Varieties
Portabella
Variety: Portabella
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A larger relative of the white button and crimini mushroom, the portabella cap can measure up to 6 inches in diameter.
The largest cultivated mushroom, portabellas are a hearty, savory, meaty variety with loads of umami, making them an ideal choice for both meat and meatless dishes. The original veggie burger, a grilled or sauteed portabella cap can satisfy the heartiest of appetites. They steal the show in dishes that show off their large size, rich flavor and steak-like texture, and are an ideal choice as a whole-ingredient meatless alternative.
Common Names:
Portobello (alternative spelling), Ports, Giant Crimini
Botanical Names:
Agaricus Bisporus
Flavor and texture
Portabella mushrooms have a rich and savory umami flavor and a firm, dense texture. When cooked, their firm texture and hearty juiciness makes for a meaty eating experience. The portabella mushroom’s flavor intensifies when cooked and is an excellent choice for grilling over a smoky fire or sautéing or roasting with a range of herbs and seasonings.
Usage
Burger
Grill
Pizza
Raw
Roast
Saute
Sear
Stuffed
Handling
At the grocery store, select portabella mushrooms that are firm with a fresh, smooth appearance. The surface of the mushroom should be dry, but not dried out, and appear plump. Gills should appear firm. Store mushrooms in original packaging or in a porous paper bag for prolonged shelf life. Some mushrooms may keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Fresh mushrooms should never be frozen, but frozen sautéed mushrooms will keep for up to one month. To clean mushrooms, brush off any debris from mushrooms with fingers or a damp paper towel, or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Note that the entire mushroom is edible from cap to stem!
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