meat substitute and can be stuffed and baked, or sliced and fried.
