Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini Mushrooms aren’t Italian mushrooms. “Cremini” is just a marketing name that was picked, witness the confusion between whether the name is actually spelt Cremini or Crimini.

Cremini Mushrooms are actually the same species of mushroom as White Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus.) They are just a slightly different strain of that species, which develops a thin layer of tan or coffee-coloured cells on its cap. The mushrooms will have a bit more flavour than White Button Mushrooms.

When the mushrooms are picked while the cap is still closed, they are called Cremini, Baby Bella, Mini Bella, Portobellini, Baby Portobella, etc.

When the mushrooms are allowed to grow further in size, developing a darker skin and an opened-cap exposing the gills on the underside, they, like Chestnut Mushrooms, are called Portobello Mushrooms.

Cooking Tips

See main entry for mushrooms.

Equivalents

See main entry for mushrooms.

Storage Hints

See main entry for mushrooms.

Language Notes

Also spelt “Crimini”. Known as “Swiss Browns” in Australia.