Mushrooms
Varieties for Every Taste
It's true that there are many varieties of mushrooms found worldwide that aren't gourmet, and even some types that aren't even edible, but there is actually several that gourmet aficionados just can't get enough of.
If you are one of those people looking for a true gourmet experience, then you might want to try a few of the following mushroom varieties.
Portobello mushrooms, sometimes called portabella mushrooms, are perhaps the most well-known of gourmet mushrooms. This meaty, Italian variety is often used for stuffing or as a meat substitute in gourmet dishes.
Although the name suggests that they are an Italian variety, Porcini mushrooms are actually Finnish. They are quite versatile, and go well with various types of dishes.
Shiitake mushrooms originate in Asia. They are known not only for their brown, almost black cap and full bodied flavor, but also for the fact that many people believe that they offer healing properties.
Matsutake mushrooms come from Japan and have been enjoyed and cherished for over 1,000 years. They look much like regular white mushrooms, but are quite large and have a cinnamon-like aroma.
Chanterelle mushrooms are prized for their delicate nutty flavor and chewy texture. Chanterelles are most often picked in the wild and brought to market usually in summer and fall.
Oyster mushrooms are shell or oyster-shaped and have white delicate flesh; their cap may range in color from white, to dark brown or gray. The oyster mushroom is one of the most perishable of all vegetables and must be stored properly in cool, well-sealed container.
The exquisite morel mushroom, which is brown in color, can be found in different shapes that range anywhere from round to almost bell-shaped. If you aren't on a budget, then morel mushrooms are for you, since they are the most expensive variety.
If you can't find these or other gourmet mushrooms locally, you will surely find them on the Internet. You can even find mushroom growing kits to produce your own at home or to give to a true mushroom gourmand.