Emily Johnson
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the most common variety of mushrooms. They are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini and portobello mushrooms. White mushrooms are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in over 70 countries. They have a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them versatile and perfect for any cooking application. They are also highly nutritious, providing excellent sources of vitamin B, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and vitamin D.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | White Button Mushrooms |
| Scientific Name | Agaricus Bisporus |
| Colour | White |
| Size | 1-3 inches across |
| Texture | Meaty |
| Flavour | Mild, earthy, brothy |
| Nutritional Value | High in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, vitamin C |
| Health Benefits | May help prevent osteoporosis, mineralization defects, muscle weakness, heart disease, and cancer |
| Storage | Store in original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
White button mushrooms are the most common variety
White button mushrooms, or Agaricus bisporus, are the most common variety of mushrooms. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries and are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world. In the United States, they represent about 90% of mushrooms consumed.
White button mushrooms are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini mushrooms and portobello mushrooms. Button mushrooms are small, measuring 1 to 3 inches across, and have a pale white colour. They have a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them extremely versatile in the kitchen. They can be used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, including tarts, omelettes, pasta, risotto, and pizza.
The entire mushroom is edible, from cap to stem, and they are easy to slice. However, their flesh is delicate, and they should be handled gently as they bruise easily. When bruised, the white flesh turns first pink and then brown. To clean mushrooms, brush off any debris with fingers or a damp paper towel, or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry.
White button mushrooms are a good source of nutrition. They are low in calories and sugar and high in protein and vitamin D. They also contain vitamin B12, which is usually obtained from animal sources, making them a beneficial food for those following a plant-based diet. Additionally, white mushrooms contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C. These compounds have been linked to improved heart health and potential cancer-fighting properties.
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They are versatile and nutritious
White button mushrooms are the most common variety of mushroom, constituting about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are versatile and nutritious, making them a popular ingredient in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques.
White button mushrooms have a mild flavour and a meaty texture. Their flavour intensifies when cooked, becoming juicy and tender, which makes them a perfect meat substitute for vegetarian and vegan dishes. They are easy to slice and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, and roasting. They can also be added to dishes such as pasta, stir-fries, omelettes, salads, soups, sauces, pizzas, and burgers.
Nutritionally, white button mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B12. They also contain dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium, as well as protein and negligible amounts of fat. White mushrooms are low in calories and sugar, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, white button mushrooms have a wide range of medicinal properties. They contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C. These compounds have been linked to improved heart health and potential cancer-fighting properties. Research suggests that the polysaccharide beta glucan may stimulate the immune system to activate natural killer cells, which can help protect the body from cancer and other diseases.
Overall, white button mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food that can enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of a variety of dishes. They are a healthy and delicious option for anyone, but especially for those following plant-based diets.
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White mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B, D, and B12
White button mushrooms, scientifically classified as Agaricus bisporus, are some of the most widely cultivated and consumed mushroom varieties worldwide. They are the most popular mushroom, representing about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are versatile in the kitchen, with a mild flavor and meaty texture, and are suitable for a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is essential for maintaining proper nerve function, promoting red blood cell formation, supporting healthy brain function, and helping with the production of DNA. It also helps prevent anemia. White mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B12, although it is generally low across most varieties of mushrooms and absent from plant sources.
White mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as it helps the body absorb calcium. They contain only 0.2 micrograms of vitamin D per 100g when fresh, but their vitamin D content increases substantially to 11.2 micrograms after exposure to UV light.
In addition to their vitamin content, white mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber and minerals such as potassium, copper, and selenium, which contribute to cardiovascular health and proper heart and muscle function. They also contain antioxidants, such as choline, which protect cells from damage and may provide anti-aging effects.
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They have medicinal properties, including anticancer effects
White button mushrooms, or Agaricus bisporus, are the most commonly consumed mushrooms in the United States, representing about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the country. They are prized for their versatility in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, from tarts and omelets to pasta, risotto, and pizza. Their mild flavor and meaty texture make them extremely versatile.
White button mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They also provide dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium. In addition to their culinary uses, white mushrooms offer medicinal properties that have been recognized in traditional medicine practices and are now being validated through contemporary studies.
Mushrooms, in general, have long been used in Oriental and East Asian medicine to promote good health and vitality. Recent studies have further revealed their potential as a source of nutraceuticals, antioxidants, anti-cancer agents, prebiotics, immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory agents, and more. The discovery of hundreds of novel constituents within mushrooms has sparked interest in their use as "biotherapeutics".
Some mushroom species have been found to exhibit anticancer effects, complementing chemotherapy and radiation therapy by countering their side effects, such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and lowered resistance. Turkey tail mushrooms, for instance, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system. Polysaccharide K (PSK), an active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. Reishi, another type of mushroom, has been used in East Asian medicine to prolong life, prevent aging, and increase energy. It is also being used to strengthen the immune system of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of turkey tail or PSK as a treatment for cancer in the United States, ongoing research projects are aimed at promoting mushrooms as new-generation "biotherapeutics". The Japanese mushroom Lactariusflavidulus mycelial culture has also been found to exhibit anti-cancer properties. The polysaccharides extracted from this mushroom inhibited the growth of Sarcoma 180 by 100% when administered into white mice.
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White mushrooms are the immature form of Agaricus bisporus
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the most popular mushroom variety. They are the immature form of Agaricus bisporus, also known as the cultivated mushroom, and they constitute about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. White mushrooms are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries worldwide.
The discovery of the white mushroom dates back to 1925 when it was found growing among brown mushrooms at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The farm's owner, Louis Ferdinand Lambert, a trained mycologist, brought the white mushroom back to his laboratory. The white colour was seen as a more attractive food item, and soon, cultivation and distribution began.
White mushrooms have a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them versatile in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. They are commonly used in dishes such as pasta, stir-fries, omelettes, salads, soups, sauces, pizzas, and burgers. The flavour of white mushrooms intensifies when cooked, and their texture becomes tender and juicy.
Nutritionally, white mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They also contain dietary minerals like phosphorus and potassium. Additionally, they provide health benefits such as improved heart health and potential cancer-fighting properties due to their content of ergothioneine and beta glucan.
White mushrooms are typically sold fresh and should be stored in their original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. When selecting white mushrooms, look for those that are firm, with a fresh, smooth appearance and a dry surface.
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Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms, or white button mushrooms, are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini mushrooms and portobello mushrooms. They are the most commonly consumed mushrooms in the United States, constituting about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the country.
White mushrooms are low in calories and sugar, and are a good source of protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin C, selenium, and glutathione. They also contain polysaccharides, which are believed to have anti-cancer effects.
Fresh white mushrooms should be stored in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to a week. Fresh mushrooms should not be frozen, but cooked mushrooms can be frozen for up to a month.
