40 Edible Mushroom Types (Pictures & Identifiers)

Last Updated: September 14, 2022

Are you looking to include more mushrooms in your everyday diet? Nobody would blame you–consuming common edible mushrooms comes with loads of health benefits.

Vegans as well as other dietary types are getting more involved in sourcing their own food, the act of getting into beautiful natural settings & coming back with something healthy & flavorful is a great way to enjoy the process of putting food on your plate.

However, if you’re new to having mushrooms in your diet, you might be wondering where to start! We have done the hard work for you. Here are 40 edible mushroom types along with pictures and descriptions.

With this information, you’ll have a baseline to start from as you begin your journey to including more mushrooms in your diet.

After we list them, we’ll also go through some more helpful information to keep your mushroom consumption delicious and safe!

Morel Mushroom

Morel edible mushrooms are a type of fungus that is both edible and delicious. They can be eaten raw, but are often cooked in a dish. Some popular recipes that include morel mushrooms are morel mushroom risotto and morel mushroom quiche. Morel mushrooms grow in very particular conditions, which makes them one of the most difficult wild edible mushrooms to source.

Green Cracking Mushroom

The green cracking mushroom is a type of wild mushroom that can be found in North America. It has a greenish-white cap and a white stem. The mushroom is edible, but is most often eaten cooked. One dish that includes green cracking edible mushrooms is cream of mushroom soup. The mushroom can be eaten raw, but it is not as flavorful as when it is cooked.

Honey Fungus Mushroom

The honey fungus mushroom is a type of mushroom that has a sweet taste due to the high sugar content. It is often used in dishes such as soups, stews, and stir-fries. Although it can be eaten raw, it is also often cooked.

Cremini Mushroom

Cremini edible mushrooms are smaller than the portobello mushroom, but larger than the white button mushroom. They have a woodsy flavor and a tender texture. Cremini mushrooms are often used in dishes such as risotto, pasta, and soup. They can also be eaten raw, but they are a little tough.

Black Trumpet Mushroom

Black trumpet mushrooms are a type of wild mushroom that have a dark, blackish color. They are often used in dishes such as risotto or pasta. Black trumpet edible mushrooms can also be eaten raw, but they are a little bit bitter.

Portobello Mushroom

The portobello mushroom is a large, brown mushroom that has a meaty texture. It is often used in dishes such as grilled portobello sandwiches or portobello pizza.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms are a type of fungi that are characterized by their bright red color and their spiny caps. They are often used in Chinese cuisine, where they are known as ling zhi. Reishi mushrooms are purported to have many beneficial properties, including reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and fighting cancer. They are also a source of antioxidants.

Shimeji Mushroom

The shimeji mushroom is a type of fungus that is found in Asia and North America. It has a white or light brown cap and a white stalk. Shimeji edible mushrooms are used in dishes like stir-fries, soups, and stews. They are also used to make vegan “meats.” Fun fact: Shimeji mushrooms can be used as a natural dye to color food items like rice and soup noodles.

Red-Capped Scaber Mushroom

The red-capped scaber mushroom is a small, but distinctive looking mushroom. It has a bright red cap, and a white stem. It grows in the wild, and can also be found in grocery stores. It is used in cooking, and can be added to dishes like soup or salad.

Straw Mushroom

The straw mushroom is named for its resemblance to a straw hat. It is a small, white mushroom with a delicate flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. Straw mushrooms are often used in Thai dishes, where they add a light, refreshing flavor. They are also used in Chinese cuisine, where they are called “white fungus.” Straw mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D.

Gypsy Mushroom

The gypsy mushroom is a wild mushroom that is found in the Pacific Northwest. It has a red cap and white gills, and it grows on the ground in mixed woods and forest. Gypsy mushrooms are edible, and they are often used in dishes like stroganoff or ragout. They are also used to make mushroom tea, which is said to be a natural cure for insomnia.

Giant Puffball Mushroom

The giant puffball mushroom is a large, white mushroom that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. It has a smooth, powdery texture and a mild flavor. Giant puffballs are often used in dishes like soup or risotto. They are also used to make stuffed mushrooms. The spores of the giant puffball mushroom can be used to make bread.

Slippery Jack Mushroom

The slippery jack mushroom is a type of fungus that can be found in North America and Europe. They are characterized by their brown cap and white stem, and they have a mild taste. Slippery jack mushrooms are often used in dishes like risotto or soup, and they are also popular in Asian cuisine. They are sometimes called “yamabushitake” or “bamboo mushroom” because of their resemblance to yams and bamboo shoots. Slippery jack mushrooms are considered a good source of protein and vitamin C.

Oyster Mushroom

Oyster mushrooms are a type of fungus that are white or off-white in color. They have a smooth, slimy cap and a short, thick stalk. They are often eaten as a part of a dish, such as in stir fry or soup. Oyster mushrooms are also used in making herbal medicine. One fun fact about oyster mushrooms is that they are capable of breaking down polystyrene, which is the main component of Styrofoam.

