Mushrooms are common in cuisines around the world.
You may see them in:
- Soups
- Stir-fries
- Pasta
- Rice dishes
- Salads
- Pizzas
- Sandwiches
- Sauces
They come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
Some have small, smooth caps, while others have large, thick caps or long stems.
Although mushrooms are often grouped with vegetables when we talk about food and cooking, they are not actually vegetables.
Mushrooms are fungi.
This makes mushrooms an interesting food because they are different from both plant foods and animal foods.
There are thousands of types of mushrooms, but only some are commonly eaten.
So what exactly are mushrooms, what types can you eat, and how do you choose and use them?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are the visible fruiting structures of certain fungi.
They are neither plants nor animals.
In everyday cooking, however, mushrooms are often treated similarly to vegetables because they are commonly used in savory dishes.
This is why you may find mushrooms alongside vegetables in supermarkets and recipes.
Are Mushrooms Vegetables?
No.
Mushrooms are fungi rather than vegetables.
The confusion mainly comes from the way mushrooms are used.
In cooking, mushrooms can be:
- Sautéed like vegetables
- Added to soups
- Mixed into salads
- Cooked with grains
- Used in sauces
- Served as a side dish
So while mushrooms are commonly used like vegetables, they belong to a different biological group.
Why Are Mushrooms Considered a Food?
Edible mushrooms have been eaten by people for a very long time.
Today, mushrooms are widely available in supermarkets and markets.
They can be sold:
- Fresh
- Dried
- Canned
- Frozen
- Powdered
- As part of prepared foods
Different forms have different uses in cooking.
What Do Mushrooms Taste Like?
Mushrooms can have different flavors depending on the variety.
Many have an earthy or savory taste.
Some mushrooms are relatively mild, while others have stronger flavors.
One characteristic often associated with mushrooms is umami.
Umami is commonly described as a savory taste and is associated with foods containing glutamate. Mushrooms are one of the foods that can contribute this flavor.
This is one reason mushrooms are often used in dishes where cooks want more savory depth.
What Is Umami?
Umami is commonly described as one of the five basic tastes, alongside:
- Sweet
- Sour
- Salty
- Bitter
- Umami
Mushrooms can contribute umami to a dish.
This makes them useful in:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Stir-fries
- Pasta
- Rice dishes
Their savory flavor can also make a dish feel more substantial without requiring large amounts of meat.
What Are the Most Common Types of Mushrooms?
There are many edible mushroom varieties.
Some of the most familiar include:
- White button mushrooms
- Cremini mushrooms
- Portobello mushrooms
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Oyster mushrooms
- Enoki mushrooms
- Maitake mushrooms
- Chanterelle mushrooms
- Morel mushrooms
- Porcini mushrooms
Each type has its own shape, texture, flavor, and typical uses.
What Are White Button Mushrooms?
White button mushrooms are among the most commonly available mushrooms.
They are usually:
- Small to medium in size
- Pale in color
- Mild in flavor
- Firm in texture
They can be:
- Sautéed
- Roasted
- Added to soups
- Used in pasta
- Added to salads
- Cooked with eggs
Their mild flavor makes them easy to use in many everyday dishes.
What Are Cremini Mushrooms?
Cremini mushrooms are also known as baby bella mushrooms.
They are closely related to white button mushrooms but are typically darker in color.
They tend to have a slightly deeper flavor and firmer texture.
They can be used in many of the same dishes as white button mushrooms.
What Are Portobello Mushrooms?
Portobello mushrooms are large, mature mushrooms with broad caps.
They have a firm texture and a relatively rich, savory flavor.
Because of their size and texture, they are often:
- Grilled
- Roasted
- Stuffed
- Used in sandwiches
- Served as a main component of a meal
Their substantial texture is one reason they are sometimes used as an alternative to meat in certain dishes.
What Are Shiitake Mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms are widely used in Asian cuisines.
