A fresh guide to Australian mushrooms
Mushrooms come in many shapes and sizes, however they are usually made up of a cap, stem and gills. Their earthy, sweet and buttery taste adds another dimension to many dishes in a variety of cuisines.
Where are mushrooms grown in Australia?
Most mushrooms are grown inside temperature and humidity-controlled areas Australia-wide. They absorb nutrients from their habitat and don’t require any sunlight. Once grown, mushrooms are hand-picked.
To see when this variety is in peak season and Australian sourced, view our seasonal fruit and veg calendar.
How to pick
White mushrooms: Select mushrooms with smooth white caps.
Shiitake mushrooms: Pick mushrooms that are firm and dry.
Oyster mushrooms: Choose mushrooms that are cream or white in colour, with no dark areas.
How to use
Mushrooms are delicious raw, or pan-fried in butter and served with your favourite meat or seafood. You can also grill, marinate, stuff and oven roast them.
How to store
Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge as soon as you get them home. Avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers as they will sweat and deteriorate.
Know your mushroom varieties
Button mushrooms
In season: All year
These are unopened mushrooms with a mild, earthy flavour.
Small cup mushrooms
In season: All year
These are slightly older button mushrooms where the cap has begun to open.
Flat mushrooms
In season: All year
This variety has expanded caps that expose all of the gills. They are richer in flavour than butter or small cup mushrooms.
White mushrooms
In season: All year
These are white to pale tan in colour with a mild, earthy flavour. This variety is the most common mushroom.
Swiss Brown
In season: All year
This variety has a chestnut brown cup with a strong flavour. When fully opened, a Swiss Brown turns into a Portobello.
Portobello
In season: All year
Large in size, with a chestnut brown cup, Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and strong flavour.
Shiitake mushrooms
In season: All year
This variety is a cream-coloured, umbrella-shaped mushroom with a brown cap and rich flavour. Shiitake mushrooms are common to East Asia, where they grow on decaying deciduous trees.
Oyster mushrooms
In season: All year
Named for their oyster shell shape, this mushroom is large in shape with a delicate flavour.
Fun facts
- There are more than 10,000 species of mushrooms in the world, but only 100 can be eaten.
- Just 75 grams of white mushroom provides a source of niacin and potassium. Mushrooms also contain selenium, which helps to maintain healthy hair and nails*.
*As part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Food saver tips
Don't panic if your mushrooms have started to dry up; cook them with olive oil, garlic and herbs and mix them into pasta, or toss them in a stir-fry for a quick, delicious dinner.
Trending mushroom recipes