WHITE MUSHROOMS
White button mushrooms are small to medium in size with caps averaging 2-7 centimeters in diameter and are attached to short, truncated stems. The smooth white caps are rounded, firm, and spongy. When bruised, the white flesh will turn light pink and will then transform into brown. Underneath the unopened caps, there are many small, light brown gills that are hidden with a white veil and these gills produce dark brown spores. The short white stem is also edible, dense, thick, and smooth. When raw, White button mushrooms are mild with a crisp texture, and when cooked, they develop an earthy flavor with a tender, chewy texture.
CREMINI MUSHROOM
Cremini mushrooms are small to medium in size and have a rounded cap with a short, stubby stem. The smooth cap ranges from light to dark brown and is firm and spongy. Underneath the cap, there are small brown gills, but most of these are hidden as the cap has not fully opened when harvested at the Cremini stage. The short white stem is also edible, dense, thick, and smooth with a slightly rubbery texture. Cremini mushrooms are mild and somewhat earthy with a meaty texture.
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM
Portabello mushrooms are large in size and have a rounded, flat cap that averages fifteen centimeters in diameter and is connected to a thick stem. The smooth cap ranges from dark brown to tan and is firm, thick, and spongy. Underneath the cap, there are dark brown, fleshy gills, a small ring from the cotton-like veil, and the stem is fibrous, white, and dense. When cooked, Portabella mushrooms have a memorable chewy and meaty texture and a smoky, earthy flavor.