There are many types of different mushrooms in the world. Some can be poisonous, cause hallucinations, or completely harmless yet delicious. The mushrooms we want to focus on are the Cremini vs the Portobello. We want to help you choose which is better for you.
If you are planning any vegan date ideas, feel free to check out our Vegan Recipes for Two.
Size and Age
Both cremini and portobello mushrooms sport a dark brown color and a smooth cap and boast a deep savory flavor. Despite their size difference, these mushrooms look and taste pretty similar.
The difference between these two brown mushrooms is age. Portobello mushrooms are simply the mature version of cremini mushrooms harvested when they’re fully grown. But in the marketplace, you’ll see a difference.
Mushrooms sold as portobellos are larger, and the gills are exposed and dark because the mushroom is allowed to ripen after being picked. Creminis are smaller, and their gills are covered with a “veil” of mushroom skin. In fact, if the gills are not covered, the cremini is not as fresh as it should be.
Taste of Mushrooms: Cremini vs Portobello
Since Portobello has more time to grow, they have less moisture than creminis and a stronger earthy mushroom flavor. Portobello also has a meaty texture that lends itself well to certain dishes like a burger topping or sliced in strips.
If you’re going to cut the mushroom up finely, however, like in a pasta sauce, you should opt for creminis since you don’t need the meaty portobello texture and you can get more creminis in a package than portobellos.
Description of Cremini vs Portobello
Cremini mushrooms are similar to the white mushroom in shape and size but firmer to the touch. The color ranges from light tan to dark brown. They’re low in calories and contain small amounts of calcium and iron along with even smaller amounts of vitamins.
Purchase: Can be purchased in bulk and cello-wrapped trays.
Taste: Meaty and earthy flavor, more intense than white mushroom.
How to Serve: Can be eaten raw or cooked. Fantastic in salads, soups, and entrées.
Storage: Keep Crimini mushrooms refrigerated in a paper bag for up to 5 days.
Portabellas are fully-grown brown mushrooms, with a large, light tan cap. Portabellas are the largest of all domestic mushrooms. It is low in sodium and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is also a good source of protein. Portabella mushrooms are great meat substitutes with no fat, sodium, or cholesterol.
How to Purchase: Can be purchased in bulk, cello-wrapped trays, and sliced.
Taste Profile: Since they are grown to a large size, Portabella mushrooms lose some moisture, giving them a meaty texture and earthy taste.
How to Serve: Can be grilled, baked, or deep-fried, are great as an appetizer, side dish, or entrée. Because of their natural meatiness,
Storage: Keep Portabella mushrooms refrigerated in a paper bag for up to 7 days.
If you are looking for other vegan options visit: Vegan Chili Recipes
We have offered you all the facts you would need to know about these mushrooms. They are virtually similar in many ways while they hold plenty of differences. Try both for yourself and share which you think is better. Try them with a few dishes or have them plain. Either way, we would love to hear what your favorite mushroom is.
