Portabella Mushrooms

Portabella mushrooms have really made a name for themselves in the past decade. Known for their rich flavor, meaty texture and impressively large caps, they have been widely integrated into culinary delights around the world, having greatest influence on those who enjoy or vegetarian or vegan diet, being served as burgers, fajitas and even “steaks.”

In some regions, the term “Portabella Mushroom” has become interchangeable with “Portobello” and falls under the botanical classification Agaricus bisporus. Other regional names include Agaric cultivé, flat chestnut mushroom, champignon, and the cultivated mushroom.

The portabella mushroom has an impressive nutritional profile. 84 grams has B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, selenium and pantothenic acid. Portabellas also contain 7% potassium (as much as a small banana).

The portabella mushroom is one of the largest varieties of farm-cultivated mushrooms with a circular cap that matures to approximately 6 inches or 15 centimeters. The firm, spongy, flat cap rests on a thick stem and ranges in color from a deep brown to tan. Under this robust cap are a series of gills, a veil, and a dense white stem. The entire mushroom is edible, so there is no need to peel or scrape out the gills.

Proper storage entails refrigerating the mushrooms in their pre-packaging. When purchased loose, place them in a brown paper bag and refrigerate. Plastic bags and containers tend to accelerate their breakdown.

Did You Know?

Portabella and criminis are the same mushroom! When a crimini is not harvested and left to grow, it matures into a portabella mushroom. It grows from a crimini into a portabella in a matter of days!

The Benefits

of Portabella Mushrooms

There’s a common misconception that because mushrooms aren’t colorful, they aren’t nutritious, and portabella mushrooms had fallen victim to this myth for a very long time. In the 1980s, researchers began exploring the nutritional value of mushrooms, including the portabella, and were excited to find they do, in fact, contain nutrients and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Portabella Mushroom Nutritional Profile

This is how one serving (100 g) of portabella mushrooms performs nutritionally:

  • 32 Calories
  • 4.6 Grams of Carbohydrates
  • 2.7 Grams of Protein
  • 1.9 Grams of Dietary Fiber
  • 0 Grams of Fat
  • 0% DV of Sodium
  • 0 Milligrams Cholesterol
  • Gluten-Free

One serving (100 grams) of portabella mushroom is a source of niacin (24%) and copper (22%). They also contain potassium (7%), riboflavin (35%) and antioxidants selenium (26%) and ergothioneine (2 mg)1.

Culinary

Applications of Portabella Mushrooms

When it comes to flavor, portabella mushrooms are king! As this mushroom grows, it develops a rich and robust flavor and dense meat-like texture, making portabellas the perfect meat substitute in burgers, tacos, fajitas, pastas and more. Their large size and ability to hold their shape when cooked also make them ideal for stuffing with cheeses, seafood, or other flavorful fillings. Portabellas can be grilled, baked, sautéed, deep-fried, or roasted.

This variety can be used in a wide range of mushroom recipes.

The portabella mushroom has such enormous flexibility and potential – from stuffed appetizers to center-of-the-plate main dishes – this unique mushroom is delicious, nutritious and a must-try.

Portabella Mushroom

PRODUCTS

Whole Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Whole Portabella Mushrooms

14 oz

Whole Portabella Mushrooms Extra Large

14 oz

Whole Organic Portabella Mushrooms

16 oz

Whole Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Sliced Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Whole Organic Portabella Caps

6 oz

Sliced Portabella Mushrooms
Whole Portabella Mushrooms

16 oz

Whole Portabella Mushrooms

14 oz

Whole Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Sliced Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Whole Organic Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Whole Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Whole Organic Portabella Mushrooms

6 oz

Bulk Whole Portabella Mushrooms

5 lbs

Sliced Roasted Portabella Frozen Mushrooms
Frozen Portabella Pieces

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the gills of edible mushrooms such as the portabella can be eaten. However, it’s not unusual for chefs to remove the dark gills for aesthetic reasons as they can alter the color of sauces, soups or gravies.

Simply wet a clean paper towel and gently wipe down the portabella mushrooms cap and stem. Once cleaned to your liking, set the mushroom aside to dry. Only wash mushrooms when you are ready to use them.

Both terms identify the large-capped mushroom. These names have become almost interchangeable. Other commonly used names include Agaric cultivé, flat chestnut mushroom, champignon, and the cultivated mushroom.

Start by cleaning the mushroom with a damp paper towel. Depending on the recipe, the stem and gills of the mushroom may need to be removed, although they are completely edible. There is never a need to peel portabellas, they can be eaten in their entirety, depending on the dish.

Portabella mushrooms have long been praised by vegetarians and vegans for their ability to stand in for meat. Their intense flavor and meaty texture make them an easy-to-use alternate for meat in burgers, fajitas, tacos, pasta and pizza. They are also delicious when dried and preserved as jerky.

1 USDA FoodData Central, Portabella Mushroom