What Is a Baby Portobello?

A baby portobello is a type of mushroom that belongs to the Agaricus bisporus family. This type of mushroom is preferred by many for its size as well as its rich flavor and firm texture. Baby portobellos are widely available in several countries, and they are relatively easy to cook. Mushrooms keep well once ripened, so long as special care is taken to preserve them. Like all other mushrooms, this version is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, and they might even ward off certain diseases.

Agaricus bisporus contains a broad classification of several mushrooms, including portobello, white, and brown versions. The baby portobello looks the most similar to white mushrooms, except their tops are brown in color. This type of mushroom is indigenous to North America and Europe, but it is widely cultivated in several countries across the world to use in a variety of different recipes.

Baby portobellos are often preferred over white mushrooms for their size and taste, and they are sometimes substituted in recipes that call for other versions of mushroom. While white mushrooms have a light flavor, baby portobellos tend to have a rich and earthy taste to them. These types of mushrooms pair well with beef, but they can be substituted for white versions in virtually any recipe. Due to its size, the baby portobello cooks quicker, which helps to save time in the kitchen. In some cases, the mushrooms are cooked a little longer, because they have a firmer texture.

Unlike some other items purchased in the produce section of supermarkets, the baby portobello keeps for up to one week at home. For the best results, the mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator in brown bags as soon as they are ripe. Unripe mushrooms do not cook well, and they might even have too bold of a flavor. A soft texture is indicative that the portobellos are spoiled, and they should be discarded immediately.

Aside from a having a full flavor and ease of cooking, the baby portobello is also an ideal food choice as part of a healthy diet. Mushrooms are a naturally cholesterol and fat-free food, and they contain little calories and sodium. Baby portobello mushrooms are rich in minerals, such as potassium, as well as vitamins B and D. The vegetable also contains high levels of selenium, an antioxidant that may help to prevent cellular damage linked to diseases, such as cancer.