Button mushrooms are the most popular mushroom of the 21st century and make up 80 percent of mushrooms grown all over the world — a business that produces more than 1 million tonnes of this tasty fungus every year. The demand for button mushrooms is fairly easily explained: Mushrooms grown in an artificial environment are much less dangerous than those provided for us by Mother Nature and found in the forest. In Russia button mushrooms are grown in large agricultural complexes as well as on small, private mushroom farms all over the country. The Russian word for button mushrooms, “shampinyon,” comes from the French word for mushroom, “champignon.” The fact that the Russian word was taken from French is really quite remarkable and it is perhaps their French background that has made these mushrooms so popular among foodies. Button mushrooms play a leading role in many recipes and can even be used is desserts such as pudding!