Delicious, medicinal, psychedelic, or sometimes deadly mushrooms are equal parts wonderful and mysterious. Mushrooms and their fungi are still far from us, but we have become fans of regular fungi in all aspects. Gone are the days of finding white, cream, and portobello mushrooms only at the grocery store. It is not unusual to find fresh shiitake mushrooms or oyster mushrooms among them, and the farmers market brings more varieties.
Should you wash mushrooms?
If you’ve ever read a recipe that uses mushrooms, you’ve probably come across advice that you should never wash them because they absorb water. Alternatively, many cookbooks advise cleaning them with a damp cloth. But, cooking magazine illustrated chefs It is recommended to wash it with water. While there is some absorption, the amount is minimal.
How to use different types of mushrooms
There are just over 2,000 species of edible mushrooms. This guide doesn’t cover all of them, but we’ve picked some of the most popular ones you’ll find at the grocery store or farmers market.
1 white mushroom
If you’re familiar with only one type of mushroom, it’s probably a white button, or Agaricus bisporus. White mushrooms are a type of gill mushroom that are actually similar to cremini and portabella – which we will get to below – but are harvested early in their growth cycle.
White mushrooms are practically flavorless in their raw state, but they shine when used as an addition to a dish. Slice it up for a creamy veggie stew, or chop it up into cubes and add it to vegan bolognese for a meaty texture. It is also a good addition to tofu flows. If you want to enjoy white mushrooms in a purer form, slice them, then fry in oil or dairy-free butter with minced garlic and fresh chopped parsley.
2 cremini mushroom
Also known as Bella young mushroom, cremini mushroom Agaricus bisporus They are harvested later in their growth cycle. As a result, they have a deeper, more salty flavor than white mushrooms and are better suited to eating raw in salads. But, if you are a fan of umami, cook it the same way you would cook white mushrooms. It can also be stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as vegan crab and dairy-free cheese.
