MUSHROOM TYPES & VARIETIES
Mushrooms are so versatile, and the many varieties make them perfect for mixing up the menu. With so many different kinds of mushrooms to try out in recipes, which variety should you choose and for which occasion? Let’s explore some of the various types of mushroom you can enjoy adding to your meals…
WHITE MUSHROOM
White mushrooms are a popular stand-by ingredient in many kitchens because they’ll happily pair with most recipes. They’re snowy-white in colour, despite being grown in the dark. You’ll notice white mushrooms come in four different sizes – from small buttons to large flat mushrooms. Did you know, while growing, mushrooms can double in size every 24 hours!
BROWN MUSHROOM
Chesnut mushrooms are real recipe heroes, with their rich, deep taste. They are also known as ‘brown’ mushrooms, and come in a variety of sizes from small button mushrooms to larger open cap mushrooms. If you’re looking for a bold mushroom flavour, Chesnut mushrooms are the type for you.
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM
Portobello mushrooms are chestnut mushrooms that have been allowed to grow to full maturity. This gives them a dense, meaty texture and an intense, complex mushroom taste. Portobello mushrooms have a large, flat cup which makes them ideal to try in stuffed mushroom recipes, roasted, grilled or even barbecued.
BUTTON MUSHROOM
Button mushrooms are simply young white mushrooms. They’re some of the most commonly grown mushrooms and their small size makes them perfect for cooking whole. Baby button mushrooms are the perfect kind for adding to recipes where they can appear as a star ingredient.
FLAT MUSHROOM
Flat mushrooms or ‘field’ mushrooms are large in size, with a white head and wide, open cup. They’re a wonderfully juicy mushroom to eat stuffed, roasted whole or barbecued, with a satisfyingly tender texture.