There are many species of edible mushrooms available on the global market right now, about 300 varieties in total. Each has their own distinct look and flavor profile, as well as cooking applications. Since they are widely appreciated by people all around the world, it would be a great idea to capitalize on their popularity and include some of them in your restaurant dishes.
Luckily, most mushroom varieties are available for purchase at stores or through produce wholesalers all year round, so you won’t have any issues getting a hold of them no matter the season. In the U.S, Pennsylvania dominates the local market of cultivated mushrooms, accounting for two-thirds of the nation’s production.
With all this in mind, let’s have a look at the six most popular mushroom varieties:
White button mushrooms
Also known as table mushrooms or champignons, white button mushrooms are the most common mushroom variety grown in the Unites States and the world. As the name itself suggests, they resemble a white button and they are small in size, usually growing no more than 7 centimeters in diameter.
Button mushrooms bring an earthy, slightly nutty flavor to your dishes when cooked. Their texture changes from crisp to tender when grilled or sautéed. They can be a brilliant addition to a variety of recipes, but they’re most commonly used as garnishes and pizza toppings.
If you’re wondering where to find white button mushrooms, you’re in luck. Riviera Produce can supply your restaurant with all the button mushrooms it needs, as well as many other types of fresh wholesale produce.
Cremini mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, or “baby bellas”, are in some ways similar to white button mushrooms. They represent the middle stage of maturity between button mushrooms and portobellos. If you’re unsure to how to spot cremini mushrooms, know that they have a darker color (light brown) than white mushrooms and a meatier texture.
Being more mature also endows them with a stronger savory taste, which becomes even more potent when roasted or sautéed. They can be easily stored in the fridge and rinsed before cooking. Cremini mushrooms are available all year-round at Riviera Produce, so you can check our selection and include them in your next wholesale produce order.
Portobello mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are the more mature version of cremini mushrooms. They are larger in size and have a more intense flavor than their younger counterparts. Due to both their size and rich flavor profile, they serve as great substitutes for meat in burgers or sandwiches.
Mushrooms of the portobello variety have a dark brown color and a firm meaty texture. As mentioned before, their flavor is very rich, often being classified as umami. That is due to the loss of water content as they mature.
The peak harvesting season for portobello mushrooms is winter, but they can found and bought at all times of the year. Riviera Produce offers this mushroom variety all year-round and can deliver wholesale orders to your restaurant at a moment’s notice.
Oyster mushrooms
If you’re wondering why oyster mushrooms made it onto this list of popular mushroom varieties, the answer might lie in their flavor. These delicate-looking mushrooms do not only look like oysters but taste like them too. The flavor is obviously much milder than that of a real oyster.
Some people might also point out a resemblance to seafood, as well as anise in their flavor and scent profile. All these notes fade slightly as the mushrooms are cooked. As for how to cook oyster mushrooms, know that they shine best in stir-frys, stews or sautéed dishes.
Oyster mushrooms are available at Riviera Produce all throughout the year. So, if you’re planning to stock your restaurant kitchen with this mushroom specialty, you can place a wholesale order at our online marketplace and you’re all set.
Enoki mushrooms
More than anything, enoki mushrooms stand out through their unique shape. Also called golden needle mushrooms or lily mushrooms, they are long, thin and have a creamy white color. In terms of taste, they might surprise you (and your customers) with a slightly sweet, even fruity flavor.
This mushroom variety is hugely popular in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisines. So, if you’re thinking how to prepare enoki mushrooms, it might be a good idea to start with dishes such as stir-frys, soups or hot pots. Their crunchy texture and sweet nutty flavor will definitely shine in such recipes.
You can find and buy enoki mushrooms all year round. The best strategy for supplying your restaurant with fresh enoki mushrooms is to buy them wholesale through a local produce distributor like Riviera Produce.
Shiitake mushrooms
The last mushroom variety on our list is the shiitake mushroom. These small, dark brown mushrooms pack a lot of flavor. Just like portobello mushrooms, their taste is often described as umami or savory. Shiitake mushrooms pair well with many vegetables and can be incorporated in stir-fries, sauces and soups, where they develop strong meaty, buttery, sometimes even smoky notes.
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia, but they are cultivated and available for purchase in many parts of the world, including the United States. If you find yourself in need of shiitake mushrooms for your restaurant dishes, you can count on Riviera Produce to meet your needs and supply fresh wholesale produce to your venue.
Cooking with edible mushrooms is a wonderful opportunity to explore and mix different flavors and create tasty innovative dishes for your customers. Since most mushroom varieties are available for purchase throughout the year, there’s nothing stopping you from making them a staple in your restaurant menu.
Partnering up with a reliable produce wholesaler like Riviera Produce will ensure that you have a steady supply of fresh, top-quality mushrooms for all your cooking endeavors.