Caesar’s Mushroom

The caesar mushroom is a type of wild mushroom that has a white cap and a white stalk. It is often used in dishes like risotto or pasta. The caesar mushroom is that it is one of the few types of mushrooms that are poisonous if eaten raw.

Maitake Mushroom

The maitake mushroom is a type of fungus that has a characteristic fan or shelf-like shape. It is often used in Japanese cuisine, where it is known as “hen of the woods.” Maitake mushrooms are believed to have health benefits, including cancer prevention and immune system support. They are also said to be delicious, and can be prepared in a number of ways, including sautéing, grilling, and baking. The maitake mushroom is one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world.

Porcini Mushroom

Porcini mushrooms have a chestnut-colored cap with white gills and a thick, white stem. They are found in the wild throughout Europe and North America and are popular in Italian cuisine, where they are used in dishes such as risotto and pasta. Porcini mushrooms are also dried and used as a seasoning in dishes such as bouillabaisse. They are one of the most expensive wild mushrooms. One fun fact about porcini mushrooms is that they release a fruity smell when cooked.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushrooms have a dark, leathery cap and a thick, white stalk. They are most commonly used in Asian cuisine, where they are often cooked in soy sauce or butter. Shiitake mushrooms are also high in antioxidants and vitamin D. They are the second-most popular mushroom in the world, after the common button mushroom.

Dryad’s Saddle Mushroom

The dryad’s saddle mushroom is a type of wild mushroom that has a distinctive saddle-like shape. It is dark brown to black in color, and has a velvety texture. This mushroom is prized for its taste and texture, and is often used in dishes such as pizza or soup.

Common Ink Cap Mushroom

The common ink cap mushroom is a type of fungus that has a smooth, dark cap with white gills on the underside. The mushroom is edible, and can be used in dishes like risotto or pasta. Ink caps are poisonous if eaten raw, but can be cooked safely. Ink caps are also used as a natural dye for textiles.

Wood Ear Mushroom

The wood ear mushroom is a dark brown color and has a long, slender stalk. It is often used in Chinese cuisine, where it is known as “black fungus.” One fun fact about the wood ear mushroom is that it does not have a taste of its own; instead, it absorbs the flavors of the dish it is cooked in.

Crab Brittlegill Mushroom

The crab brittlegill mushroom is found in the Pacific Northwest and has a bright red cap and white gills. It is often eaten in dishes like pasta or risotto. Crab brittlegill mushrooms are known for their sweet taste and firm texture.

Bay Bolete Mushroom

Bay boletes are a type of fungus that is found in the eastern United States. They have a reddish-brown cap with white spots and a white stalk. They are often used in dishes such as sauces, risottos, and soups. They are also used as a stuffing for poultry or pork. Bay boletes are considered a choice edible mushroom, but should only be eaten if you are certain that it is not poisonous.

Enoki Mushroom

The enoki mushroom has long, thin stems and small, delicate caps. They are typically white or light brown in color, and have a mild flavor. Enoki mushrooms are popular in Japanese cuisine, where they are often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries. They are also a common ingredient in dumplings and other dishes. Fun fact: enoki mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants.

Matsutake Mushroom

The matsutake mushroom is a prized edible fungus that is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a distinctive red-brown cap with white gills on the underside and a stem that is typically off-white in color. The flavor of the matsutake mushroom is considered to be unique and delicious, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and risottos. Matsutake mushrooms are also known for their medicinal properties, and they have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Wood Blewit Mushroom

The wood blewit mushroom is a saprophytic fungus that grows on the deadwood of deciduous trees. It has a smooth, white cap and a white stalk. The gills are pinkish-white and the spores are pink. This mushroom is edible and can be used in dishes like risotto or pasta. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. Wood blewit mushrooms are also high in vitamin C.

Cauliflower Mushroom

The cauliflower mushroom is a type of fungus that has a white or light brown cap and a white stalk. It is often found in the wild, growing on the ground in fields and woods. The cauliflower mushroom is edible and can be used in cooking. It has a slightly spicy taste and can be added to dishes like soups and stews. Cauliflower mushrooms are also used in some traditional Chinese medicines.

Parasol Mushroom

The parasol mushroom is a type of fungus that has a distinctive umbrella-like shape. It is typically light brown or white in color, and has a smooth, firm texture. This mushroom is widely used in cuisine, and can be added to dishes such as soup, stir-fry, and salad. It is one of the few types of mushrooms that can be eaten raw.

Hedgehog Mushroom

The hedgehog mushroom is a gilled mushroom that has a spiny, hedgehog-like appearance. They are found in North America and Europe and have a mild nutty taste. They are used in dishes such as omelets and quiches most commonly.

Field Mushroom

Field mushrooms are a type of wild mushroom that can be found in many temperate climates. They have a white stalk and a brown cap, and they grow in fields and meadows. Field mushrooms are edible, and they can be used in many dishes, such as soup, risotto, or pasta. They are also used in savory tarts and quiches. Field mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. They are also a good source of antioxidants.

