Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that adds earthy umami flavor to dishes. They also contain many healing properties.
A common mushroom seen on TikTok, the puffball is a spherical mass that looks similar to tofu in texture and soaks up flavors. They are found in the wild and can be purchased as mushroom spawn to grow at home.
Portobello Mushroom
Mushrooms are a versatile vegetable that can be used as a meat substitute in sandwiches and burgers or as a hearty side dish. Portobellos are thick, meaty mushrooms that add a rich umami flavor to many dishes. Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free and an excellent source of dietary fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants and contain a variety of B vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Mushrooms are the only non-animal source of selenium, which boosts immunity by charging white blood cells.
Portobello mushroom is the largest form of the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus. It is the most mature variety and has a more intense, meaty flavor than other forms of the mushroom. This mushroom can be grilled, baked or broiled and is commonly served as a vegetarian alternative to steak in sandwiches and burgers. Mushrooms can be stuffed and are often served as an appetizer or as a side dish with soups and salads.
It is important to know that mushrooms are not a common food allergen and that severe reactions to mushrooms are extremely rare. However, people should always be aware of their individual tolerance levels to foods and should discontinue any foods if they experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, stomach pain or diarrhea after consumption.
If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, portobello mushrooms are a good option as they’re easy to cook with and provide a delicious flavor. They’re full of nutrients that will help you get started on the path to a healthier lifestyle and they’re incredibly versatile, so you can use them in a variety of recipes.
When buying mushrooms, look for those that are firm and free of dark spots. They should also be a deep shade of brown, not light in color or gray. Mushrooms can be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to seven days. They are best enjoyed soon after purchase, as they can quickly lose moisture and may become slimy.
If they’re wrapped in plastic when you purchase them, remove the wrap and store them loosely in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator with a paper towel underneath. This will prevent the mushrooms from being smushed and promote odor-free storage.
Shiitake Mushroom
This mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms in the world and a favorite in Asian cuisine, the primary source of nutrition. It has a medium to large brown, umbrella-shaped cap with edges that roll inward, giving it a distinctive meaty flavor. Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and shiitake mushrooms are especially valued for their reputed healing properties.
Like all fungi, shiitake mushrooms provide valuable nutrients to the body. They are a good source of potassium, which is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and electrolyte balance. They also contain B vitamins, such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine. Additionally, they are rich in polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols and lipids, including beta-glucans.
Shiitake mushrooms are a great choice for beginners because they grow quickly and reliably. They colonize logs in the fall and produce a crop of mushrooms each spring to autumn. Ideally, you should use oak logs to cultivate shiitakes because they decompose slowly and offer a long harvest period. However, if you do not have access to oak, other hardwoods such as cherry, birch, ash and hickory can be used.
Whether they are eaten raw or cooked, shiitake mushrooms can add a savory umami flavor to soups and sauces. They also make a delicious addition to salads and on top of roasted vegetables or chicken. They are a low-calorie food that is high in protein and fiber. Fiber helps with weight loss and digestive health and is an important nutrient for maintaining regular bowel movements.
These mushrooms have been shown to offer some amazing health benefits and can be a delicious way to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. They are full of a unique substance called lentinan, which prevents DNA damage and oxidative stress from cancer treatments and other toxins. They also have a unique blend of compounds that help to lower cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health. Shiitakes are also a great source of vitamin D, which is necessary for bone strength and immune function. They have also been found to be effective for lowering anxiety and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Baby Bella Mushroom
If you walk through the mushroom section of any grocery store, chances are you’ll come across white mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms (also known as cremini mushrooms), and portobello mushrooms. The good news is that they all belong to the same species of mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, despite their different colors and appearances. The differences in color, flavor, and size between the three are due to a difference in maturity.
White mushrooms are the youngest, most immature form of this particular variety. They are typically light brown and have a closed veil covering the immature gills. The light, delicate flavor of the white mushroom makes it ideal for salads and soups, as it withstands cooking well.
The baby bella mushroom, also known as cremini mushrooms, are a bit more mature than their white cousins and have a rich, delicious flavor. The baby bella mushroom is often used in a range of recipes, from pasta dishes like this savoury mushroom and parmesan dish to grilled brie and mushroom quesadillas.
For those who enjoy eating mushrooms that have a little bit of a bite, the portobello mushroom is the best choice. It has a meaty texture that can stand in for beef or chicken in some recipes, and it’s perfect for grilling or roasting. This particular variety of mushroom is also low in calories, fat and sodium, and it’s a good source of potassium and vitamin D.
Lastly, the crimini mushroom is similar to the portobello mushroom, but it’s slightly smaller and has a more intense flavour. This type of mushroom can be sliced or diced and added to a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and sandwiches.
If you want to start cooking with mushrooms, the easiest and tastiest option is to saute them. This recipe uses just 5 key ingredients, all of which are easy to find at the grocery store:
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has long been used in Chinese medicine for its healing properties, and modern research supports some of those claims. It may boost immune function, help lower blood sugar and relieve nerve damage associated with diabetes. It also may inhibit cancer cell growth. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results and determine whether lion’s mane supplements are effective for treating these conditions in humans.
A strong immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens. It also helps fight the oxidation that damages cells and contributes to many diseases. Studies suggest that lion’s mane mushrooms contain potent antioxidants, substances that limit oxidation. Some researchers also believe that lion’s mane may encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that support immunity.
Lion’s mane may reduce the inflammation and oxidation that cause nerve damage in people with chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. It also may help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression by reducing the activity of certain brain chemicals. One study found that people who ate cookies made with lion’s mane extract reported less anxiety than those who ate placebo cookies.
The lion’s mane may also improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and increasing the activity of healthy enzymes that control cholesterol levels. It also may prevent ulcers by blocking the bacterial growth that causes them. Studies in mice suggest that lion’s mane can inhibit the growth of the helicobacter pylori bacteria, which leads to stomach ulcers.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are available fresh or as a supplement in capsules and powder form. They can be eaten as a savory vegetable or added to soups and stews, or blended into smoothies. They can be brewed as tea, either by themselves or mixed with other ingredients like hibiscus and lavender. A lion’s mane supplement can be purchased at some natural food stores or online, though it is important to choose one that has been tested for safety and purity. Many dietary supplements sold in the United States have not undergone the rigorous testing that drugs undergo, so their health claims are unproven.
