What is a button mushroom?
The knob fungus, better known as the white sponge or sometimes agaricus bisporus is the most cultivated, harvested and distributed fungus in the world. This edible sponge is consumed so commonly such a wide range of people that the term "sponge" evokes a picture of the mushroom of the button in the minds of most people. In the United States alone, the average person consumes over two pounds (one kilogram) of mushrooms per year. Slightly flavored, durable mushrooms can be found fresh, dried and canned in food stores around the world. The sponge is surrounded under a smooth cap and a small ring of meat surrounds the stem where it meets the cap. When young, this ring of meat forms a veil above the gills of mushrooms. The fungus can be found almost anywhere, including lawns, compost piles, leaf molds, wood chips, dead trees and well -fertilized soil. They easily identify and choose, making them a popular choice for mushroom hunters.
brown variety of mushroomThe buttons often occur as a crimini sponge. Crimini mushrooms have a darker and earth's taste that some consumers like because they add the complexity of food. Leaving the growth to a large size and the sponge is also packed and sold under the Portobello label. Portobello mushrooms are usually relatively large and also have a rich taste that is paired with a fleshy texture. All varieties of the knob and come well and tend to be very stable if they are kept in dry, cold conditions.
When choosing a mushroom to eat, look for samples that still have firmly closed veils covering the gills. Also try to choose solid dry samples without slimy texture or cracks. Place the mushrooms in a paper bag of the cold part of the fridge and try to use them within one week. When you are ready to use mushrooms, wipe them lightly to remove dirt and leaves or wash them if the mushrooms are used immediately.
The button fungus is a delicious edible fungus and can be used in a wide range of meals.Fresh mushrooms are excellent for pizzas, salads, chips and steamed meat. Dried, can be used to give a deep, earthy taste steamed and stuffing. Consequent use for this flexible sponge is limited by the imagination of the chef.