Michael Davis
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the most cultivated and consumed type of mushrooms in the world. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries. White mushrooms are versatile and can be used in many dishes, including tarts, omelets, pasta, risotto, and pizza. They have a mild flavor and meaty texture, making them extremely versatile. White mushrooms are also known for their nutritional value and medicinal properties, including potential cancer-fighting properties due to their antioxidant compounds. They are a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, and are low in calories and sugar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | White button mushrooms, white mushrooms, cultivated mushrooms, champignon de Paris, button mushrooms, common mushrooms |
| Scientific name | Agaricus bisporus |
| Colour | White, sometimes with a pale pinkish-red hue when bruised |
| Texture | Meaty, juicy, firm |
| Flavour | Mild, earthy, brothy, umami |
| Size | 1-3 inches across, 1-2 cm wide |
| Edible parts | Cap to stem |
| Uses | Sautéing, baking, braising, deep-frying, stir-frys, omelets, salads, soups, sauces, pizza toppings, pasta, risotto, tarts |
| Nutrition | High in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin C, selenium, glutathione, ergothioneine, polysaccharides, polyphenols, antioxidants, low in calories and sugar |
| Health benefits | May have anti-cancer effects, may reduce risk of heart disease, may reduce triglyceride levels |
| Storage | Store in original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator, at a temperature between 4° and 7°C |
| Cleaning | Brush off debris with fingers or a damp paper towel, or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry |
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What You'll Learn
White mushrooms are the most cultivated type of mushroom in the world
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the most cultivated type of mushroom in the world. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in more than 70 countries. In 2022, the world production of mushrooms, including truffles, was 48 million tonnes, with China being the largest producer, accounting for 94% of the total production.
White button mushrooms are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini mushrooms and portobello mushrooms. They are small, measuring 1 to 3 inches across, and have a pale white colour. The entire mushroom is edible and has a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them extremely versatile in cooking. They can be sautéed, baked, braised, or deep-fried, and are commonly used in pasta dishes, stir-fries, omelettes, salads, soups, sauces, and as a topping for pizzas and burgers.
White mushrooms are widely consumed due to their nutritional value and medicinal properties. They are low in calories and sugar, high in protein, and a good source of vitamins B12, C, and D, as well as dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium. Additionally, they contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, and selenium, which may have potential cancer-fighting properties and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
White mushrooms are cultivated in controlled environments with adjusted temperature and humidity, allowing them to be grown year-round. They are picked by hand and packaged immediately to preserve their white colour. When buying white mushrooms, look for those that are firm, with a fresh, smooth, and dry appearance. They should be stored in the original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days to ensure freshness.
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They are versatile and can be used in many dishes
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the most commonly consumed mushrooms in the world. They are cultivated in over 70 countries and represent about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. With their mild flavour and meaty texture, white mushrooms are extremely versatile in cooking.
White mushrooms can be used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. They are a perfect pick for any cooking application and can be sautéed, baked, braised, or deep-fried. Their flavour intensifies when cooked, and their texture becomes tender, juicy, and satisfyingly meaty. White mushrooms are great in pasta dishes, stir-fries, omelettes, salads, soups, sauces, and as a topping for pizzas and burgers. They can also be served as a side dish, sautéed with butter, herbs, and garlic, or added to tarts, risottos, and pizzas.
The entire mushroom is edible, from cap to stem, and they are easy to slice. However, they should be handled gently as they bruise easily. When bruised, the white flesh turns pink and then brown. To clean white mushrooms, brush off any debris with fingers or a damp paper towel, or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry. It is important to note that fresh mushrooms should not be washed in water as they can absorb the water, spoiling their flavour.
White mushrooms are also valued for their nutritional content and medicinal properties. They are low in calories and sugar, high in protein and vitamin D, and a source of vitamin B12. They contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C, which may contribute to their potential cancer-fighting properties.
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They are rich in vitamins and minerals
White mushrooms, also known as button mushrooms, are a type of edible fungus that is cultivated and consumed worldwide. These mushrooms are widely used in cooking, and they offer a range of potential health benefits due to their nutrient content.
