Sarah Brown
The USDA grades mushrooms into two categories: #1 and #2, based on size consistency, colour consistency by variety, and tightness of the veil cap. Grade #2 mushrooms are the same as Grade #1 mushrooms, except they have a greater tolerance for open veils and a larger tolerance for defects. Mushrooms with open veils are those that have been picked at an older stage and were getting ready to go to spore. The USDA allows for a 10% tolerance for mushrooms with open veils in any given lot at the shipping point, and a 25% tolerance en route or at the destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grade | #2 |
| Requirements | Same as U.S. No. 1 but with a greater tolerance for open veils and defects |
| Size | Small to medium (up to 1-5/8 inches in diameter) |
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What You'll Learn
Grade 2 mushrooms are fresh mushrooms with similar varietal characteristics
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are graded by the USDA based on several factors, including size consistency, colour consistency by variety, and tightness of the veil cap. Grade 2 mushrooms are fresh mushrooms with similar varietal characteristics. They are mature, fairly well-shaped, and well-trimmed. While they may have some open veils, they are free from disease, spots, insect injury, and decay. They are also free from any other damage caused by external factors.
The size specifications for Grade 2 mushrooms are the same as for Grade 1. They are classified as small to medium if they are up to 1-5/8 inches in diameter. Larger mushrooms exceed this diameter. While the veil cap does not affect the quality of the mushroom, it indicates that it was picked a little older and was getting ready to spore.
Grade 2 mushrooms have a greater tolerance for open veils and defects than Grade 1 mushrooms. This means that they may have slightly more imperfections, but they are still safe for consumption and provide the same nutritional benefits as other mushrooms. Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, selenium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium.
Portabellas, Creminis, and White Button mushrooms are all the same species, known as Agaricus bisporus, and can be graded as well. They are commonly found in supermarkets and are considered safe for consumption due to their controlled and sterilized growing environment.
Overall, Grade 2 mushrooms are a great option for cooking and provide the same flavour and nutritional benefits as other grades, despite having some minor imperfections. They are a testament to the versatility and adaptability of mushrooms as a culinary ingredient.
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They are mature, well-shaped, and well-trimmed
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can add a rich savoury quality to a variety of dishes. The USDA grades mushrooms into two categories: #1 and #2, based on size consistency, colour consistency, and tightness of the veil cap.
US No. 2 mushrooms are mature, well-shaped, and well-trimmed. They are picked at a later stage in their life cycle, and as a result, the veil cap is pulled away, exposing the gills. This doesn't affect the quality of the mushroom, but simply indicates that it is older and was getting ready to spore.
Mushrooms in this grade are still fresh and have similar varietal characteristics. They are simply allowed to grow a little older, and as a result, have a greater tolerance for open veils and a larger tolerance for defects.
Well-shaped mushrooms will be uniform in size and shape, with a consistent diameter. They will also be free from any disease, spots, insect injury, or decay. Well-trimmed mushrooms will have had their stems removed and been washed or brushed clean.
Overall, US No. 2 mushrooms are a great option for those looking for a more mature mushroom, and while they may have a few more defects, they still meet the high standards set by the USDA for fresh mushrooms.
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They have a greater tolerance for open veils
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. They are graded according to specific standards, with the USDA classifying mushrooms into two grades: #1 and #2. These grades are based on factors such as size consistency, colour consistency, and the tightness of the veil cap.
Grade #1 mushrooms, also known as U.S. No. 1, are fresh mushrooms that possess similar varietal characteristics. They are mature, well-shaped, well-trimmed, and free from open veils, disease, spots, insect injury, and decay.
Grade #2 mushrooms, or U.S. No. 2, meet the same requirements as Grade #1 mushrooms, except for two key differences. Firstly, they exhibit a greater tolerance for open veils. This means that up to 10% of the mushrooms in any given lot can have open veils at the shipping point, and this tolerance increases to 25% en route or at the destination. Open veils occur when the veil cap is pulled away, exposing the gills of the mushroom. This happens naturally as the mushroom matures and gets ready to release its spores. While it may indicate that the mushroom was picked a little older, it does not affect the quality or edibility of the fungus.
