White Button Mushrooms

Look for a white button mushroom that:

• Is dry
• Is plump, firm, and evenly-colored
• Is unbruised and unblemished
• Has a closed cap

Choose whitebutton mushrooms that are dry because moisture can affect flavor. A closed cap indicates that the button mushroom was picked recently and therefore fresh. The cap can be slightly open around the stem, however, without noticeably affecting quality.

As long as they are dry and have not been exposed to moisture, button mushrooms do not need to perfectly meet all the criteria above to be edible or usable in a recipe. The closer they are to meeting these guidelines, however, the higher their quality should be.

Notes

Plastic produce bags can create moisture, which might affect flavor, so grocers usually provide paper bags in the mushroom section. If you don’t see any paper bags there, just ask for one.

Mushrooms are classified as fungi. They are not plants as they have no roots, leaves, or seeds and grow in the absence of light. From a dietary perspective, however, mushrooms are frequently grouped with vegetables because they provide about the same nutritional benefits.

A half-pound of mushrooms yields about two cups uncooked sliced mushrooms and one cup of cooked mushrooms. 

When You Get Your Mushrooms Home

Mushrooms are highly perishable and sensitive to rough handling, heat, and moisture. Always store your unwashed mushrooms in a lightly closed paper bag because plastic can create moisture. Most cooking experts say that it’s not necessary to clean mushrooms. Many insist that it’s preferable not to clean them. If you absolutely must clean them, however, gently wipe the mushrooms off with a slightly damp towel or paper towel. The stems can be left on, but the ends should be trimmed off before cooking. The stems also can be broken off completely and used in broths, soups, or sauces to enhance the flavor.