Chanterelle Mushroom

The chanterelle mushroom is a type of edible fungus that is found in North America and Europe. They are characterized by their fan- or trumpet-shaped caps, which can be orange, yellow, or white in color. Chanterelles are often used in dishes like stews, soups, and risottos, and they are also a popular ingredient in stuffing.

King Bolete Mushroom

The king bolete mushroom is a type of fungus that is characterized by its reddish-brown cap, white pores on the underside of the cap, and thick stalk. This mushroom is often used in dishes like risotto and pasta, and it is known for its earthy flavor.

Button Mushroom

Button mushrooms are a variety of mushroom that have a small, round cap. They are light brown in color and have a white stalk. Button mushrooms are often used in dishes like mushroom risotto or as an ingredient in sauces. Button mushrooms are also a good source of Vitamin D.

King Oyster Mushroom

King oyster mushrooms are large, white mushrooms with a smooth, firm texture and a slightly earthy flavor. They have a long stem and a large, bulbous cap. King oyster mushrooms are often used in dishes like stir-fries, ragouts, and soups. They are also a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Fun fact: King oyster mushrooms can grow up to 12 inches in diameter!

Cremini Mushroom

The cremini mushroom is a type of brown mushroom that has a slightly meatier flavor than the white button mushroom. Cremini mushrooms are typically smaller than white mushrooms and have a more wrinkled appearance. They are often used in dishes like pasta or risotto, and can also be grilled or sautéed. Cremini mushrooms are a good source of Vitamin D, B vitamins, and minerals like potassium.

Brown Beech Mushroom

The brown beech mushroom is a type of fungus that is found in Europe and North America. It has a brown cap and a white stalk. The key visual characteristic of this mushroom is its network of veins that run across the cap. This mushroom is often used in dishes like risotto and pasta. A fun fact about the brown beech mushroom is that it is one of the few mushrooms that are poisonous when eaten raw.

Charcoal Burner Mushroom

The key visual characteristics of the charcoal burner mushroom are its black color and its thin, cylindrical shape. This mushroom is often used in dishes that require a black color, such as black risotto. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against free radicals.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

The Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a type of mushroom that is easily identifiable by its long, flowing tendrils. These tendrils can reach up to 2 feet in length, and they have a white, ivory color. They are often used in Asian cuisine, where they are added to dishes like soups and stir-frys. They have a slightly sweet taste and a chewy texture. They are also known for their medicinal properties, which include boosting the immune system and fighting inflammation.

Red Pine Mushroom

Red pine mushrooms are a type of wild mushroom that is characterized by its reddish-brown cap and white stalk. They are found in areas near pine trees, and have a slightly sweet taste. This mushroom is used in dishes such as risotto and pasta. Red pine mushrooms are also a good source of dietary fiber.

False Morel Mushroom

The false morel mushroom is a type of fungus that can be found in North America. It has a brownish-black cap and white, cottony gills. False morels are often used in dishes like stroganoff or risotto. They are also known for their nutty, earthy flavor. Fun fact: false morels contain a toxin that can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.

Fun Ways to Use Mushrooms While Cooking

Here are some fun and interesting ways to use mushrooms while cooking:

– Add them to soups or stews for extra flavor and nutrition.

– Sauté them with onions and garlic as a tasty side dish.

– Grill them as a healthy alternative to hamburgers or hot dogs.

– Use them as a pizza topping for a unique twist on the classic dish.

– Add them to omelets or scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.

– Make homemade mushroom soup by blending mushrooms with chicken or vegetable broth.

– Use them to make vegetarian versions of typically meat-based dishes, such as shepherd’s pie or spaghetti bolognaise.

– Make a simple mushroom stir-fry by sautéing mushrooms with soy sauce, ginger, and green onions.

– Roast mushrooms in the oven with olive oil and herbs for a delicious and healthy snack.

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Get creative and have fun with them the next time you cook!

Safety Tips for Eating Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a type of fungi that come in many different varieties. Some mushrooms are edible, while others are poisonous. It’s important that you know the difference between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as well as which are considered to be medicinal mushrooms.

Mushrooms can be found growing in the wild or cultivated. They are often used as a food ingredient, and can be cooked in many different ways.

There are a few things to keep in mind when eating prized edible mushrooms:

– Some mushrooms are poisonous and can make you very sick if eaten. If you’re unsure about a mushroom, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.

– Wash mushrooms thoroughly before cooking or eating them in your savory and spicy dishes.

– Cook mushrooms thoroughly before eating them. Raw mushrooms can contain harmful bacteria.

– If you’re pregnant, breast-feeding, or have a weakened immune system, it’s best to avoid eating raw mushrooms.

Now that you know some safety tips for eating mushrooms, you’re ready to include them in more dishes and find fun new ways to incorporate them into your diet.

Let’s Recap

In this article, we learned about different types of most prized edible mushrooms, their nutritional value, and how to cook with them. We also discussed some safety tips for eating mushrooms. Now that you know more about these fascinating fungi, get out there and start cooking with them!

About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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