They generally have:
- Brown caps
- Firm flesh
- A noticeable savory flavor
Shiitake mushrooms can be:
- Stir-fried
- Added to soups
- Used in noodle dishes
- Cooked with rice
- Added to sauces
They are commonly available fresh or dried.
What Are Oyster Mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms have broad, fan-shaped caps.
They can have a delicate texture and mild savory flavor.
They are often:
- Stir-fried
- Sautéed
- Roasted
- Added to soups
Their shape also makes them visually distinctive.
What Are Enoki Mushrooms?
Enoki mushrooms are easy to recognize because of their:
- Long thin stems
- Small caps
- Clustered growth pattern
They are commonly used in:
- Soups
- Hot pots
- Noodle dishes
- Stir-fries
They have a relatively delicate texture.
What Are Maitake Mushrooms?
Maitake mushrooms have an unusual appearance, with clusters that can resemble overlapping leaves or feathers.
They have a distinctive texture and savory flavor.
They can be:
- Roasted
- Sautéed
- Grilled
- Added to soups
What Are Dried Mushrooms?
Dried mushrooms are mushrooms from which much of the moisture has been removed.
Drying allows mushrooms to be stored for longer periods and can change their texture and flavor.
Common examples include dried:
- Shiitake
- Porcini
- Morels
Dried mushrooms are often soaked in water before cooking.
Are Dried Mushrooms the Same as Fresh Mushrooms?
They are the same basic food in a different form, but their characteristics are different.
Dried mushrooms generally have:
- Less water
- A firmer texture before soaking
- A more concentrated flavor
After soaking, they become softer and can be used in cooking.
The soaking liquid may also contain flavor and can sometimes be used in recipes after being strained appropriately.
What Are Canned Mushrooms?
Canned mushrooms are mushrooms that have been processed and packaged for storage.
They are convenient because they are:
- Ready to use
- Easy to store
- Available year-round
Their texture can differ from fresh mushrooms.
Canned mushrooms may also contain added sodium, so checking the label can be useful if sodium intake matters to you.
Are Frozen Mushrooms Available?
Some mushroom products can be frozen, although mushrooms can change texture when frozen and thawed.
Frozen mushroom products can be useful in cooked dishes where texture is less important.
Always follow the storage and preparation instructions on the package.
Are Mushrooms Nutritious?
Mushrooms can provide several nutrients.
Depending on the variety and growing conditions, mushrooms can contain nutrients such as:
- B vitamins
- Selenium
- Copper
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
They also generally contain relatively little fat and calories.
However, the nutritional composition varies between mushroom varieties and products.
Do Mushrooms Contain Vitamin D?
Some mushrooms can contain vitamin D, but the amount varies considerably.
Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light can produce vitamin D2.
Mushrooms grown without significant UV exposure may contain much less vitamin D.
Therefore, it is not accurate to assume that every mushroom is automatically a significant source of vitamin D.
If vitamin D content matters to you, check the product information.
Do Mushrooms Contain Protein?
Mushrooms contain protein, but they are not generally considered a major protein source compared with foods such as beans, lentils, eggs, fish, meat, or dairy.
Their nutritional value comes from a combination of nutrients rather than protein alone.
Do Mushrooms Contain Fiber?
Mushrooms contain some dietary fiber.
The amount varies by type and serving size.
Mushrooms can therefore contribute to overall fiber intake, although they should be considered alongside other fiber-rich foods such as:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Seeds
Are All Mushrooms Edible?
No.
This is one of the most important things to understand about mushrooms.
Some mushrooms are edible, while others can cause illness or may be poisonous.
Wild mushrooms can also be difficult to identify correctly because some poisonous varieties can resemble edible ones.
For everyday eating, commercially sold mushrooms from reputable sources are a much safer choice than picking unknown wild mushrooms yourself.
Can You Eat Wild Mushrooms?
Some wild mushrooms are edible, but identifying them correctly requires appropriate knowledge and experience.
A mushroom that looks similar to an edible variety may not be safe to eat.
