Like most mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus is considered a functional food with a broad range of benefits. Some sources even suggest that it is possible to regrow mushrooms by saving the stems and placing them in soil. Since Agaricus bisporus is affordable and widely available in stores, picking these mushrooms is rarely worth the risk.Īnother option is to try taking a spore print from store-bought mushrooms and growing them at home. However, they also have some poisonous look-alikes, meaning that only confident foragers should harvest them. It is easy to confuse these mushrooms with other species, including Agaricus campestris (field mushroom) and Agaricus arvensis (horse mushroom).įortunately, all three varieties are edible. They produce a chocolate brown spore print. They appear in varying shades of white and brown, with dark gills and an annulus (ring) on their stems. Agaricus Bisporus IdentificationĪlthough the mushrooms grow in the wild, it can be challenging to identify Agaricus bisporus correctly. However, there is some dispute regarding whether the two fungi are the same species or not. To add to the confusion, some mycologists use the name Agaricus brunnescens, which describes the mushroom’s habit of bruising brown. Therefore, the proper scientific terminology for this fungus is Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. Imbach raised its rank and gave the mushroom its current name. However, at that time, it was known as Psalliota hortensis var. In 1926, Jacob Lange defined the two-spored cultivated mushroom we now know as Agaricus bisporus. The terms Agaricus and Psalliota were then used interchangeably until 1950 when scientists decided to preserve the original nomenclature. The name Agaricus disappeared for a while but came back into use in 1879 thanks to Finnish mycologist P. During this time, the genera we now know as Agaricus was renamed Psalliota. However, scientists later discovered significant differences between genera (families) and reclassified them accordingly. Initially, the term Agaricus was used to describe all gilled mushrooms. In fact, the mushroom has undergone several changes to its nomenclature throughout the years. It is a complex, ever-changing field, and Agaricus bisporus taxonomy is no exception. Taxonomy is the branch of science that deals with the classification of organisms. Therefore, they do not need to find a mate, and every spore that lands on a suitable surface can develop into mushrooms. These spores contain two chromosomes, a complete set of genetic material. This feature means they must find a mate to breed with to produce more mushrooms.Ĭonversely, Agaricus bisporus produces two spores per basidium, hence the “bisporus” part of its name. Each spore only contains a single set of chromosomes or half a set of genetic material.

Most mushrooms produce four spores per basidium. Like many other fungi, it reproduces by spreading spores that develop in structures called basidia under its gills.

However, one of the mushroom’s most unique attributes is its reproductive capacity. But they are just as delicious simply grilled or sauteed in a little butter.

They work well in many dishes, ranging from pizza and pasta sauces to soups and salads. Button mushrooms, white mushrooms, crimini, and portabella mushrooms are all varieties of Agaricus bisporus. One reason for the mushroom’s popularity is its adaptability. The average American eats over two pounds of Agaricus bisporus annually, demonstrating just how much we love this humble fungus. It accounts for 90% of the country’s mushroom cultivation and is worth approximately $800 million each year. Agaricus bisporus is the most consumed mushroom species in the United States.

Crowntakers agaricus bisporus