When it comes to nutrition, white mushrooms are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, plays a vital role in energy production and maintaining healthy skin, while niacin (vitamin B3) supports cardiovascular health and aids in lowering cholesterol levels. Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is important for metabolism and healthy nerve function. White mushrooms also contain small amounts of other B vitamins, such as pyridoxine (B6) and folate, which are essential for red blood cell formation and maintaining normal brain function.
In addition to B vitamins, white mushrooms provide a good source of selenium, a mineral with powerful antioxidant properties. Selenium helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and may also boost the immune system and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. White mushrooms are also a source of potassium, a mineral that is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function. They contain more potassium than an equivalent amount of banana, making them a valuable contribution to a healthy diet.
White mushrooms also contain ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant that may have additional health benefits. Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has been linked to improved immune function and protection against certain types of cancer and neurological diseases. The concentration of ergothioneine in white mushrooms is higher than in most other foods, making them a valuable source of this beneficial compound.
Overall, the vitamin and mineral content of white mushrooms contributes to their potential health benefits. Their nutritional profile makes them a valuable addition to a balanced diet, and their versatility in the kitchen makes it easy to incorporate them into a variety of dishes. Whether you're seeking to boost your intake of B vitamins, selenium, potassium, or antioxidants, white mushrooms offer a delicious and nutritious option.
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They have potential cancer-fighting properties
White mushrooms, also known as button mushrooms, are a type of fungi that are commonly used in cooking and have a variety of potential health benefits. One of the most intriguing areas of research concerning these mushrooms is their potential cancer-fighting properties.
Studies have suggested that white mushrooms contain a range of compounds that can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. One of the key compounds is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA has been shown to have anti-cancer effects in various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and skin cancer. It is believed that CLA works by interfering with the cell cycle of cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell death. White mushrooms are a rich source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant that has been linked to cancer prevention. This compound helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of cancer. Ergothioneine may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could further contribute to its cancer-fighting potential.
Additionally, white mushrooms contain a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which has been studied for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer effects. Beta-glucan is thought to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, as well as inhibit the growth of new blood vessels that supply tumors. Preliminary research suggests that consuming white mushrooms may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression. A study found that men who ate cooked white mushrooms daily had a smaller decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels, which is often used as a marker for prostate cancer progression, compared to those who did not consume mushrooms.
The potential cancer-fighting properties of white mushrooms may also extend to breast cancer. In one animal study, a extract from white button mushrooms was found to inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the extract reduced the expression of genes associated with tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting that it may have the ability to suppress the progression of breast cancer. White mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including folate, which has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Adequate folate intake is important for proper DNA synthesis and repair, and a deficiency in this vitamin has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer development.
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They are easy to store and preserve
White button mushrooms are the most common variety of mushroom, representing about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. They are prized for their versatility in cooking and their health benefits.
White mushrooms are easy to store and preserve. They should be stored in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to a week. To prolong their shelf life, they can be stored in the vegetable drawer or the crisper drawer on the humid setting, with a clean paper towel underneath them. The ideal storage temperature for white mushrooms is between 4° and 7°C, and they will keep for at least three days under these conditions.
It is important to note that fresh white mushrooms should never be frozen. However, cooked mushrooms can be frozen and will keep for up to a month. To clean white mushrooms before use, it is recommended to brush off any debris with fingers or a damp paper towel. Alternatively, they can be briefly rinsed under running water and then patted dry with a paper towel. Avoid washing white mushrooms in water as they can absorb water, which spoils their flavour.
White mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. They have a mild flavour and a meaty texture, making them a perfect addition to pasta dishes, stir-fries, omelettes, salads, soups, sauces, pizzas, burgers, and more. They can be sautéed, baked, braised, or deep-fried.
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Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus. They are mild in flavour and have a meaty texture.
White mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They also contain dietary minerals such as phosphorus and potassium, as well as vitamin D and protein. Research suggests that white mushrooms may have anti-cancer effects and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
White mushrooms should be stored in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. They should be kept at a temperature between 4° and 7°C and will stay fresh for up to a week.
White mushrooms should not be washed in water. Instead, use a small brush or a damp paper towel to gently remove any debris.
White mushrooms are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. They can be sautéed, baked, braised, or deep-fried. They are commonly used in pasta dishes, stir-fries, omelettes, salads, soups, pizzas, and more.
