October 15, 2026, 2:12 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Mushrooms are among the most popular edible fungi. In supermarkets, buyers usually have the choice between white and brown varieties. Many opt for the brown mushrooms because they are considered more flavorful. But is that really true? And how should mushrooms be stored to keep them fresh for as long as possible? myHOMEBOOK consulted an expert.
What is the difference between white and brown mushrooms?
White and brown mushrooms mainly differ in color, shelf life, and taste. Both provide valuable nutrients such as vitamins D, B2, and K, as well as minerals like potassium, iron, copper, selenium, and phosphorus. At the same time, they are very low in calories, with about 15 kilocalories per 100 grams, explains Harald Seitz from the Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE).
Brown mushrooms are considered somewhat more robust. “They are a bit more aromatic, slightly longer-lasting, and not quite as sensitive to pressure as the white mushrooms,” the expert explains. Their taste is more reminiscent of wild mushrooms. However, the differences are not particularly large. If the mushrooms are processed in a sauce, for example, the taste difference is hardly noticeable.
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Are brown mushrooms really more aromatic?
The idea that brown mushrooms taste more intense is not a myth. According to Seitz, they often contain slightly less water than their white counterparts. This makes the flavors seem more concentrated.
However, one should not overestimate the differences. “Anyone who drowns the mushrooms in cream sauce certainly won’t be able to taste the difference,” says the nutrition expert with a wink. In dishes where mushrooms play the main role, the difference is more noticeable.
How to store mushrooms properly
After purchase, mushrooms should be placed in the refrigerator as quickly as possible. There, they usually last another one to three days in the vegetable compartment.
The mushrooms can initially remain in their packaging. However, one detail is important: the plastic wrap should be removed. Otherwise, moisture accumulates in the packaging, leading to condensation.