Mushrooms: The Versatile Ingredient Taking Over the Culinary World
Mushrooms have been increasingly present in the kitchen due to their versatility when it comes to preparing them. There are over 38,000 different types of mushrooms in the world, with some being poisonous, but most being edible. They not only complement nutrition, but are also low in calories.
The Best-Known Mushrooms on the Market
Mushrooms
Also known as Paris mushrooms, they are the most cultivated and well-known in the West. They are white, with a soft, delicate, and somewhat earthy flavor and can be eaten in many ways. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes and can be consumed raw, cooked, or preserved.
Portobello
Originating from the Mediterranean coast, Portobello mushrooms are a larger variety of the Paris mushroom, with a cap reaching up to 15 cm and a light brown color. They have a more intense flavor and a firmer texture, making them a versatile ingredient in many recipes.
Oyster Mushrooms
Also known as oyster mushrooms or dried apricots, they are one of the most sought-after wild mushrooms. They have a fan-shaped cap, varying in color from gray to brown, and a soft and delicate texture. They are often used in salads, pasta dishes, and as a side dish.
Shiitakes
Originally from China, Shiitakes are widely used in cuisines throughout Southeast Asia. They have a dark brown to coffee-with-milk cap and a cream-colored interior. They have a strong woody aroma and can be cooked in various ways, making them an ideal ingredient for stews, soups, and salads.
Morels
Morels, also known as Cypress mushrooms, are shaped like a honeycomb and are golden brown in color. They have a spongy consistency and a complex aroma and flavor, often described as earthy and woody. They are often used in game meat dishes and strong sauces.
Porcini
Porcini, also known as boletus, are very popular in Italian cuisine for their versatility. They have firm and consistent flesh, a silky texture, and a rich nutty aroma and flavor. They are often used in salads, pasta dishes, and risottos.
Enokis
Enokis, native to Japan, have a delicate and brittle texture, a sweet flavor, and are great fresh in salads or with very little cooking. They are often used in soups and stir-fries.
Truffles
Truffles are considered the most expensive mushrooms in the world, with a high price due to their rarity. They have a distinctive flavor and aroma, often described as earthy and nutty, and are often used in high-end dishes to add a touch of luxury.
By Veronica Gurisatti
