Laura Smith
Portabella mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a rich, earthy flavor and a dense, meaty texture. They are a variety of Agaricus bisporus, the most popular species of edible mushroom. When shopping for portabellas, look for those that are firm, smooth, and dry. Portabellas are available from various brands, including Monterey Mushrooms, Amazon Grocery, and Pennsylvania Dutchman, and can be purchased fresh or canned. They are a flavorful addition to many dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, and sandwiches, and can be grilled, sautéed, or roasted to enhance their savory taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Monterey Mushrooms® |
| Common names | Agaricus bisporus, baby bella, brown mushroom, common white mushroom, cremini, crimini, portabella mushroom, portabello mushroom, white button |
| Size | Medium to large, 10 to 15 centimeters in diameter, or up to 6 inches |
| Appearance | Convex to broad and flat, depending on maturity; cap color ranges from tan to dark brown, with a smooth to slightly wrinkled texture; the underside of the cap has dark brown gills |
| Texture | Dense, meaty, sturdy, thick, and hearty |
| Taste | Savory, earthy, rich, subtly smoky, with umami flavor |
| Seasonality | Available year-round, with a peak season from December to March |
| Nutrition | Low in sodium, low in fat and calories, a source of B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, copper, and vitamin D (when exposed to UV light); contain non-nutritive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties |
| Culinary uses | Grilled, sautéed, roasted, added to pasta or sauces, used as a meat alternative in burgers or sandwiches |
| Storage | Store in original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator; can be frozen after sautéing |
| Cleaning | Brush off debris with fingers or a damp paper towel, or briefly rinse under running water and pat dry |
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What You'll Learn
Monterey Mushrooms®
In addition to fresh mushrooms, Monterey Mushrooms® also offers processed and organic options, as well as mushroom powders and extracts under their Monterey Nutra brand. These products are crafted with US-grown mushrooms cultivated on their California farms and are certified by the USDA National Organic Program, KOF-K Kosher, PrimusGFS, and are vegan and non-GMO.
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Health benefits
Portabella mushrooms are a good source of many nutrients. They are low in fat and calories, with 100 grams of raw mushrooms containing no fat and only 22 calories. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps the body maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, and B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Portabella mushrooms also contain selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect body cells from damage that can lead to heart disease, some cancers, and other diseases of aging. They also contain non-nutritive compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In animal studies, mushrooms have been shown to stimulate immune cells and stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Portabella mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, which is unique among non-animal foods. Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone health and immune function. However, many commercial mushrooms are grown in dark indoor spaces, so they may not contain significant amounts of vitamin D.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, portabella mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in cooking. They can be grilled, marinated, or pan-fried, and used in place of meat in burgers or as a side dish. They are also popular in Italian cuisine, where they are often added to pasta or sauces.
Portabella mushrooms are a healthy and delicious addition to any diet, offering a range of potential health benefits and culinary applications.
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Nutritional value
Portobello mushrooms, botanically classified as Agaricus bisporus, are the larger, earthier, and more mature versions of a common mushroom. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries. They are known for their dense, meaty, sturdy, thick, and hearty texture and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Portobello mushrooms are low in fat and calories, with 100 grams of raw mushrooms providing only 22 calories and no fat. They contain selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect body cells from damage that may lead to heart disease, some cancers, and other diseases of aging. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps the body maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Portobello mushrooms contain B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as support the nervous system. They also contain non-nutritive compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Animal studies have shown that mushrooms can stimulate immune cells and stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Portobello mushrooms are also a good source of protein and micronutrients. They have an earthy, brothy, and umami flavor, with the latter being more intense compared to other mushroom varieties. This makes them a good substitute for foods higher in fat and calories, such as meat and cheese.
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How to cook
Portabella mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are a larger relative of white button and crimini mushrooms, with caps ranging from three to six inches in diameter. Portabellas are a hearty, savory, meaty variety with a strong umami flavour, making them a great choice for both meat and vegetarian dishes.
When selecting portabella mushrooms, choose those that are firm with a fresh, smooth appearance. The surface of the mushroom should be dry, but not dried out, and appear plump. The gills should be firm and the colour of the cap should range from tan to dark brown.
Portabellas can be cleaned with a damp paper towel or rinsed briefly under running water and then patted dry. It is best not to pre-wash mushrooms as the moisture will spoil them faster.
Grilling
Portabellas are a grill favourite and can be grilled over a smoky fire. They can be marinated in vinegar and herbs before grilling, or even used as a vegetarian alternative to burger patties.
Sautéing
Portabellas can be sautéed and used in place of meat, or as a whole-ingredient meatless alternative in dishes such as stir-fries.
Roasting
Portabellas can be roasted with a range of herbs and seasonings.
Other ideas
Portabella mushrooms are popular in Italian dishes, where they are often added to pasta or sauces. They can also be sliced and served in place of burger buns, or even as a substitute for meat in burgers.
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Spelling and origin of the name
The spelling and origin of the name "portabella mushroom" are heavily debated. The mushroom is known as portobello, portabello, and portabella, and it is generally accepted that any of these spellings are correct. The variety of spellings is attributed to a marketing rebranding of the mushrooms in the 1980s. Multiple spellings were used throughout the marketing campaign, creating confusion around the correct name.
One theory suggests that the name portobello is derived from the Italian words "porto," meaning "port" or "door," and "bello," meaning "handsome" or "bella," meaning "beautiful." The name is believed to have originated from an unknown site in Italy, which explains the Italian-sounding name.
Another theory suggests that the name portobello comes from Portobello, a town in Italy. This theory supports the idea that the name has Italian origins.
Portobello mushrooms are medium to large in size, averaging 10 to 15 centimetres in diameter. The caps are generally plump and range in colour from tan to dark brown. They have a smooth to slightly wrinkled surface that is sometimes covered in small flaky scales. Portobello mushrooms are known for their dense, meaty, sturdy, thick, and hearty texture. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are available year-round, with a peak season from December to March.
Portobello mushrooms, botanically classified as Agaricus bisporus, are the larger, more mature versions of common mushrooms. They belong to the Agaricaceae family and are cultivated in more than 70 countries. Portobello mushrooms have two colour states when immature – white and brown – and are known by various names, including button, crimini, baby portobello, baby bella, mini bella, and champignon de Paris. When mature, it is called a portobello, although it is frequently misspelled as portabello or portabella.
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Frequently asked questions
Monterey Mushrooms® is a well-known brand that popularised the Portabella mushroom. They are sold at retailers across the nation.
Portabella mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and copper. They also contain non-nutritive compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
Portabella mushrooms are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are popular in Italian dishes, where they are often added to pasta or sauces. You can also grill them, use them in place of burger buns or the burger itself, marinate them in vinegar and herbs, or slice them into strips and cook them in a stir-fry.
