Fresh Mushrooms At-A-Glance Courtesy of The Mushroom Council
Agaricus AKA - White Mushrooms Description / Flavor Varies in color from creamy white to light brown and in sizes from small (button) to jumbo. Pleasingly mild and woodsy; flavor intensifies when cooked. Freshly picked Agaricus have closed veils (caps that fit closely to the stem) and delicate flavor; mature Agaricus, with opened veils and darkened caps, develop a richer, deeper taste. Optimum Shelf Life With proper care, product should remain fresh for 5-7 days. Suggested Usage Use raw as an hors d'oeuvre, or garnish in salads and on vegetable trays. Sauté, braise or grill to enhance entrees, soups, sauces and stuffings. Marinate or sauté and sertve as a side dish. Add to dishes that call for specialty mushrooms to reduce cost-per-serving.	Portabella AKA - Portabello Description / Flavor Impressive in size and appearance, the Portabella is a larger, heartier relative of the Agaricus and Crimini. They can range up to 6 inches in diameter. A longer growing cycle than Agaricus results in a deep, meat-like flavor and substantial taxture. Optimum Shelf Life With proper care, product should hold for 7-10 days. Suggested Usage Serve whole or sliced, grilled, baked or deep fried. Excellent stuffed as an entree, side dish or appetizer. Add to stir frys, sautés and sauces. A great substitute for meat in a sandwich or entree. Use as a meat alternative in a vegetarian entree.
Shiitake AKA - Oak, Chinese or Black Forest Description / Flavor Range in color from tan to dark brown with broad umbrella-shaped caps, wide open veils and tan gills. Caps have a soft, spongy texture. Rich and woodsy with a meaty texture when cooked. Optimum Shelf Life With proper care, product can hold for up to 14 days. Suggested Usage Shiitakes are best if cooked and adapt well to most cooking techniques. Adds a meaty flavor and texture to stir frys, pastas, soups, entrees and side dishes. Special Note Before using, tear off and discard the tough, woody stem. Discarded stems can be used to flavor stocks.	Crimini AKA - Italian Brown Description / Flavor Similar in appearance to the Agaricus. Look for a naturally light tan to rich brown cap and a very firm texture. Deeper, denser, earthier flavor than Agaricus. Optimum Shelf Life Product should remain fresh 5-7 days. Suggested Usage Substitute for, or use in combination with, any recipe calling for Agaricus mushrooms. Hearty, full bodies taste makes an excellent addition to beef, wild game and vegetable dishes.
Oyster AKA - Pleurotus Description / Flavor Fluted and graceful, Oyster mushrooms range in color from soft brown to gray. Best if cooked; delicate, mild flavor and velvety texture. Optimum Shelf Life Product should remain fresh for 5-7 days. Suggested Usage Substitute for or in combination with cooked Agaricus mushrooms. Delicate flavor is excellent in chicken, veal, pork and seafood dishes. Sautéing with butter and onions brings out full flavor. Add to soups and sauces.	Enoki Description / Flavor Fragile, flower-like Enoki mushrooms, with long slender stems and tiny caps, grow in small clusters. Mild, light flavor with a slight crunch. Optimum Shelf Life With proper care, product can hold for up to 14 days. Suggested Use Use raw in salads and sandwiches. Use as garnish for soups and salads. Special Note Before using, trim roots at cluster base. Separate stems before serving.