| At a typical grocery store, you're likely to find | | | | burger fixings. |
| anywhere between 3 and 10 different types of | | | | Shiitake: Another versatile mushroom, Shiitakes |
| mushrooms. Even so, for the longest time, I | | | | are harder and thicker than button mushrooms, |
| would only purchase simple button mushrooms, as | | | | and they have a more earthy flavor. They go |
| those were the type I was most familiar with, | | | | great in almost anything. They can be used as |
| and I knew I could use them in almost anything. | | | | pizza toppings, in salads, or as a side dish for any |
| Plus, I figured there probably wasn't much | | | | type of meat-based meal. They're originally from |
| difference between all the types of mushrooms. | | | | east Asia, which makes them a staple of cuisines |
| But once I started doing some research and | | | | from that part of the world, particularly in sushi. |
| trying all the different varieties, I found out that I | | | | Oyster: Oyster mushrooms get their name from |
| was wrong. Not only are they diverse, but they | | | | their mild, seafood-like flavor and delicate texture. |
| also have vastly different flavors and uses. | | | | While soft, they don't break up very easily, which |
| Button: Like I said before, these are the most | | | | makes them great for stews that require long |
| common and useful type of mushroom. They | | | | cooking times. They're also good to have on their |
| may not be very well regarded in culinary circles, | | | | own, gently saute for about five minutes and |
| but that's simply because they don't have a | | | | dashed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. |
| particularly strong or unique flavor. Basically, their | | | | Enoki: Enokis are small, round mushrooms with |
| flavor can only be described as "mushroomy." But | | | | long stalks. They have a unique fruity flavor and a |
| because they are rather mild, they go with almost | | | | crunchy texture that makes them appealing as a |
| anything. You can serve them with meat, put | | | | raw side dish. Meanwhile, they also work great in |
| them in salads, soups, or pastas, toss them into | | | | cooked dishes such as stir-fries and soups. |
| sandwiches, or even cook them up on their own | | | | Truffles: Truffles are the delicacy of the |
| with some garlic and onions. | | | | mushroom world. Part of what gives them their |
| Portobello: Portobellos are usually the largest type | | | | classy status is the fact that they're difficult to |
| of mushroom you'll find at the store, with a | | | | cultivate and are rare in the wild. But they also |
| full-grown diameter of around 6-8 inches. When | | | | have a unique, complex flavor that is |
| cooked, they become buttery and soft with a | | | | simultaneously sweet, with chocolaty undertones, |
| flavor that is not unlike meat. Because they're so | | | | and mushroomy. In general, they're served raw, |
| tasty and hearty, portobellos are popular among | | | | shaved over pastas or salads, but they may also |
| vegetarians. One popular way of serving them is | | | | be added to cooked meals such as roasted |
| to place the portobello cap on a hamburger bun | | | | meats or stuffings. Truffles can be pricey, but |
| and eat it with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite | | | | they're definitely worth trying. |