Skip to main content

What are cremini mushrooms and why are they so beloved? We’ve got your answers

If you’ve heard about people growing mushrooms at home, or if you’re a big fan of mushrooms in food, then you’ve probably heard of cremini mushrooms. They’re a favorite of many gardeners and culinary experts alike. What is it, exactly, that sets cremini mushrooms apart from other garden staples? If you’re confused or curious about cremini mushrooms, and are wondering what they are or how you can grow your own to find out for yourself, then you’re in the right place. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to understand, grow, and cook cremini mushrooms.

What are cremini mushrooms?

Cremini mushrooms, also called crimini, baby bella, Roman brown mushrooms, Italian brown mushrooms, and Swiss brown mushrooms, are the middle growth stage of Agaricus bisporus. They are fairly small, with rounded brown caps and a firm texture. The fact that they’re the middle growth stage is actually important, as younger mushrooms of Agaricus bisporus are called button mushrooms and older ones are called portobello. Yes, you read that right, cremini, button, and portobello mushrooms are all the same mushroom at different ages. Agaricus bisporus is native to Europe and North America, specifically the grasslands. However, nowadays it can be found in nearly every grocery store and restaurant, and even in plenty of home gardens.

Related Videos
A pan full of sauteed cremini mushroom chunks

The uses and benefits of cremini mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms are good sources of protein and potassium, and have small amounts of several vitamins and minerals as well. Additionally, cremini mushrooms are naturally low in both sodium and fat. They can be eaten raw, as a snack on their own or as part of a larger dish like a salad or sandwich. Agaricus bisporus tastes mild when young, but becomes meatier as it ages. Cremini mushrooms are a nice middle ground—mild enough to be added to almost any dish, but meaty enough that the taste isn’t completely covered by other ingredients. Cremini mushrooms are commonly sautéed with onion and garlic, added to stir fries or soups, or mixed into rice or noodle dishes.

If you can’t find cremini mushrooms, or if you enjoy some elements of cremini mushrooms but not others, then there are a few other things you can use as substitutes in your meals. You can use button mushrooms for a milder flavor, or portobello for a heartier, meatier flavor. Shiitake mushrooms will give your meal a slightly richer taste, while oyster mushrooms have a more subtle, delicate taste. If you’re allergic to mushrooms, but still want to experience a similar flavor and texture, then consider adding eggplant to your meals.

Cremini mushrooms growing in dark soil

Growing cremini mushrooms

The good news is that cremini mushrooms are exceedingly easy to grow. Although there’s little work involved, you can reduce the amount even further by getting a grow kit. If you’d rather do it all yourself, then there are a few things you’ll need:

  • A box with solid sides
    • Plastic, metal, or wood
  • High nitrogen substrate
    • Horse manure or a mix of manure and compost
  • Mushroom spawn or spores
    • Can be obtained online or in gardening stores
  • Spray bottle of water

Start with a box that’s at least six inches deep. If your box is cardboard, or another material that absorbs moisture and breaks down, then you should line the inside with a garbage bag to prevent the mushrooms from growing into the box. Add the substrate to your box, leaving a few inches of room at the top. Next, mix your mushroom spores or spawn into the top few inches of the substrate and place the box somewhere dark and warm.

Mist the substrate regularly, so that it doesn’t dry out. Keep the box warm until the substrate is covered in thin white mycelium. Then move the box somewhere cooler, keeping it in the dark. You should begin seeing mushrooms form not long after that. They can be harvested as soon as their caps open, pulling away from the stem to reveal the gills underneath. At this stage, they’re button mushrooms, and won’t be cremini mushrooms until their caps turn brown. To harvest them, gently snap or cut them off at the base of the stem.

