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Part of the fungi family, here are 38,000 varieties of mushrooms. The
most common are the white or brown button mushrooms (brown are sometimes
called crimini). If a recipe doesn't specify what kind of mushrooms, you
are safe using one of these. When buying fresh mushrooms the caps should
be firm and white. Brown or black spots are signs of old age. Store mushrooms
in the refrigerator. Also commonly available are the very large portabella
mushrooms, which have great flavor and are very versatile.
Recently, some oher varieties have become more popular and therefore
more readily available fresh (you could always find them dried). These
include shitakes, enoki, morels, woodear, straw and porcini mushrooms,
to name but a few.
Never immerse mushrooms when cleaning them, as they will absorb too
much water. Use a soft, damp mushroom brush (a clean toothbrush will
also do). Never eat wild mushrooms unless you are positive of their
safety. Many varieties are deadly!
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