Are you a fan of mushrooms and looking to incorporate more variety into your meals? With so many different types of mushrooms available, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to buy.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a kitchen newbie, there’s a mushroom variety out there just waiting to become your new favorite ingredient. From the humble white button to the exotic lion’s mane, each type brings a unique flavor and texture to the table.
But wait, aren’t mushrooms, like, just… brown and kinda bland?
Nope! South Mill Champs’ mushrooms are anything but boring. They’re packed with umami (that savory, crave-worthy taste), nutrients, and a whole lot of culinary potential!
Types of Mushrooms to Buy
To make your mushroom journey easier, we’ve curated a guide to the most common varieties you’ll find at your local grocery store. Whether you are just starting to explore mushrooms or have been a long-time fan of them, this guide will help you make informed choices when shopping for common types of mushrooms.
White Button Mushrooms
Also called button or champignon mushrooms, white button mushrooms are the most widely consumed mushroom in the world. In North America, 90% of the mushrooms consumed are of this variety.
Think of these guys as the reliable friend you can always count on. Their versatility is endless, making them an ideal ingredient for everything from pizzas and salads to casseroles and soups. They can also be enjoyed both raw and cooked! Button mushrooms are small and have a mild, earthy flavor. Since they absorb flavors well, they’re also perfect for sauteing with garlic and herbs, or adding to creamy sauces and pasta dishes. Many people enjoy stuffed or sautéed button mushrooms as well.
Crimini Mushrooms
Don’t let these guys get overshadowed by their white button cousins! Crimini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas) have a slightly deeper flavor and firmer texture, making them perfect for blending into dishes like meatloaf, chili, pasta sauce, and burgers.
Crimini mushrooms are a bit more flavorful than button mushrooms with a deeper, earthier taste, but are often used interchangeably. They are great for sautéing, roasting, or grilling since they hold up well to higher heat cooking. Sautéing in a skillet will give them a pleasant texture and boost of flavor.
Portabella Mushrooms
Portabella mushrooms are the mature version of crimini mushrooms, with a large, open cap that can be as wide as the palm of the average adult hand! Their rich, meaty flavor and impressively large caps, make them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans as a substitute for burgers, fajitas, or even “steaks.” Not to mention, they are excellent grilled or stuffed!
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitakes have a rich, woodsy flavor and a meaty texture that makes them a staple in Asian cuisine (and beyond!). Sauté them, grill them, or add them to stir-fries for a serious flavor upgrade. Dried shiitakes are also a popular choice, often added to sauces and stews. Did you know they were once native to Eastern Asia but are now grown worldwide, including right here in North America?
Oyster Mushrooms
These delicate beauties are not only visually stunning but also delicious. With a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a velvety texture, oyster mushrooms are the perfect addition to chicken, veal, pork, and seafood dishes. Sauté them, fry them, bake them, or even batter them – the possibilities are endless!
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Did you know, South Mill Champs is now growing lion’s mane mushrooms? That’s right, the introduction of lion’s mane mushrooms represents not just a new product offering, but a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing the culinary world with cutting-edge options.
This funky-looking fungi is not only visually stunning but also packs a delicious punch. It has a delicate seafood-like flavor (think crab or lobster) and a tender texture. Try it sautéed in butter with herbs or added to seafood dishes for a truly unique culinary adventure.
Exotic Mushrooms
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms stand out for their vibrant yellow, trumpet-shaped caps with a depression in their center, and their fruity, apricot-like aroma. These golden gems are a springtime treat with a delicate apricot aroma and a nutty flavor. Sauté them with butter and herbs, or add them to risottos and pasta dishes for a touch of luxury. Keep an eye out for these culinary delights from reputable sources, as they do have some look-alikes in the wild!
Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are a spongy and conical, with honey-shaped cap, generally maturing to 1-3 inches. Their earthy, woodsy flavor and meaty texture make them perfect for sautéing or frying. They’re often found on the menus of high-end restaurants, but you can easily enjoy them at home with a simple white wine and cheese pairing.
Level Up Your Cooking with South Mill Champs Mushrooms Today
These are just a few of the most common types of mushrooms that you can buy and enjoy in your cooking, but there are so many more to choose from. Whether you’re a mushroom aficionado or a curious newbie, we invite you to try our wide range of fresh and value-added mushroom products. Let’s make mushrooms the star of your plate!
Explore the exciting world of mushrooms and discover a new favorite ingredient for every dish with South Mill Champs.
