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Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are small to medium in size with convex to flattened caps connecting to thin, elongated stems. The firm, soft, and silky caps average 3-10 centimeters in diameter and range in color from dark brown to light brown-grey growing darker towards the center. Underneath the cap, there are small, grey-brown gills containing dark spores and the gills connect to the fibrous cream-colored stem that has a texture similar to asparagus. When cooked, Velvet Pioppini mushrooms have a faint floral aroma and are meaty and crunchy with a nutty, slightly sweet, peppery, and earthy flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Wild Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are available in the summer through fall, while the cultivated versions are available year-round.
Current Facts
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms, botanically classified as Agrocybe aegerita, are wild, edible mushrooms that belong to the Strophariaceae family. Also known as the Black Poplar mushroom, Poplar mushroom, Tea Tree mushroom, Yanagi-matsutake, Cha Shu Gu, Zhuzhuang-tiantougu, and Pholiote du Peuplier, Velvet Piopinni mushrooms form large clusters on deciduous wood logs, stumps, and in holes around poplar trees, chestnut trees, tea-oil trees, willows, cottonwoods, box elders, trident maple trees, and elm trees. Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are highly favored for their firm texture and are commonly added to pasta, soups, and stews.
Nutritional Value
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are rich in copper, fiber, and vitamin B5, and also contain potassium, biotin, folate, iron, selenium, and vitamins B2 and B3. Additionally, they have anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.
Applications
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as sautéing, pan-roasting, braising, stewing, or roasting. Before cooking, the mushrooms should be sliced from the hard base and brushed or wiped with a damp towel to remove excess debris. It is not recommended to wash the variety as the water will change the texture of the mushroom. The caps of the mushroom are soft, but the stems are tough and may require boiling prior to stir-frying or sautéing to soften the texture. When cooked, Velvet Pioppini mushrooms can be added to salads, soups, stews, baked potatoes, marinated meat dishes, stir-fries, tempura, hot pot, gravies, and white sauces. They can also be cooked in quiches, omelets, and casseroles. In Italy, this mushroom is often used in “pasta con funghi,” and also works beautifully in risotto. Velvet Pioppini mushrooms pair well with potatoes, arugula, radicchio, spinach, carrots, prosciutto, red meats, game, oregano, marjoram, mint, parsley, tarragon, chives, fennel, garlic, goat’s cheese, parmesan, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, rice, millet, quinoa, and polenta. They will keep up to 3-5 days when stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator and can also be dried and stored for up to six months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In China, Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are used in traditional medicine to help reduce symptoms of nausea, fevers, and headache. They are also used for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties to help keep the kidneys healthy and to protect the overall well-being of the digestive system.
Geography/History
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are native to Asia, especially to Japan and China, and have been growing since ancient times. Today Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are widely cultivated and are found at local markets and specialty grocers in Asia, the southeastern United States, southern Europe, and Australia.
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are small to medium in size, featuring dark to light brown-grey caps that grow darker toward the center. Their stems have a cream color and asparagus-like texture, while the caps are soft and silky, measuring 3-10 centimeters in diameter. When cooked, these mushrooms offer a faint floral aroma and a meaty, crunchy texture, with a nutty, slightly sweet, peppery, and earthy flavor profile.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Velvet Pioppini Mushrooms from Mindful Mushrooms…Velvet Pioppini mushrooms, often used in Italian dishes like pasta con funghi and risotto, bring a nutty, earthy flavor to various recipes. Their soft caps and tough stems require careful preparation; boiling stems before sautéing ensures a tender texture. Pair them with potatoes, arugula, prosciutto, herbs, nuts, and grains. Stored in paper bags, they last 3-5 days refrigerated, or up to six months when dried.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Pioppini Mushrooms from Mindful Mushrooms…Velvet Pioppini mushrooms, or Agrocybe aegerita, grow in large clusters on decaying wood of deciduous trees like poplar, chestnut, tea-oil, and elm. These wild mushrooms have a firm texture and are popular in dishes like pasta, soups, and stews. Nutrient-rich, they offer copper, fiber, vitamin B5, and also contain potassium, biotin, and selenium. They exhibit anti-fungal and antibiotic properties, making them both flavorful and beneficial.
Rainbow Grocery
1745 Folsom Street San Francisco CA 94103
(415) 863-0620
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms: These mushrooms originate from Asia, particularly Japan and China, where they have been cultivated since ancient times. Nowadays, they are widely grown and can be found in local markets and specialty stores across Asia, the southeastern United States, southern Europe, and Australia.
Sno-Valley Mushrooms
Duvall WA [email protected]
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are valued in traditional Chinese medicine for their health benefits. They are believed to help alleviate nausea, fevers, and headaches. Additionally, they are used for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, supporting kidney health and promoting digestive system well-being. These mushrooms are seen as a natural remedy to enhance overall health.
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are known for their unique combination of textures and flavors. The caps are firm and soft with a silky surface, while the cream-colored stems have a fibrous texture akin to asparagus. Their flavor profile is rich, offering a nutty, slightly sweet, earthy taste with a peppery finish. When cooked, these mushrooms develop a faint floral aroma, adding an extra layer of complexity to their meaty and crunchy bite.
Monterey Market
2711
1550 Hopkins Street Berkeley CA 94707
(510) 526-6042
Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are ideal for cooked dishes like sautéing, roasting, or braising and should never be washed, as water alters their texture. While their caps are soft, their tough stems may benefit from boiling before further cooking. Commonly featured in Italian "pasta con funghi" or risottos, they pair wonderfully with ingredients like prosciutto, game, garlic, goat’s cheese, and walnuts. Stored properly, they last 3-5 days in the fridge or six months dried.
Sno-Valley Mushrooms
snovalleymushrooms.com
Velvet Pioppini Mushrooms spotted at Ballard Farmer's Market. Earthy, nutty, delicate crisp with a touch of spice!.....Velvet Pioppini mushrooms, scientifically known as Agrocybe aegerita, grow on decayed wood like poplar, chestnut, or willow trees, forming large clusters. They are loved for their firm texture and earthy flavor, often used in pasta, soups, and stews. Nutritionally, they are rich in fiber, copper, and vitamin B5, while also boasting potassium, iron, and selenium. They even possess natural anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.
LA Funghi - Dirk
(855) 523-8644
Velvet Pioppini Mushrooms spotted at Hollywood Farmer's Market….Velvet Pioppini mushrooms are native to Asia, particularly Japan and China, where they have been cultivated since ancient times. Today, they are also widely grown in regions like the southeastern United States, southern Europe, and Australia, making them a globally accessible gourmet ingredient often found in farmers' markets and specialty grocery stores.
Kane's Family Farm
los angeles county
Velvet Pioppini Mushrooms spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market….Velvet Pioppini Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their health benefits. They are believed to reduce symptoms of nausea, fevers, and headaches and are valued for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Additionally, they are thought to support kidney health and promote the well-being of the digestive system.
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