Mushrooms Delivery or Pickup

Mushrooms or toadstools are the reproductive organs or fruiting bodies of funguses that live underground. The term "mushroom" can also refer to the entire fungus. Mushrooms have similar functions to flowers, but they spread spores instead of pollen. Most have a stem or stipe, a cap or pileus, and gills or lamellae underneath the cap. However, some mushrooms have different shapes.

Many species of mushrooms appear, grow, and expand overnight; mushrooming is a common term for rapid expansion. The initial fruiting bodies of most mushrooms are about 2 millimeters wide; this is called the pin stage of development. When they start to expand, they're called buttons. Some mushrooms can start to decay after less than a day, so harvesting them at the right time is important. You can order cultivated or wild mushrooms with your smartphone through Instacart. However, you should be cautious when harvesting your own wild mushrooms because some mushroom species are poisonous.

Mushrooms are available fresh, raw, dried, or frozen. You should pick raw mushrooms that look firm. The surface should be dry and smooth, and there should be no slimy, shriveled, or soft spots. Mushrooms with darker colors are usually more flavorful. If you can't see the gills underneath the cap, the mushroom isn't mature, and it will have a more delicate flavor. Mature mushrooms taste richer and meatier.

Before using, rinse your mushrooms briefly and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. If the stems are tough, you can trim them before cooking and then use them to make mushroom stock. You can store mushrooms for about a week in your refrigerator, or you can cook them and freeze them. Rehydrate dried mushrooms by soaking them in warm water for half an hour.

There are about 300 species of edible mushrooms, and about 30 of them have been domesticated. White mushrooms are the most common. White button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms all come from the same species, but they're at different maturity levels. White button mushrooms are the youngest, and they have a mild flavor that makes them great raw in salads. They're also popular pizza toppings.

Cremini mushrooms, also called baby bella or brown mushrooms, are larger, darker, and more flavorful. Portobello mushrooms have caps that are several inches wide and have black or dark brown gills. People often use them as substitutes for meat or even as hamburger buns. Stuffed or grilled Portobello mushrooms are popular as main courses.

Shiitake mushrooms, which have white stems and brown caps, are often used in Chinese and Japanese cooking. These mushrooms have a savory, woody flavor, and they taste even better when dried. However, only the caps are edible. Morel mushrooms have a similar woody flavor, but the caps look like conical, brown sponges.

Oyster mushrooms are fan-shaped and grow in clusters on rotting tree trunks.  Younger oyster mushrooms are best; they have a peppery flavor that fades with cooking. They are also called abalone mushrooms, tree oysters, and angel's wings. 

Chanterelles have a large depression in the center of the cap, and the edges curl around it. These wild mushrooms look yellow or orange, and they have a scent similar to apricots. Cooks often use them in gourmet dishes.

With the advanced, easy-to-use Instacart app, you can get mushrooms or your favorite mushroom products delivered to your door on the same day! You can also collect your order curbside at a nearby store. After you place your order through Instacart, an Instacart shopper will put together the produce you choose and bring it to you. That way, you can conserve your valuable time and make your day a bit easier.