Types of Mushrooms

Information on Various Types of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are an edible fungal growth that can be found in a variety of shapes and colours. They also vary extensively in taste and texture. The most popular mushrooms usually have a small stem, a dome shaped cap, along with grills on the lower side. However, some mushrooms do not even come close to fit this description. The sheer varieties of mushrooms are indeed unbelievable!

Tip: generally, avoid mushrooms with white gills.
They are poisonous.

Some of the most popular mushrooms are the white button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and the portabella. Let us look into the details of these mushrooms, along with some other exotic and interesting variety of mushrooms.

White Button Mushroom - This variety of mushrooms can be stored and preserved for a long time. When these mushrooms are young, they have a tight and compact cap. A kit can be used to grow your own button mushrooms at home. 

Portobello Mushrooms - The Agaricus bisporus is a variety of mushroom that is known by different names, depending upon its maturity and age. Found naturally in low lands and meadows, you can find these mushrooms in North America and Europe, though they are distributed worldwide. 

When the mushrooms are fully mature and become large and brown, they are called Portbello. Since the Portobello mushrooms have a stronger smell, they have a rich flavour that makes the dish more interesting. It can be used in sandwiches, in place of meat too. 

When the Portobello mushroom is cut prematurely, it is known as Cremini. These mushrooms have a full bodied flavour. 

Shiitake Mushrooms - These mushrooms are also known as Chinese black mushrooms and have a very attractive taste, which is best when they are sautéed, broiled or baked.

Truffle - Did you know that the elusive truffle is also a kind of mushroom? This delicacy is a kind of mushroom that grows underground, and thus it is very difficult to discover them. Female hogs or specially trained dogs are used to locate the mushrooms. 

These mushrooms are very expensive due to the time and labour that is spent behind each truffle. They have a strong flavour that is lost if they are not cooked fresh. 

The Fly Agaric Mushroom - This variety of mushroom is extremely recognisable and popular. They usually have deep red caps and warts, with a ring on the upper stem. The colour usually varies from deep red to white. However, the colour fades into a pale yellow or orange with age. These mushrooms are generally believed to be poisonous, though they are consumed in some parts of the world after being boiled for a very long time. 

Jack-o-lantern Mushroom - As the name suggests, these mushrooms have a blue green bioluminescence just below the gills. They are poisonous too, though they have an appealing smell and appearance.

Death Cap Mushroom - This is yet another poisonous variety of mushroom – perhaps even the most poisonous in the world. Since these mushrooms resemble the edible mushroom Paddy Straw, they are often consumed mistakenly. 

Destroying Angel Mushroom - These mushrooms are completely white in appearance, and poisonous too, hence the name.