Mushrooms

Mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor with umami undertones, making them a versatile ingredient in vegetarian cooking, adding depth to dishes like soups, stews, and plant-based sauces.

Common Types of Mushrooms for Cooking

• Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus): White or brown, mild flavor, versatile for soups, salads, and sautés.
• Cremini Mushrooms: A brown version of button mushrooms, with a deeper flavor, good for roasting, grilling, or stews.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Large, meaty texture, great for grilling, roasting, or as a burger substitute.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Dark brown caps with a rich, earthy flavor, popular in Asian cuisines, great for stir-fries and soups.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Delicate texture with a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor, ideal for stir-frying, sautés, and soups.
• Enoki Mushrooms: Small, white, and thin with a mild flavor, often used in salads, soups, or as garnish.
• Chanterelle Mushrooms: Yellow or golden color with a fruity, peppery flavor, excellent in sauces, pastas, and risottos.
• Morel Mushrooms: Honeycomb texture, intense flavor, often sautéed or added to sauces.

How to Shop for Mushrooms

• Look for Freshness: Choose mushrooms with firm, smooth caps and intact stems. Avoid mushrooms with wrinkles, spots, or a slimy texture.
• Smell: Fresh mushrooms should have a mild, earthy scent. A sour or off-putting odor suggests age.
• Avoid Packaging: If possible, buy mushrooms loose. Pre-packaged mushrooms may trap moisture and promote spoilage.
• Size and Shape: Select mushrooms that are uniform in size for even cooking. Mushrooms should be plump but not over-inflated.

How to Store Mushrooms for Maximum Freshness

• Refrigeration: Store mushrooms in the fridge, ideally in a paper bag, which helps absorb excess moisture.
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic can trap moisture and cause mushrooms to become slimy.
• Store Whole: Do not clean mushrooms before storing; excess moisture from cleaning can accelerate spoilage.
• Ventilation: A breathable container, like a paper bag or vented box, ensures mushrooms stay fresh longer.

How Long Will Mushrooms Keep Fresh?

• Fresh Uncooked Mushrooms: Typically last 3-7 days when stored properly in the fridge.
• Fresh Sliced Mushrooms: Last around 1-3 days in the fridge due to the increased surface area for moisture loss.

How Long Will Cooked Mushrooms Keep?

• Cooked Mushrooms: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. After this period, their texture may change and flavor deteriorate.
• Freezing Cooked Mushrooms: If you want to keep them longer, freeze cooked mushrooms for 10-12 months.

How to Prep Mushrooms for Cooking

• Cleaning: Gently wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or use a soft brush to remove dirt. Avoid rinsing under water, as they can absorb moisture.
• Trimming: Remove the stem ends if they are dry or tough. Some mushrooms, like portobellos, may need to be de-stemmed entirely.
• Slicing: Slice mushrooms uniformly to ensure even cooking, or leave them whole for grilling or roasting.

Ways to Cook Mushrooms

Sautéing

• Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil or butter, and sauté mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.

Grilling

• Marinate larger mushrooms like portobellos with olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
• Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

Roasting

• Toss mushrooms in olive oil, salt, and herbs.
• Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy at the edges.