The Hon Shimeji mushrooms are readily available in two forms: the Brown and the White varieties. These mushrooms grow in bunches of 3 inch stems topped with dime sized brown or white coloured caps. Scientifically know as Lyophyllum Shimeji, these mushrooms are considered a true delicacy in Japan due to its crisp texture with crunchy and juicy meat that has a nutty herb like flavor when cooked.

Scientifically known as Pleurotus eryngii, it’s more commonly known as the King Oyster or King Trumpet mushroom. The stem is white in colour and is rather thick and meaty with a very firm texture. The brownish tan cap can vary in size but typically it’s just slightly larger than the overall thickness of the stem.

Oyster mushrooms are prized for their flavour. The shell-shaped or oyster-shaped varieties of this mushroom have white flesh, but their cap may be white, pink, yellow, grey or dark brown.

Portabellas, also known as portabellos, have a fabulous flavour profile and meaty texture. They are very versatile and easy to prepare. Portabellas can range in size from 3” diameter (Portabellini) to 6”+ diameter (Large Portabella). 

Criminis are a very similar in size and shape to White button mushrooms (Agaricus), but they have tan brown skin and cream coloured flesh. They are basically baby portabellas that are harvested before they become more mature and increase in diameter and their caps become less dome-like and more flat.

This mushroom is commonly referred to as enoki  but is also known as the golden needle mushroom, winter mushroom, velvet foot, or the velvet stem mushroom.