For this reason, people without specialist knowledge should avoid collecting and eating wild mushrooms based only on appearance.
Can You Eat Mushrooms Raw?
Some commercially sold mushrooms can be eaten raw.
For example, common button mushrooms are sometimes served raw in salads.
However, whether a particular mushroom should be eaten raw depends on the variety and preparation.
Follow the product instructions and use mushrooms from reliable food sources.
Should You Wash Mushrooms?
Mushrooms can have soil or other material on their surface.
They should be cleaned appropriately before use.
Because mushrooms can absorb water, many cooks prefer to clean them shortly before cooking rather than soaking them for a long time.
The exact cleaning approach can depend on the mushroom and how dirty it is.
How Should You Clean Mushrooms?
A simple approach is to gently remove visible dirt.
You can:
- Brush off dirt
- Wipe them with a damp towel
- Rinse them briefly when appropriate
Avoid unnecessary soaking if you want to preserve their texture.
After cleaning, prepare them according to the recipe.
How Should You Choose Fresh Mushrooms?
When buying fresh mushrooms, look for products that appear:
- Firm
- Fresh
- Intact
- Free from obvious spoilage
Avoid mushrooms that look excessively slimy, damaged, or deteriorated.
Different varieties naturally have different colors and textures, so learn what is normal for the specific type you are buying.
How Should You Store Fresh Mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms are generally best kept refrigerated until use.
A common recommendation is to avoid trapping excessive moisture around them.
For some fresh mushrooms, a paper bag can allow moisture to escape better than tightly sealed plastic packaging.
Follow the storage instructions provided with packaged mushrooms.
How Long Do Fresh Mushrooms Last?
The storage life depends on:
- Mushroom variety
- Freshness when purchased
- Packaging
- Refrigerator conditions
- Moisture
Use them while they are still in good condition.
If mushrooms become noticeably spoiled, develop an unusual smell, or show other signs of deterioration, discard them.
Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Some mushrooms can be frozen, but freezing can change their texture.
Because mushrooms contain a high amount of water, they may become softer after thawing.
Frozen mushrooms may therefore work better in:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Stir-fries
- Other cooked dishes
rather than preparations where a firm fresh texture is important.
How Should You Cook Mushrooms?
Mushrooms can be prepared in many ways.
Popular methods include:
- Sautéing
- Roasting
- Grilling
- Stir-frying
- Simmering
- Baking
The cooking method can change their:
- Texture
- Flavor
- Moisture
- Browning
High-heat cooking can help create a deeper savory flavor.
Why Do Mushrooms Shrink When Cooked?
Mushrooms contain a large amount of water.
When heated, some of that water is released and evaporates.
As a result, mushrooms can become considerably smaller during cooking.
This is normal and does not necessarily indicate that something has gone wrong.
Why Do Mushrooms Become Brown When Cooked?
Cooking can cause mushrooms to lose moisture and develop browning on their surface.
This can create a deeper flavor and more appealing texture.
Giving mushrooms enough space in the pan can also help them brown rather than simply steaming in their own moisture.
What Foods Go Well With Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are versatile and can be paired with many foods.
They work well with:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Potatoes
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Beans
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Fish
Their savory flavor makes them useful in both simple and more complex dishes.
Can Mushrooms Replace Meat?
Mushrooms can sometimes replace part of the meat in a recipe because of their texture and savory flavor.
For example, chopped mushrooms can be combined with ground meat in:
- Burgers
- Sauces
- Tacos
- Meatballs
This can increase the amount of mushrooms in a meal while maintaining some of the characteristics of the original dish.
However, mushrooms are not nutritionally identical to meat.
What Is the Difference Between Mushrooms and Vegetables?
The biggest difference is biological classification.
Vegetables come from plants.
Mushrooms are fungi.
But in cooking, both can be used as ingredients in savory meals.
This is why mushrooms are often discussed alongside vegetables even though they belong to a different biological kingdom.
