The Best Types of Culinary Mushrooms and Why You Need Them in Your Kitchen
Mushrooms hold a special place in the world of cuisine. With their umami flavor and impressive nutrient density, mushrooms are essential in many recipes worldwide.
Whether cooking with common mushrooms or gourmet varieties, you can create incredibly flavorful dishes with these versatile ingredients.
Today, we dive deep into the fascinating world of culinary mushrooms to discover the best types of edible mushrooms and why you need them in your kitchen.
Best Types of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a curious creature: not quite an animal and not quite a plant, they are part of the Fungi kingdom. A mushroom is usually the above-ground fruiting body of certain fungi.
According to an estimate, the world is home to around 10,000 types of mushrooms, of which over 2,000 species are edible. While many types of mushrooms are cultivated, some varieties can only be found in the wild.
Here are some of the most popular types of edible mushroom species:
Common Mushrooms
Common or cultivated mushrooms are widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores. They are typically mass-produced and easily accessible.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, or agaricus bisporus, are among the most common edible mushrooms worldwide. Thanks to their ease of cultivation and rich nutritional profile, they hold over 60% of the global mushroom market.
Button mushrooms are the same species as portobello and cremini mushrooms but are harvested early in their growth cycle.
These mushrooms have a mild flavor, making them a versatile choice for various dishes. They can be quite bland, but paired with spices or other ingredients, they absorb flavors and offer a satisfying chewy texture.
Taste: mild, bland
Best for: pizza, sauces, sautés
Cremini Mushrooms
Also known as baby bella mushrooms, creminis are white button mushrooms that have been allowed to mature for longer. This gives them a more pronounced flavor and a meaty texture.
Cremini mushrooms are a versatile choice that works well with many dishes. They can be used interchangeably with button mushrooms, offering a more pronounced taste and a firmer texture.
Taste: earthy, nutty
Best for: risottos, roasting, sautés
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are the mature version of cremini mushrooms. They have large, meaty caps and a more intense flavor.
They tend to get slimy when cooked in fat, so the best way to prepare them is with dry heat. They’re a versatile option and a delicious meat substitute.
Their generous size and hearty taste make them ideal for stuffing and grilling. They’re one of the most appreciated mushrooms in Italian cuisine, so they work perfectly in various Italian-inspired dishes.
Taste: Meaty, hearty
Best for: grilling, burgers, roasting
Shiitake Mushrooms
This type of mushroom is a staple in East Asian cuisine, where it originates from. Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile and affordable choice with more flavor and more health benefits than agaricus bisporus varieties.
With their meaty yet buttery texture and rich, umami taste, shiitake mushrooms add depth and complexity to various dishes. Their earthy taste stands out when they are dried.
Taste: rich, smoky
Best for: soups, stir-fries, noodle dishes
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms, or pleurotus ostreatus, grow in clusters resembling oyster shells, hence their name. They are popular in Chinese and Japanese cuisines thanks to their special taste and tender texture.
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate yet complex flavor profile with a hint of sweetness. They are quick to cook, making them ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Taste: delicate, subtle seafood flavor
Best for: stir-fries, soups, salads
Specialty Mushrooms
Specialty or gourmet mushrooms find use in high-end cuisines and are more expensive than common mushrooms due to their unique flavors and textures.
Some gourmet mushrooms are only available in certain seasons and can be found exclusively in the wild.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, also called “hen of the woods”, grow in clusters at the base of trees. They have an earthy, slightly peppery flavor and a fantastic meaty texture that holds up well when cooked for longer.
Maitake mushrooms are renowned for their rich nutritional profile and health benefits, such as their ability to lower cholesterol and support the immune system. They’re one of the most flavorful varieties of mushrooms, with a unique taste that stands out in any dish.
Taste: earthy, robust
Best for: soups, stews, stir-fries
Black Trumpet Mushrooms
These unusually looking wild mushrooms have a unique rich, smoky taste and a fruity aroma. Their taste is often compared to truffles, making them an excellent choice for sophisticated dishes.
Black trumpet mushrooms have notable health benefits and an impressive nutritional profile. They have a delicate texture, so limiting cooking time is best. They can also be used dried or powdered as an umami seasoning.
Taste: rich, smokey
Best for: risottos, sauces, stews
Morels
Morels are a seasonal delicacy found only in the wild during spring. These mushrooms are prized for their rich, nutty flavor and unique texture.
They are versatile and can be prepared in various ways – from risottos to stuffed mushrooms or simple stir-fries; morels bring a rich, delicious taste to any dish.
Taste: earthy, nutty
Best for: risottos, stuffed dishes, sauces
Chanterelles
These beautiful mushrooms are among the most sought-after wild mushrooms in the culinary world. Their vibrant yellow color and unique, complex aroma make them a popular gourmet mushroom variety.
With a rich flavor that boasts peppery, nutty tones and a subtle fruity hint, they are perfect for adding a pop of flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. These versatile mushrooms can be sauteed in butter for a tasty side dish, added to complex meat dishes, or even included in cocktails.
Taste: peppery, fruity
Best for: garnishes, sauces, risottos
Royal Trumpet Mushrooms
Royal trumpet mushrooms are the largest and most delicious in the pleurotus family. These varieties, also known as king oyster mushrooms, have thick, dense stems and small caps.
When cooked, royal trumpet mushrooms have a fantastic meaty texture, similar to scallops. They’re an excellent meat substitute with an umami flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Due to their large size, these mushrooms are very versatile. You can cut them lengthwise and grill, roast, sauté, or even cook them whole as a garnish or a delicious main dish.
Taste: savory, umami
Best for: grilling, roasting, meat substitute
Hon Shimeji Mushrooms
These gourmet mushrooms originate in Asia and are also known as beech mushrooms. The most popular varieties are the white and brown beech mushrooms.
Hon shimeji mushrooms have a nutty flavor with buttery notes. While brown shimeji mushrooms are nuttier, the white varieties have a milder, sweeter taste.
They retain their texture when cooked, offering a slightly crunchy, firm bite. Just make sure not to overcook them so they don’t lose their crispy texture.
Taste: nutty, mild
Best for: stir-fries, noodle dishes, soups
How to store mushrooms to keep them fresh
Mushrooms need cold temperatures between 32-40°F to prevent spoilage, and moisture can easily affect them.
For the first few days, it’s best to leave mushrooms in their packaging. If they come in a plastic box, add a few holes in the plastic wrap covering so they can breathe.
If you want to store mushrooms longer, keep them in a paper bag. You can either wrap them in a paper towel before putting them in the bag or store them directly in a folded paper bag.
How long do mushrooms last in the fridge?
If stored properly, mushrooms can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Their shelf life depends on the mushroom variety, temperature, humidity, and storage method.
How to tell if mushrooms have gone bad
Here are some tell-tale signs that your mushrooms have gone bad:
- They are slimy: if mushrooms become slimy, they’re no longer fit for eating;
- They are becoming darker: if you notice dark spots or the mushrooms are getting darker, it’s time to toss them;
- They are smelly: if mushrooms have a strong odor, it’s a clear sign they’ve gone bad;
- They are moldy: if mushrooms have developed mold, throw them away immediately.
Riviera Produce: your reliable source of year-round fresh mushrooms
The quality and freshness of mushrooms are essential when you run a restaurant business. At Riviera Produce, we deliver mushrooms that meet the highest freshness, appearance, and taste standards.
Whether you need year-round common mushrooms or you’re looking for seasonal gourmet specialties, we’ve got you covered. Discover our vast selection of fresh mushrooms, and place your order now!