Button Mushrooms
These mushrooms are Agaricus bisporus and are sold at different stages of development. Button mushrooms are a young Agaricus bisporus which are small, white and have a tightly closed cap. The inside of the cap is a light purple to light black. Cup mushrooms are a more mature version of the button which is slightly larger and has a partially opened cap. Cup mushrooms are generally sold as button mushrooms.
The flavour of Mushrooms develops as they mature so much of the flavour of button mushrooms comes from what they are cooked with.
Button mushrooms are good sauteed briefly in butter or used in sauces. Their size means that can be sliced in for a uniform appearance, this is much of the explanation for their widespread usage despite the greater flavour of flat mushrooms.
Availability
All year round.