What Are Cremini Mushrooms? A Guide to our Most Used Variety
In addition to white button, cremini mushrooms are likely the most popular mushrooms you buy when at the store — and there’s a reason for that. These popular mushrooms, which have a size similar to white button mushrooms but resemble portobellos mushrooms, are super versatile in the kitchen.
Though cremini mushroom are easy to find, you may be wondering what exactly cremini mushrooms are and how much do they differ from other common varieties. Here’s what you need to know. An important aspect to know is that most of the table mushrooms, including cremini, we eat are all of the same variety and are a part of the Agaricus bisporus.
The difference between these popular varieties of mushrooms is just age. The white button mushrooms, those very familiar kitchen staples, are simply the youngest variety. They have been cultivated, too, for that white color and soft texture. In the wild these mushrooms are usually browner.
The portobello is the most mature mushroom of these three; it’s really just an overgrown white mushroom! Portobellos are left to grow for longer, until they have spread out into that delicious meaty cap.
What Are Cremini Mushrooms?
Cremini mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that is a part of the genus Agaricus bisporus. Cremini mushrooms are matured versions of white button mushrooms but less mature versions of portobello mushrooms. Overall, cremini mushrooms, which are small and tan on the top, are commonly described as having an “earthy” flavor. While it may depend on the recipe, cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms, and portobellos mushrooms can sometimes be substituted for one another.
A Guide to Cremini Mushrooms
The cremini mushroom is the same variety as the white button mushroom and the portobello mushroom, but is between the two in terms of age. It’s a moderately mature version of the white button mushroom, which is why it has a similar flavor. Cremini mushrooms are younger than the portobello, but still related, which is why they are sometimes sold as “baby bella” or “baby portobello” mushrooms.
Cremini mushrooms’ slightly more mature state means that they have a browner color, firmer texture, and better flavor than the younger white mushrooms. We use them frequently in stews and soups, since we find that they hold up better in liquid.
What Is a Substitute for Cremini Mushrooms?
On most occasions, cremini mushrooms can be substituted with white button or portobellos mushrooms. If you want a mushroom thaty has a relatively similar flavor to creminis, then it would be best to stick with using white button mushrooms. That said, though, mushroom provide a lot of unique flavor to any dish and many of the ingredients you add to them sometimes make more of an impact on the overall dish.
What Is the Difference Between Cremini Mushrooms and Other Types of Mushrooms?
The difference between popular varieties of mushrooms, such as white button and portobellos is just age. The white button mushrooms are simply the youngest variety. They have been cultivated, too, for that white color and soft texture. In the wild these mushrooms are usually browner. The portobello is the most mature mushroom of these three; it’s really just an overgrown white mushroom! Portobellos are left to grow for longer, until they have spread out into that delicious meaty cap.
Our favorite cremini mushroom recipes:
(Images: Faith Durand)