crimini: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In English, it is typically treated as a singular noun (or a mass noun) for the type. You say 'a crimini mushroom' or 'some crimini'. The original Italian plural is 'crimini', but in English culinary usage, it often functions like 'spaghetti' – a singular form for the item.

They are the same species (Agaricus bisporus) at different stages. Crimini are the young, brown, small-to-medium sized mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms are the fully mature, large, open-cap version of the same mushroom, with a more developed, meatier texture.

Yes, in most recipes, but with a flavour difference. Crimini have a deeper, earthier, more pronounced umami flavour than the milder white button mushrooms, which are simply a white variant of the same species.

It is a borrowing that often signifies a gourmet or specific culinary ingredient, helping to distinguish it from the more generic 'brown mushroom'. It's part of the professional and food enthusiast lexicon, similar to using 'arugula' instead of 'rocket' (US) or 'cilantro' instead of 'coriander leaves'.

A small, dark brown edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), also known as baby bella, portobellino, or brown mushroom, which is the immature form of the portobello mushroom.

Crimini is usually informal, culinary in register.

Crimini: in British English it is pronounced /krɪˈmiː.ni/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɪˈmiː.ni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.