The growing popularity of gourmet mushrooms is exciting to us! We enjoy seeing new varieties at our local farmer’s markets and/or grocery stores and want to try them all. If you want to venture into the world of gourmet mushrooms, you may be wondering where to start. Which mushroom(s) are you most likely to enjoy? This post will help you choose the right gourmet mushroom(s) for your cooking needs. We’ll provide you with a flavor guide of the most popular gourmet mushroom varieties, as well as a basic recipe for tasting your mushrooms to get you started. Adventure on!
Gourmet Mushroom Flavor Guide
We realize that taste is a subjective experience. Flavor impressions are based on mushrooms prepared with our Basic Gourmet Mushroom Recipe (below). Flavors may vary slightly based on the environment in which the mushrooms were raised.
Blue Oyster
Blue oyster mushrooms (pleurotus columbinus) are mild, yet savory mushrooms with a meaty, velvety texture. We enjoy them pan-fried (see recipe below) or as a meat substitute in soups. They are versatile and fit in well with a variety of casseroles and pasta dishes as well. As you can see in the picture below, blue oysters are not always blue- they range from a deep blue to light gray depending on the environment conditions in which they are grown.
Cremini
Cremini mushrooms (agaricus bisporus) are also known as baby bellas. These mushrooms may straddle the line between “common” and “gourmet.” Creminis have an earthy, robust flavor with a meaty, firm texture. These mushrooms stand up well to cooking and are great sauteed with other vegetables.
King Trumpet
If you only try one mushroom on this list, we recommend king trumpet (pleurotus eryngii). Our all-time flavor favorite, king trumpets boast an umami, nutty, and sweet flavor combination with a pleasingly firm texture. King trumpets can easily star as the focus of your meal- simply roast in garlic (see recipe below) and serve over rice. They also work well as seafood/meat substitute in recipes or in pasta dishes. Seriously, give this one a try.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms (hericium erinaceus) have a slightly sweet, lobster-like taste and a tender, sponge-like texture. Their texture allows them to soak up broths, oils, or spices exceptionally well. We like to use these mushrooms as a seafood substitute in recipes. Lion’s mane mushrooms are aesthetically pleasing, with long white spines that resemble stalactites formed in a cave. If the great taste and visual appeal weren’t enough, consumption of lion’s mane mushrooms may lead to improved memory (at least in rats).
Maitake
Maitake mushrooms (grifola frondosa) are sometimes also called “hen of the woods.” We think maitakes taste earthy, robust, and savory. The texture is tender, but not too soft. We find them exquisite in noodle soups and pasta dishes, although they are also great simply roasted in the oven. Maitake naturally grows in small bouquets, adding visual interest to your recipes, if served whole.
Snow Oyster
Snow oyster mushrooms (pleurotus ostreatus) have a delicate, almost-sweet, seafood-like flavor and a tender, fish-like texture. We enjoy eating them pan friend with garlic (see recipe below) or as a fish substitute in recipes. Similar to the blue oyster, they are versatile and fit in well with a variety of casseroles and pasta dishes. Snow oysters range from a pleasing cream color to all white.
Recipe: Basic Gourmet Mushrooms
Prep & Cook Time: 20 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz gourmet mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic
- Olive oil or butter substitute (we like Earth Balance)
Instructions
- First, crush and chop garlic cloves. We typically let the garlic sit for 10 minutes prior to cooking it, due to research suggesting this delay preserves the nutrients best. (not required)
- Then, slice mushrooms into thin pieces to best absorb the garlic/butter flavor.
- Next, add butter substitute/oil to pan; once hot, add garlic. Sautee until aromatic.
- Finally, add mushrooms and arrange in a single layer on the bottom of the pan. You may need to add more butter substitute/oil, as some mushrooms act as sponges. Flip as needed to ensure even cooking on both sides. Serve when golden brown. Enjoy!
Sourcing or Growing Your Own Gourmet Mushrooms
Want to try your hand at growing your own mushrooms? Click here to learn about growing king trumpet mushrooms or here to learn about growing oyster mushrooms in jars. Want to make a clone of a mushroom from the grocery story or your local farmer’s market? Click here to learn about cloning mushrooms on agar plates.
Looking for a different, delicious way to use your fresh mushrooms? Try this recipe for Mushroom Risotto, which can be made with oyster or king trumpet mushrooms.
If you’d like to purchase our gourmet mushrooms, you can find us at the Orange City, IA farmer’s market this summer (2023). We plan to have a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and herbs available this season. We’ll also be selling extra produce at our road market stand in Alton. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for anything in particular! Email us at [email protected].
