John Miller
White button mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are the most commonly grown and consumed mushrooms worldwide. They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America and are cultivated in over 70 countries. In the United States, they make up 90% of mushroom consumption. They are also widely produced in Europe, Southeast Asia, and India. These mushrooms are prized for their versatility in a range of recipes, mild flavour, and meaty texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | White button mushroom, white mushroom, table mushroom, cultivated mushroom |
| Scientific name | Agaricus bisporus |
| Colour | Pale white |
| Size | 1-3 inches across |
| Texture | Meaty |
| Taste | Mild, earthy, brothy |
| Water content | 92% |
| Energy content | 93 kilojoules (22 kilocalories) per 100 g |
| Vitamin content | B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid |
| Mineral content | Phosphorus, potassium |
| Medicinal properties | Evidence of boosting the immune system and fighting cancer |
| Origin | Discovered in 1925 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania |
| Cultivation | Native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America; cultivated in more than 70 countries |
| Producers | China, Japan, the United States, India, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom |
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What You'll Learn
Button mushrooms are found in fields and grassy areas
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms or white button mushrooms, are the most popular mushroom variety, making up 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which is native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world.
Button mushrooms are commonly found in fields and grassy areas following rainfall, from late spring to autumn, especially in association with manure. They are known to pop up after rain and can be found from spring to fall. They have a high water content, which is around 92%, and their flesh is delicate, so they should be handled gently as they bruise easily. When bruised, the white flesh turns pink and then brown.
Agaricus bisporus has some poisonous lookalikes in the wild, such as Entoloma sinuatum and Agaricus xanthodermus, an inedible mushroom found worldwide in grassy areas. Agaricus xanthodermus can be distinguished by its phenol-like odour and yellow flesh when bruised.
Button mushrooms are widely cultivated, with large-scale production centred in Europe (mainly Western Europe), North America (the USA and Canada), and Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and India). They are relatively inexpensive and versatile, with a mild flavour that can easily absorb the flavours of other ingredients. They are used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, including tarts, omelettes, pasta, risotto, pizza, soups, sauces, and salads.
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They are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America
The white button mushroom, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, is native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It is one of the most commonly grown and consumed mushrooms worldwide, accounting for 35-45% of total mushroom production. With a mild flavour and meaty texture, button mushrooms are extremely versatile in cooking. They can be eaten raw or cooked using various methods such as sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, braising, and roasting.
Button mushrooms are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini and portobello mushrooms. They are white, measuring 1 to 3 inches across, and have a high water content, making them excellent at absorbing the flavours of other ingredients they are cooked with. Their flesh is delicate and bruises easily, turning pink and then brown when damaged.
In the wild, Agaricus bisporus mushrooms are commonly found in fields and
Button mushrooms have a long history of cultivation, dating back to the 17th century in Europe. They are now grown in various parts of the world, with India being a significant exporter to the United States. China and the Netherlands are also major exporters, while Germany is the largest importer. The demand for fresh button mushrooms is increasing in the international market, while the demand for preserved or canned mushrooms is decreasing.
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They are cultivated in more than 70 countries
The button mushroom, or Agaricus bisporus, is cultivated in more than 70 countries worldwide. It is one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. In 2022, the world production of mushrooms (including truffles) was 48 million tonnes, with China accounting for 94% of this figure. Other notable producers include Japan, the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The Netherlands and China together account for 60% of mushroom exports.
Button mushrooms are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. They are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini mushrooms and portobello mushrooms. All of these mushrooms are the same variety at different stages of maturity. Button mushrooms are the least mature, measuring 1 to 3 inches across, while cremini mushrooms are slightly larger and brown in colour, and portobello mushrooms are the largest, darkest, and most mature stage of the species.
The cultivation of button mushrooms began in the 16th century, but commercial cultivation was initiated in Europe in the 17th century. The earliest scientific description of the commercial cultivation of A. bisporus was made by French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in 1707. French agriculturist Olivier de Serres also noted that transplanting mushroom mycelia would lead to the propagation of more mushrooms. Originally, cultivation was unreliable, with growers having to wait for good flushes of mushrooms in fields before digging up the mycelium and replanting them in beds of composted manure.
Button mushrooms are the most popular mushroom variety, making up 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are also the least expensive and have the mildest flavour, although they readily absorb the flavours of other ingredients they are cooked with. They can be eaten raw or cooked using various methods such as sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, braising, and roasting. They are versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes, including tarts, omelets, pasta, risotto, and pizza.
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Button mushrooms are found in virtually every grocery store
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms or white button mushrooms, are indeed found in virtually every grocery store. They are the most popular mushroom variety, making up 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the United States. They are also the least expensive and have a mild flavour, making them extremely versatile in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques.
White button mushrooms are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini and portobello mushrooms. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries worldwide and are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. They have been commercially cultivated for centuries, with the earliest records dating back to the 1700s.
In addition to their culinary uses, white button mushrooms offer nutritional and potential medicinal benefits. They are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, and provide a good amount of dietary minerals like phosphorus and potassium. Some studies suggest that compounds in these mushrooms may boost the immune system and inhibit cancer cell growth, although further research is needed.
White button mushrooms are readily available in grocery stores, offering convenience and accessibility to consumers worldwide. They are a familiar and beloved ingredient, contributing to their popularity and prevalence in the mushroom market.
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They are the most popular mushroom variety in the world
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms or white button mushrooms, are the most popular mushroom variety in the world. They are the immature form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also includes cremini mushrooms and portobello mushrooms. Button mushrooms are the least mature, with a pale white colour, and measure 1 to 3 inches across. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms. In 2022, world production of mushrooms (including truffles) was 48 million tonnes, with China accounting for 94% of this total.
Button mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. Their mild flavour and meaty texture make them a popular choice for various dishes, including tarts, omelettes, pasta, risotto, and pizza. They can be eaten raw or cooked using methods such as sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, braising, and roasting. Their high water content, at around 92%, gives them a slightly squishy consistency when undercooked, but cooking them for longer evaporates the water, resulting in a denser, meatier texture.
Button mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, providing energy, B vitamins, and dietary minerals. They also contain protein and essential amino acids. Additionally, they possess medicinal properties, with studies suggesting they may boost the immune system and potentially inhibit cancer cell growth.
In terms of availability, button mushrooms can be found in virtually every grocery store worldwide. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. Their popularity has led to large-scale production in regions such as Western Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, with China, Japan, and the United States being significant producers and exporters.
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Frequently asked questions
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are found in virtually every grocery store around the world. They are the most popular mushroom variety, making up 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the United States.
Button mushrooms are grown all over the world and account for 35-45% of total mushroom production. Large-scale production is centred in Western Europe, North America (USA and Canada), and Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and India).
Button mushrooms are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. They are commonly found in fields and grassy areas following rain, from late spring to autumn.
The white button mushroom was discovered in 1925 at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. It was found growing among a bed of brown mushrooms.
