Equivalents: 1 pound fresh mushrooms = 6 cups sliced fresh mushrooms = 3 ounces dried mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are mature cremini mushrooms noted for their rich flavor and meaty texture. The wide, flat, deep brown caps grow as large as 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter. Select firm, plump mushrooms that are not slimy or bruised. Store mushrooms unwashed-lightly wrapped in paper towels or in a paper bag, never in plastic-in the refrigerator.

To clean fresh portobello mushrooms:
Remove grit by wiping with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. For a more thorough cleaning, swish very briefly in water, and then pat dry with paper towels.

Chanterelles are subtly flavored, trumpet-shaped mushrooms with wide, flat, dark brown caps 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. Select firm, plump mushrooms that are not slimy or bruised. Store chanterelles unwashed-lightly wrapped in paper towels or in a paper bag, never in plastic-in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

To clean fresh chanterelles:
Remove grit by wiping with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush. For a more thorough cleaning, swish the mushrooms very briefly in water, and then pat dry with paper towels.

Button mushrooms are mild-flavored cultivated white mushrooms in their smallest form, with their caps still closed. Select firm, plump mushrooms that are not slimy or bruised. Store in the refrigerator, unwashed and lightly wrapped in paper towels or in a paper bag, never in plastic.

To clean fresh button mushrooms:
Remove the grit by wiping the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. For a more thorough cleaning, swish the mushrooms very briefly in water, and then pat dry with paper towels.

Shiitake mushrooms are meaty-flavored Asian mushrooms that have flat, dark brown caps usually 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. The tough, thin stems are usually trimmed off and discarded. Shiitakes are available fresh or dried. When selecting fresh shiitakes, look for firm, plump mushrooms that are not slimy or bruised. Store unwashed-lightly wrapped in paper towels or in a paper bag, never in plastic-in the refrigerator. Dried mushrooms can be stored indefinitely.

To clean fresh shiitake mushrooms:
Remove grit by wiping with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. For a more thorough cleaning, swish the mushrooms very briefly in water, and then pat dry with paper towels. To reconstitute dried shiitake mushrooms: Soak in warm water until softened, 20-30 minutes.

Oyster mushrooms, a variety of Asian mushroom, are white, gray, or pink in color and have a tender texture and mild flavor faintly reminiscent of oysters. Select firm, plump mushrooms that are not slimy or bruised. Store mushroom unwashed-lightly wrapped in paper towels or in a paper bag, never in plastic-in the refrigerator.

To clean fresh oyster mushrooms:
Remove grit by wiping with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. For a more thorough cleaning, swish the mushrooms very briefly in water, and then pat dry with paper towels.