The brown-capped immature form of Agaricus bisporus, also sold as chestnut or baby bella mushrooms.
Where it grows
Cremini is the brown-capped strain of the same species that gives us the white button mushroom, simply selected for its tan-coloured cap. Like all bisporus, it is cultivated in climate-controlled sheds on pasteurised composted straw and horse manure.
How to recognise it
A smooth medium-brown cap on a short white stem, sometimes sold under names like chestnut, baby bella, or Italian brown. The gills are pale pink and darken with age. The flesh is firmer and more strongly flavoured than the white button strain.
Edibility & cautions
A staple edible. As with all cultivated bisporus, cook thoroughly; raw mushrooms contain trace agaritine which is largely destroyed by heat. No look-alike concerns with cultivated stock.
Culinary use
The deeper flavour suits robust dishes — bolognese, risottos, mushroom soup, and creamy stroganoff. Slice and brown hard in a hot pan before adding to long-cooked sauces for the best depth.
Find more mushrooms by letter
Cremini starts with C and ends with I. Browse other mushrooms along the same letter.
Mushrooms that contain a letter from "Cremini":