What Is the Difference Between Mushrooms and Mold?
Both mushrooms and molds are fungi.
However, they are different forms of fungi.
Mushrooms are generally the visible fruiting structures of certain fungi.
Mold usually grows as microscopic or filamentous structures.
Not all fungi are edible, and mushrooms should not be confused with any unidentified fungal growth on food.
Are Mushrooms a Good Everyday Food?
Mushrooms can fit into a varied eating pattern.
They are versatile and can be prepared in many ways.
Rather than treating mushrooms as a special “superfood,” it is more useful to view them as one of many foods that can add variety, flavor, and nutrients to meals.
A varied diet is more important than relying on one particular food.
A Simple Way to Add Mushrooms to Your Meals
You do not need complicated recipes.
Try adding mushrooms to:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms.
Lunch
Mushrooms in a rice bowl or salad.
Dinner
Mushrooms with pasta, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Soup
Add sliced mushrooms to broth-based soups.
Side Dish
Sauté mushrooms with a small amount of oil and seasonings.
Sandwich
Use grilled or sautéed mushrooms as one of the fillings.
These simple uses can make mushrooms part of regular meals.
Common Questions About Mushrooms
Are mushrooms vegetables?
No. Mushrooms are fungi, although they are commonly used like vegetables in cooking.
Are mushrooms healthy?
Mushrooms can be part of a varied eating pattern and provide nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, copper, and potassium.
Are all mushrooms edible?
No. Some mushrooms can be poisonous. Stick to commercially sold edible mushrooms unless you have specialist knowledge of wild mushroom identification.
Can you eat mushrooms raw?
Some commercially sold mushrooms can be eaten raw, depending on the variety and preparation.
Do mushrooms contain vitamin D?
Some mushrooms can contain vitamin D, particularly when exposed to ultraviolet light. The amount varies considerably.
Are dried mushrooms nutritious?
Dried mushrooms can still provide nutrients, but their composition differs from fresh mushrooms because much of the water has been removed.
Can mushrooms be frozen?
Some can, but freezing can change their texture.
Why do mushrooms shrink when cooked?
They contain a lot of water, which is released during cooking.
What is umami?
Umami is a savory taste. Mushrooms can naturally contribute umami flavor to dishes.
Can mushrooms replace meat?
They can replace some of the meat in certain recipes for texture and flavor, but they are not nutritionally identical to meat.
How should fresh mushrooms be stored?
Keep them refrigerated and follow the package instructions. Avoid excessive moisture buildup around the mushrooms.
What is the most common mushroom?
White button mushrooms are among the most commonly available mushrooms in supermarkets.
The Simple Takeaway
Mushrooms are a unique food because they are fungi, not vegetables.
Remember:
- Mushrooms are fungi.
- They are commonly used like vegetables in cooking.
- There are thousands of mushroom varieties.
- Only some varieties are suitable for eating.
- Common edible varieties include button, cremini, portobello, shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms.
- Fresh and dried mushrooms have different textures and uses.
- Mushrooms can provide nutrients including B vitamins, selenium, copper, and potassium.
- Some mushrooms can contain vitamin D depending on their exposure to ultraviolet light.
- Mushrooms can contribute umami, giving dishes a savory flavor.
- They can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, stir-fried, or added to soups and sauces.
- Fresh mushrooms should be stored appropriately and used while they are still in good condition.
- Unknown wild mushrooms should not be eaten simply because they look similar to edible varieties.
You do not need to do anything complicated with mushrooms.
Choose a familiar edible variety, store it properly, clean it before use, and add it to meals where its savory flavor and texture work well.
Sources & Further Reading
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source
General information about mushrooms, their varieties, nutrition, storage, preparation, and food safety.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source
General information about variety in fruits and vegetables and the importance of an overall healthy eating pattern.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide personalized dietary, nutritional, or medical advice. Individual nutritional needs may vary, so consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for advice specific to your circumstances.