Paris mushrooms and coffee mushrooms
Paris and coffee mushrooms are both in the
cultivated mushroom family. They are the most cultivated and eaten
mushrooms in the world, and here in Quebec, they are the most
popular mushrooms of all.
It is under the rule of Napoleon that the Paris mushroom started to
be cultivated massively, particularly in Paris, where it got its
name.
The Paris mushroom, or white mushroom, has an enjoyable sweet
and woody taste. Small Paris mushrooms, or button mushrooms, are
ideal for marinades or to garnish raw vegetable platters. The
larger mushrooms are often stuffed and served as appetizers or hors
d’œuvres.
The coffee mushroom is a variety of the Paris mushroom. It is
characterized by its caramel colour. The coffee mushroom is tastier
and its flesh is crunchier and more aromatic because it is aged
longer.
- Look for firm mushrooms with unblemished caps.
- Cultivated mushrooms are generally clean enough that they only need to be brushed lightly and the base of the stem cut.
- Clean and prepare mushrooms just before use to prevent browning or spoilage.
- Do not soak mushrooms as they quickly become waterlogged. If eaten fresh, drizzle sliced mushrooms with a slightly acid liquid (lemon juice, vinegar, vinaigrette) to prevent browning.
- Mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. The ideal cooking method is to fry quickly over high heat and remove from heat source as soon as they start to yield water. Keep this water to use in sauces and soups.
- Mushrooms are traditionally associated with meat and go very well with onions and rice. They can be served in hors d’œuvres, salads, dips, omelettes, stews, quiches and stuffings. They can also be served bourguignon, just like snails.
- In view of their firm flesh and round shape, left whole, they are ideal for vegetable or meat brochettes. Sliced, they make a wonderful garnish on pizza.
- Sliced, cubed or whole, they are excellent sautéed, grilled or oven-baked.
 Prune Crusted Rack of Pork with Mushroom Sauce |
 Crêpes Stuffed with Ham, Cheese and Asparagus |
 Fettuccine with Garlic and Coffee Mushrooms |
 Barbecue Fiesta Vegetables |
 Rosemary Pork Kebabs |
Click here and discover all our delicious Paris and coffee mushroom recipes !
Sliced and whole Paris and coffee mushrooms are available year-round in METRO supermarkets.
Cultivated mushrooms are low-energy foods. They are an excellent source of potassium and riboflavin.
Paris mushrooms and coffee mushrooms can be stored in paper bags in the refrigerator for up to one week.