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.
Guest Book - Tell us about your mushroom experiences. |
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