Additionally, Grade #2 mushrooms have a larger tolerance for defects. They may exhibit minor imperfections or variations in colour, shape, or texture that deviate from the ideal standards of Grade #1 mushrooms. These defects could include slight bruising, discolouration, or variations in size. It's important to note that even with these tolerances, Grade #2 mushrooms are still safe for consumption and meet the minimum standards for quality and maturity.
In summary, Grade #2 mushrooms, while allowing for a greater tolerance for open veils and minor defects, still meet the essential requirements for maturity, edibility, and overall quality. These mushrooms are a cost-effective option that can add flavour and versatility to a wide range of culinary creations.
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There is a larger tolerance for defects
The USDA has two grades for mushrooms: #1 and #2, based on size consistency, colour consistency by variety, and tightness of the veil cap. The requirements for grade #2 mushrooms are the same as for grade #1, except for a greater tolerance for open veils and a larger tolerance for defects.
Grade #1 consists of fresh mushrooms of similar varietal characteristics, which are mature, at least fairly well shaped, well trimmed, and free from open veils, disease, spots, insect injury, and decay, and from damage by any cause. Size is specified in terms of diameter and, unless otherwise specified, meets the requirements of one of the following size classifications: small to medium—up to 1-5/8 inches (3.9 cm) in diameter; or large—over 1-5/8 inches (3.9 cm) in diameter.
Grade #2 mushrooms, on the other hand, have a greater tolerance for open veils and a larger tolerance for defects. This means that up to 10% of mushrooms in any lot can have open veils at the shipping point, and up to 25% en route or at the destination. Additionally, up to 10% of mushrooms can fail to meet the remaining requirements of this grade, but not more than 1% shall be allowed for mushrooms affected by disease, spots, or decay.
The veil cap is the underside of a mushroom where the gills are located. A younger mushroom will have a completely closed veil, while an older, more mature mushroom will have the veil cap pulled away and exposing the gills. While this does not affect the quality of the mushroom, it indicates that the mushroom was picked a little older and was getting ready to release its spores.
Portabellas, criminis, and white button mushrooms are all the same mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, with different names. They are the most common type of mushroom grown and consumed, with an estimated 90% of the mushrooms eaten in the US belonging to this variety.
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They are specified by size classifications
The USDA has two grades for mushrooms: #1 and #2. These grades are based on size consistency, colour consistency by variety, and tightness of the veil cap. Mushrooms are graded based on their diameter, which falls into one of the following size classifications:
- Small to medium: up to 1-5/8 inches in diameter
- Large: over 1-5/8 inches in diameter
The requirements for a grade #2 mushroom are the same as for grade #1, except for a greater tolerance for open veils and a larger tolerance for defects. In terms of size, a grade #2 mushroom can be small to medium-sized, with a diameter of up to 1-5/8 inches.
When a mushroom is turned over and the gills can be seen, it means the veil cap is pulled away. Younger mushrooms will have a completely closed veil, while older, more mature mushrooms will have the veil cap pulled away, exposing the gills. This does not affect the quality of the mushroom, but simply indicates that it was picked a little older and was getting ready to go to spore.
At the shipping point, a tolerance of 10% is allowed for mushrooms in any lot that fail to meet the size requirements. En route or at the destination, a tolerance of 10% is also allowed for mushrooms that do not meet the size requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Grade 2 mushrooms are classified as U.S. No. 2 mushrooms. They are fresh mushrooms with similar varietal characteristics that are mature, fairly well-shaped, and well-trimmed.
Grade 1 mushrooms are classified as U.S. No. 1 mushrooms and are free from open veils, whereas grade 2 mushrooms have a greater tolerance for open veils and a larger tolerance for defects.
Grade 2 mushrooms are small to medium-sized, with a diameter of up to 1-5/8 inches.
The veil cap is the part of the mushroom that covers the gills. When you turn over a mushroom and can see the gills, it means the veil cap has been pulled away, indicating that the mushroom is older and more mature.
