Over 20 species of edible mushrooms are commercially cultivated in 60 different countries.

The white button mushroom is the most commonly consumed mushroom in the world and is a good source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and copper.Background

  • Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom which also includes yeasts and molds.
  • Agaricus bisporus is the most commonly consumed mushroom in the world and is typically known as the white button mushroom.
  • Agaricus bisporus includes three different stages of mushrooms.
    • When immature and white, it is known as the white button mushroom.
    • When immature and brown, this mushroom is known as cremini or baby bella mushroom.
    • When in its mature state, it is known as the portabella mushroom.
  • Some other edible mushroom varieties include shiitake, oyster, enoki, chanterell, and porcini.
  • Mushrooms create the savory or meaty flavor umami. Umami is one of the five principal tastes which also includes sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
  • Mushrooms exposed to UV lights produce vitamin D2.
  • Many mushrooms found in the wild are poisonous. Never harvest or consume wild mushrooms if you are not knowledgeable in identifying them.

Nutrition

  • Raw white button mushrooms are a good source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and copper.
    • Riboflavin supports growth and development, and red blood cell formation.
    • Pantothenic acid aids in fat metabolism, hormone production, and nervous system function.
    • Copper assists in bone formation, energy production, iron metabolism, and nervous system function.

How to purchase, prepare and store

  • Purchase mushrooms that are firm and dry with a smooth appearance. Avoid those that are soft, slimy, or have dark spots.
  • Mushrooms can be purchased fresh, dried, or canned.
  • Prepare mushrooms by brushing off any debris with a damp paper towel. You can also quickly rinse mushrooms under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Do not submerge mushrooms in water. Trim the stem prior to preparing.
  • Sauté, roast, grill, bread, or stuff mushrooms. Add mushrooms to ground meat, soup, pasta sauce, or use as a pizza topping.
  • Store mushrooms in the original packaging or transfer to a brown paper bag and refrigerate for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

1/3 cup white button mushrooms (33 grams)

  • Calories: 10.3
  • Protein: 0.96 g
  • Fat: 0.12 g
  • Carbohydrate: 1.36 g
  • Fiber: 0.56 g
  • Calcium: 1.6 mg
  • Iron: 0.07 mg
  • Magnesium: 3.4 mg
  • Phosphorus: 31 mg
  • Folate: 11.6 µg
  • Vitamin A: 0 µg

Via fdc.nal.usda.gov

Recipes

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