Everything You Need To Know About Mushrooms And How To Cook With Them

When people say they don't like mushrooms, what they probably mean is they just haven't found a type of mushroom for them yet. After all, there are over 2,000 different edible types of mushrooms in the world that are rich in nutrients like vitamin B and potassium. So, there's a shroom out there for everyone.

But a trip to the grocery store produce section can easily get overwhelming when looking at the several varieties available. Which type do you buy? Button? Shiitake? Cremini? How do you cook them? How do you season them?

We chatted with mushroom expert Jenny Linford, who wrote a cookbook all about fantastic fungi called Mushrooms. She likes to cook her mushrooms in a few different ways. "Quickly searing mushrooms in a hot dry pan intensifies their flavor and gives them a tougher texture," she said. "Gently frying mushrooms in a little butter or oil brings out their flavor while keeping their juiciness."

What's important to note is that mushrooms are full of water, so the more you cook them, the more they shrink. But they will always add something great to your dishes. "Mushrooms are often used in the kitchen to add texture as well as flavor," Linford said. "Try raw mushroom salads or quickly pickled mushrooms." She also said not to overlook dried mushrooms. They last in the pantry and their flavor is more intense than fresh. Just don't forget to soak them in hot water before cooking.

Let's get into the specific mushroom types and how you can be using them in the kitchen.