Portabella Mushroom Identification

Significance

• It may sound like a science experiment, but adding fungus to your diet can have health benefits. Consuming mushrooms such as portabellas adds fiber and flavor without any cholesterol, sodium or fat. A medium-sized portabella (four ounces) contributes just 40 calories to a hamburger, salad or other dish, according to the Produce Pete website.

Identification

• If you run across a mushroom with a cap/head much larger than what you're used to seeing, you may have found the portabella. The Produce Pete website cites the portabella as the largest cultivated mushroom, growing up to six inches across. Look closer to see the cap is light tan and rough textured, not smooth like some other mushrooms. This characteristic signifies young, ripe portabellas. Older portabellas are darker and may start to wrinkle, though they're still quite suitable for cooking.

Location

• Find portabella mushrooms in the produce section of the grocery store. Grow kits are available from mushroom suppliers and organic vendors for people who want to raise their own.

Benefits

• According to Penn State University, mushrooms are high in antioxidants. Portabella mushrooms are one of two mushrooms with the most antioxidants, higher than green beans, tomatoes and green peppers. The Gourmet Sleuth website cites another benefit to portabellas--they give vegetarians a sense of eating meat, because the mushroom cap's thick texture mimics that of a chicken breast or hamburger.