Mushrooms are truly unique, they can be used as side dishes, mixed into vegetables, or even become the main ingredient that adds natural umami flavor without needing extra seasoning. But even though many mushrooms grow wild in nature, not all of them are safe to eat. Some can even be poisonous if you pick the wrong kind! 

That’s why it’s so important to know which types of mushrooms are edible, so you can enjoy them safely while keeping your dishes tasty. Plus, mushrooms are full of nutrients, they’re high in plant-based protein, low in calories, and rich in fiber that’s great for digestion. Let’s get to know some of the safest and most delicious mushrooms to cook at home! 

Types of Edible Mushrooms 

Here are several types of edible mushrooms you should know about: 

1. Oyster Mushroom 

This is probably the most common mushroom you’ll find at the market. It’s white, shaped like a small fan, and has a soft texture. Oyster mushrooms taste amazing when stir-fried with chili, deep-fried until crispy, or steamed in banana leaves (pepes jamur). 

Besides being tasty, oyster mushrooms are also high in fiber and low in fat, perfect for anyone maintaining a healthy diet but still craving savory dishes. 

2. Button Mushroom 

Button mushrooms often appear in pizza, pasta, and creamy soups. They’re small, round, and have a mild sweetness in both taste and aroma. When sautéed with butter and garlic, their aroma alone can make you instantly hungry! 

3. Enoki Mushroom 

You’ve probably seen these long, thin, white mushrooms at the supermarket, that’s enoki. They’re commonly used in soups, shabu-shabu, or wrapped in meat and grilled. Their chewy yet tender texture makes every bite satisfying. 

4. Wood Ear Mushroom 

You can easily tell this one apart, it’s dark brown to black, thin, and slightly chewy. Wood ear mushrooms are usually sold dried, so they need to be soaked before cooking. You’ll often find them in dishes like capcay or other Asian stir-fries. Besides being tasty, wood ear mushrooms are believed to be good for heart health and digestion. 

5. Straw Mushroom 

If you often cook Indonesian dishes like sayur lodeh or soup, you’ll recognize this one. Straw mushrooms are small, grayish-white, and have a distinctive savory flavor that gives dishes a richer taste. They’re also quite affordable and easy to find in traditional markets. 

6. Shimeji Mushroom 

This slim-stemmed mushroom originates from Japan but is now widely available in Indonesia. There are two common types, white shimeji and brown shimeji. They’re great for soups, ramen, or stir-fries with oyster sauce. Shimeji mushrooms have a mild sweetness and slightly crunchy texture, perfect for hearty dishes with savory broth. 

7. Portobello Mushroom 

If you’re vegetarian or just trying to cut down on meat, this mushroom is a must-try. It’s large, thick, and meaty with a rich, savory flavor that’s similar to beef. Often used as a burger patty or grilled with a touch of olive oil, its firm texture makes it satisfyingly filling without the guilt. 

Read more: Signs of Spoiled Enoki Mushrooms You Should Check Before Cooking

Tips for Cooking Mushrooms Safely 

Not all mushrooms are safe to eat, so don’t just pick wild mushrooms from your backyard or forest. Make sure to buy from trusted sellers, wash them thoroughly before cooking, and don’t store them too long at room temperature. For better freshness, keep mushrooms in the refrigerator in a covered container that still allows airflow. 

Make Mushroom Dishes Creamier and Healthier with FiberCreme! 

Now you know the different types of edible mushrooms, right? To make your mushroom dishes even more delicious, try adding FiberCreme as a substitute for coconut milk or dairy. FiberCreme makes your stir-fried or creamy mushroom soup richer in texture without feeling heavy and it’s healthier too, thanks to its high fiber content, low sugar, and 0 mg cholesterol. Whether you’re making creamy mushroom soup, white sauce stir-fried mushrooms, or even mushroom pasta café-style, FiberCreme makes everything tastier and guilt-free.

Let’s explore more creamy and  healthy mushroom creations with FiberCreme! Find more recipe inspirations on Instagram @FiberCreme_TV and YouTube channel Ellenka.