Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, some of the most popular and widely consumed mushrooms are white in color. White mushrooms have a mild, savory flavor and meaty texture that work well in many dishes. Here is an overview of some of the most common and popular types of white mushrooms.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are among the most commonly consumed mushrooms. The mushrooms have a characteristic rounded cap and short stem. Their scientific name is Agaricus bisporus. Buttons have a mild, earthy flavor and firm, meaty texture when cooked. Their versatility and subtle flavor make them a staple ingredient in many cuisines and dishes. Buttons can be used raw or cooked and pair well with meats, cheeses, vegetables, and pasta dishes.
Nutrition
Button mushrooms are low in calories but pack some nutritional value. Some of the nutrients found in a 85g serving of raw buttons include:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 22 |
| Carbs | 2.9g |
| Fiber | 0.7g |
| Protein | 2.2g |
Buttons are also a good source of important micronutrients like riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, selenium, potassium, copper, and phosphorus.
Culinary Uses
Button mushrooms’ mild flavor allows them to work well in a wide range of savory dishes, including:
- Sautés
- Soups
- Casseroles
- Salads
- Omelets
- Sandwiches
- Pizza
- Stuffed mushrooms caps
Buttons pair nicely with cheeses, garlic, shallots, wine, cream, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. They can be eaten raw in salads but are more commonly sauteed, roasted, or added to cooked dishes.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a mature version of button mushrooms with a larger, flat cap up to 6 inches across. While young buttons have closed caps, portobellos are allowed to fully open and grow much bigger in size. The gills on the underside turn from pink to dark brown as the mushroom matures. Portobellos have a meatier texture and more robust, earthy flavor compared to buttons. When cooked, portobellos take on a rich, savory flavor. Their large caps make them ideal for stuffing, grilling, or using as burger patties.
Nutrition
One large 5-inch portobello cap contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42 |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Portobellos provide B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folate as well as minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper.
Culinary Uses
Portobello mushrooms are ideal for:
- Marinating and grilling
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Stuffing with cheese, grains, or vegetables
- Adding richness to pasta sauces
- Roasting
Portobellos pair well with hearty meats like beef or lamb. They can replace meat entirely as a vegetarian/vegan option. Popular preparations include balsamic marinated portobello caps, portobello fajitas or tacos, and mushroom swiss burgers.
Crimini Mushrooms
Crimini mushrooms are a brown variety of button mushrooms. They are often called baby bellas or brown mushrooms. Unlike white buttons, they have a firmer, dense texture and deeper, earthier flavor. The rich, umami taste comes from higher glutamate levels compared to white buttons. Criminis feature a classically mushroomy flavor.
Nutrition
One cup of sliced, cooked criminis contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 26 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Criminis also provide niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, selenium, potassium, and other trace minerals.
Culinary Uses
Crimini mushrooms are ideal for:
- Risottos
- Pasta dishes
- Sautéing with garlic and olive oil
- Pizza
- Adding to soups and stews
- Cooked or raw in salads
Their rich, earthy flavor pairs well with pasta, cheeses like parmesan or gouda, tomatoes, Italian herbs, garlic, onions, and wine or marsala sauce. Criminis make great mushroom ravioli filling.
White Oyster Mushrooms
White oyster mushrooms have delicate, ruffled caps that resemble oyster shells. They have a mild flavor compared to other mushroom varieties. When cooked, oysters develop a tender, almost velvety texture. They tend to absorb surrounding flavors from sauces and oils.
Nutrition
A 100g serving of raw oyster mushrooms contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 33 |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
Oyster mushrooms offer niacin, pantothenic acid, copper, riboflavin, potassium, zinc, and manganese.
Culinary Uses
Delicate oyster mushrooms work well:
- Sauteed in butter or oil
- Added to stir-fries
- In place of meat in vegetarian dishes
- Lightly battered and fried
- Added to egg dishes like omelets or frittatas
Their mild flavor allows oyster mushrooms to adapt well to Asian and stir-fry dishes. They also work well in cream-based pasta sauce or mushroom risotto.
White Beech Mushrooms
White beech mushrooms have a smooth, convex cap and torpedo-shaped stem. They grow in clumps on hardwood trees. Beech mushrooms have firm, dense flesh with a mild mushroom flavor that intensifies when cooked. Roasted beech mushrooms take on rich, nutty notes.
Nutrition
A 100g serving of raw white beech mushrooms contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 22 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Beech mushrooms provide niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
Culinary Uses
Beech mushrooms work nicely:
- Roasted
- Sauteed in butter
- Added to hearty dishes and casseroles
- Served over pasta
- In risotto
Their firm texture holds up well to roasting and grilling. Roasted beech mushrooms develop deep, nutty flavors. They pair well with roasted chicken or pork, in mushroom gravy, or over mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
White mushrooms come in many varieties, but some of the most popular include buttons, portobellos, criminis, oysters, and beech. While they share an off-white color, their flavors, textures, and uses vary. Buttons offer a mild, versatile mushroom flavor. Portobellos have meaty, dense caps perfect for cooking. Criminis provide an earthy, rich mushroom essence. Delicate oyster mushrooms absorb surrounding flavors when cooked. And beech mushrooms get nutty and robust when roasted.
No matter which white mushroom variety you choose, they all provide nutritional benefits. Mushrooms contain B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and other trace minerals. They also pack umami flavor and substantial vegetable protein. Sauteeing, roasting, grilling, or adding mushrooms to soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and more allows you to enjoy their savory depth in many dishes.