13 Types Of Mushrooms + The Best Way To Use Them

Mushrooms can be an acquired taste and texture for some, but the meaty veggies are full of health benefits. Depending on the variety, mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D, potassium, selenium, and copper, says culinary and integrative dietitian Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, L.D. Plus, they're incredibly versatile.

"They can take on any flavor or texture," registered dietitian Aja Gyimah, MHSc, R.D., tells mbg, "it just depends on how you cook them."

Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and commonly found in Asian cuisines. These earthy-tasting mushrooms are distinguishable by their rounded brown tops, resembling an umbrella. They are high in fiber, which can help support digestion and heart health1, registered dietitian Brenna Wallace, M.S., RDN, LDN, says. 

Portobello mushrooms are large in size with a flat cap. They have a dense, meaty texture and are commonly used in Italian dishes or as a plant-based substitute to meat. According to Wallace, they're a great source of potassium, which can help manage high blood pressure2.

Maitake mushrooms are also called hen of the woods mushrooms. They grow in a cluster at the bottom of trees and offer a rich umami flavor. These mushrooms have potent medicinal properties and become even more powerful when combined with shiitake mushroom extract3, according to Moday. 

Reishi mushrooms are tough, woody, and inedible mushrooms that primarily grow in Asia. Their healing properties4 have been recognized and used in Eastern medicine for more than 2,000 years. According to Moday, they have been shown to support the immune system5 and combat viruses, like herpes6 and certain strains of the flu7.

Cremini mushrooms (also spelled crimini) are in the same family as white button and portobello mushrooms. In fact, cremini mushrooms are essentially just the baby version of portobellos, which is why they're often dubbed "baby bellas." They have the same meaty flavor and firm texture as their more mature counterpart. Cremini mushrooms are also high in selenium and antioxidants to help manage inflammation, Wallace adds. 

Just as cremini mushrooms are the younger version of portobellos, white buttons are the younger version of creminis. These are generally the most common type of mushrooms found in grocery stores.

Oyster mushrooms look similar to, well, oysters—without the same slimy texture. These mushrooms are commonly used in Japanese, Chinese, or Korean dishes. They're slightly metallic-tasting when raw but have a mild, savory flavor when sautéed, grilled, or roasted.  

Porcini mushrooms grow at the base of pine trees and are a common part of French or Italian cuisines. These mushrooms are sold fresh or dried and tend to be on the expensive side. Compared to most mushrooms, they have a slightly more nutty flavor. "You can look to porcini mushrooms for protein, fiber, and iron," Wallace says. 

Enoki mushrooms are a cluster of mushrooms with long, thin stems and tiny button caps. You can eat them raw or cooked, and they're most commonly found in Asian cuisines. Enoki mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants and may have some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties8.

Unlike most neutral-colored mushrooms, chanterelle mushrooms stand out for their bright, golden hues. These mushrooms are difficult to cultivate, so they're most commonly found in the wild. They're known for their unique peppery and slightly fruity flavor.

Morel mushrooms look more like a fruit pit than a mushroom. These porous mushrooms have to be foraged in the wild and are somewhat difficult to come by. Morel mushrooms have a nutty, meaty, and earthy flavor with a firm texture. Eating these mushrooms raw can cause stomach upset. But when you cook them, morels provide a variety of nutrients9, including iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin D, and more10.

OK, so lobster mushrooms (Hypomyces lactifluorum) aren't actually mushrooms. They're actually a fungus that grows on the outside of mushrooms, turning them a vibrant red color. Along with the coloring, lobster mushrooms get their name from their seafood-like scent.

King trumpet mushrooms are the largest members of the oyster mushroom family. They look similar to the trumpet instrument and have a thick-stemmed base. They're native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe and can also be grown in Asian countries.