15 Types of Mushrooms and How to Cook With Them (2024)

FAQs

How many edible types of mushrooms are there? ›

We identified 2,189 edible species, of which 2,006 can be consumed safely, and a further 183 species which required some form of pretreatment prior to safe consumption or were associated with allergic reactions by some.

Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem and a bulbous or sack like base called a volva. You may be missing out on some good edible fungi but it means you will be avoiding the deadly members of the Amanita family. Avoid mushrooms with red on the cap or stem.

Some of the mushrooms considered best for human health include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, cordyceps and maitake. Often considered vegetables, mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. They belong to a unique kingdom of fungi.

Black trumpet mushrooms (Craterellus fallax, cornucopioides and others) are undeniably one of the best tasting mushrooms in the world. Their rich, earthy flavor becomes bitter when concentrated or pureed, so newcomers to this mushroom will enjoy them most lightly sauteed or incorporated into a cream sauce for pasta.

Matsutake Mushrooms, also known as Pine Mushrooms, are the most expensive types of food mushrooms which are found in East Asia, Europe and North America. These mushroom varieties are famous for their spiced aroma and meaty texture.

Amatoxins, the class of toxins found in these mushrooms, are thermostable: they resist changes due to heat, so their toxic effects are not reduced by cooking. Amanita phalloides is the most poisonous of all known mushrooms.

Revered in Traditional Medicine as the "mushroom of immortality," Reishi is one of the most popular whole food functional mushrooms because of its wide range of health benefits. Reishi contains powerful, natural beta glucans that support immune system functionality.

One of the rarest mushrooms is also the Yartsa Gunbu not only because it's found growing out of caterpillars, but because it only grows in specific areas.

Lion's mane mushrooms offer a mildly sweet flavor and a tender texture that mimics shellfish like scallops, crab, or lobster. For that reason, they are often turned to as an accompaniment or alternative to seafood. Try lion's mane in a mock Crab Louie salad or as a pan seared “steak” in your next surf and turf.

Agaricus bisporous is the most common edible mushroom eaten practically all over the world. At present, three kinds of mushroom are widely cultivated in India and abroad: White button mushroom(Agaricus bisporous), paddy straw mushroom(Volvariella), Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus).

What does a bad mushroom look like? ›

If the mushrooms have bruises or dark spots, look slimy and wet, or are slightly darker in color than usual, they are starting to go bad. The surfaces of the mushroom should be dry and appear plump.

If you have eaten a death cap mushroom

The symptoms of death cap mushroom poisoning include low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting (which begins 8 to 12 hours after ingestion). After up to 24 hours have passed, the symptoms seem to disappear and you might feel fine for up to 72 hours.

Common edible mushrooms include chicken of the woods, morels, chanterelles, and giant puffballs.

Stick to those known for their edibility and palatability such as the common white button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms. Wild mushrooms, although intriguing, are a path best left untraveled unless you are a seasoned mycologist or have consulted with one.

White button mushrooms account for about 90% of the mushroom sales in the US. Odds are you've eaten them many times. Most restaurants use these mushrooms because they are cheaper and more consistently sized than other comparable shrooms.

Portobello mushrooms are large in size (think the size of your hand), are incredibly “meaty,” and rich in flavor. Since they're dense and hold up to a variety of cooking methods (grilling, broiling and roasting), they make a great vegetarian meat alternative.