That’s all the information you need to know for growing and cooking your very own cremini mushrooms. You’re ready to impress your dinner guests with fun facts about their meal or wow your fellow gardeners with your mushroom farm. Once you’ve grown your own cremini mushrooms, you’ll also be experienced enough to successfully grow other kinds of mushrooms, too. There’s a wide world of fungi out there, so why not give a few different kinds a try? You’ll be glad you did when you’re enjoying the rich rewards for a surprisingly small amount of effort.

Editors' Recommendations

Are you asking, ‘Why is my tomato plant wilting?’ Here’s how to be the hero in your garden
Properly water and inspect your tomatoes to prevent (or treat) wilting
Tomatoes on a tomato plant

Tomatoes are probably the most popular veggies grown at home. Even novice growers can grow these plants with little to no experience in growing anything. Even better, many of these beginners are successful because tomatoes are so easy to care for and grow in your own home.

However, one of the most common questions about growing tomatoes is, "Why is my tomato plant wilting?" Well, it could be due to a few reasons. We'll take a look at them here and give you tips on how to get your tomato plants back into tip-top shape. 

Read more
Is a cucumber a fruit or a vegetable? The answer might surprise you
Everything you need to know about delicious, nutritious cucumbers
Two cucumbers growing from a vine on the ground, with a yellow flower in front

By now, you've probably heard of that tomatoes are scientifically considered a fruit (though they're almost always treated as vegetables). We hate to tell you this now that you've finally gotten that one figured out, but tomatoes aren't the only borderline fruit/vegetable enigma. Believe it or not, crisp, fresh cucumbers also fall into that gray area.

So what exactly is the distinction between fruits and vegetables, and why does it matter as long as you know how to grow them? If you’re curious or confused, then you’re in the right place. We’ll explain everything you need to know about the differences between fruits and vegetables, what cucumbers are classified as, and why it’s important to know.

Read more
5 incredible hanging vegetable basket plants for your home garden
What to plant in a hanging vegetable basket and where to place it
Lettuce growing in hanging baskets

Growing your own produce can be a rewarding hobby. It is fun, yields fresh vegetables, and saves you money on pricey produce in the grocery store. One particularly fun way to grow vegetables is in a hanging basket. There are many beautiful hanging vegetable garden ideas you can take inspiration from, and this is the perfect way to keep your delicious veggies off of the ground and away from pests. Not all vegetables flourish in hanging baskets, so check out some of the best types to grow in your floating garden.

Top 5 vegetables to grow in hanging baskets
Picking the right vegetables for your hanging basket garden is the first step toward planting success. Hanging vegetable plants can truly flourish if they are built for the floating lifestyle. Some of the best vegetables you can grow in hanging baskets at home include the following.
Cherry tomatoes
If you have ever grown a cherry tomato plant before, then you know how wild the plant can get. Cherry tomatoes grow on long vines. These tomatoes are low-maintenance, making them great for hanging baskets. The long vines grow down and over the edges of the hanging basket for a natural look.
Lettuce
Growing your own lettuce can be great, especially if you love salads. There are a lot of benefits to growing your lettuce in hanging baskets, one being that you can keep it safe from slugs and other pests. Unlike cherry tomatoes, lettuce grows in a very compact form. There is no overhang, and the lettuce can grow nicely in the small space provided.
Peas
When a pea plant is fully grown, the thick and luscious green leaves can easily overtake the edges of a hanging basket. It almost looks like a ball of green leaves hanging from your front porch. Peas grow on long vines in bundles, making them perfect plants for hanging baskets. They are low-maintenance and easy to harvest. They also benefit from being off the ground and away from pests.
Pepper
Another great option for growing vegetables in hanging baskets is the pepper. Many types of peppers can thrive in hanging baskets. Hot chili peppers, bell peppers, cherry peppers, banana peppers, and jalapeno peppers are just a few you can grow in your hanging baskets. It is the perfect way to bring some heat and spice to your outdoor garden.
Cucumbers
When grown in hanging baskets, cucumbers tend to be straighter from hanging, more uniform, and less susceptible to pests. Harvesting your cucumbers is also a lot easier.

Read more