This article provides an overview of mushroom, what it tastes like, their availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make mushroom substitutes.
What is a Mushroom?
A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruit of a fungus plant, that is typically produced above ground, on soil, or on a food source.
The most commonly cultivated mushroom is the white button mushroom and they are used extensively in cooking, throughout many cuisines. Most mushrooms used for cooking have been grown in mushroom farms and are considered safe to eat.
What do Mushrooms taste like?
Mushrooms have an earthy, woody, and slightly meaty flavor to them. Each mushroom has a slightly different unique flavor profile, that can also taste different whether eaten fresh or cooked.
Is Mushroom readily available in Supermarkets?
Mushrooms are a popular food eaten in the majority of countries and therefore should be readily available in supermarkets. They are often sold in the refrigerated section of the fresh produce.
What are some alternative names for Mushrooms?
Mushroom is the standard name given to the cultivated fungus, the term ‘toadstool’ is often given to the ones poisonous to humans. There are many different varieties of mushrooms, however, they generally all have the variety in the name followed by mushroom.
What is a good substitute for Mushrooms in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for mushrooms. These include:
- Thanks to their earthy taste and soft texture, mushrooms can be easily replaced in recipes with a number of different vegetables.
- Zucchini
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Squash
- Artichoke Hearts
- Alternatively, you could use tofu or tempeh, as they again share a similar texture and taste, as well as being the same creamy color.