What Are the Most Popular Types of Mushrooms and Their Uses?
There is a variety of mushrooms that are used for all sorts of reasons. The most common types of mushrooms that people eat are white button, cremini, portobello, oyster, shiitake, straw, enoki, and morel. Check out the list below to see what they're good for.
White Button Mushrooms
Commonly known as "button mushrooms," white button mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom and can be found in any grocery store. White button, or "common" mushrooms, have a very mild flavor and firm texture, making them good for baking, grilling, roasting, stuffing, and more.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms are similar to white buttons but with a richer flavor and firmer texture. They also tend to be smaller than their other popular counterpart. Creminis can be used exactly like white buttons in any recipe; even exchanging one for the other will work just fine.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are the giants of the mushroom family, averaging 4-6 inches in diameter. This makes them perfect for filling with delicious stuffing and roasting to perfection. Portobellos can also be marinated, grilled, or pan-fried, adding a smoky element to any dish.
Oyster Mushrooms
Many types of oyster mushrooms exist, but all pack a very flavorful punch. Oyster mushrooms contain a delicate seafood flavor, so they work best when paired with something bold like hearty beef or spicy sausage. Pairing oyster mushrooms with peas makes for an interesting blend of flavors resulting in a rich, creamy sauce.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular types of mushrooms, and they have a rich, woodsy flavor. Shiitakes are perfect for adding to Asian-inspired dishes or any recipe that calls for a savory umami flavor.
Straw Mushrooms
If you're looking for a stealthy mushroom, straw mushrooms are your best bet. Straw mushrooms have a very mild, earthy taste and soft texture, making them perfect for use in soups, stews, sauces, and spreads.
Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms look like little UFOs with their long, delicate stems and small round caps. Enoki mushrooms have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, which makes them great in salads, as a pizza topping, or in any dish that calls for a bit of added sweetness.
Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are a type of wild mushroom that is becoming increasingly popular in the culinary world. They have a deep, nutty flavor with earthy undertones and a slightly chewy texture. Morels can be used in any recipe that calls for mushrooms, but they really shine when used in dishes with creamy sauces or as a topping on pasta or pizza.
The great thing about mushrooms is that they can be used in so many different ways. Not only do they add flavor and substance to dishes, but they're also low in calories and high in nutrients. Including mushrooms in your diet is a simple way to improve your health and add some variety to your meals.
