Mushroom Mayhem

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Mighty Mushrooms

    Though mushrooms can start showing up as early as spring, fall is when we see mushrooms pop up in home décor and seasonal meals. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can stand alone or be added to any dish. I particularly enjoy adding mushrooms to hot dishes such as ramen or soups.

   Mushrooms are low in calories and have nutritional benefits like fiber, and antioxidants which help bowel regularity and immune health, respectively. Other micronutrients in mushrooms include phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, thiamine, and copper. These micronutrients help to boost the immune system, maintain bone integrity, and aid in maintaining cell integrity.

Mushroom Varieties


White "button top" mushrooms- these mushrooms are easily found at grocery stores and can be eaten raw, sautéed, or added to many savory dishes.


Portobello or brown mushrooms- brown mushrooms are actually immature Portobello mushrooms and can be made in the same ways as white mushrooms. Portobellos have more of a meaty texture and can be used as a meat replacement in burgers, tacos, or salads! 


Shiitake mushrooms- these are most frequently used in Asian-inspired dishes as they are primarily grown in Japan and other parts of east Asia. Shiitake have more of a savory flavor that pairs well with dishes such as stir-fry or ramen.


Oyster mushrooms- Currently available at our local Haymaker's Farmer's market, oyster mushrooms have a few different types. Yellow and grey oyster mushrooms are nuttier in flavor, whereas pink and white are meatier and savory. These are found in the wild, but if you are unfamiliar with foraging, it is best to leave it to the professionals and buy locally or at grocery stores. 


Enoki- also known as the snow puff, this mushroom is crunchy when served raw but cooks well in savory dishes. Its varieties are known to look significantly different whether found in the wild or farmed. 


More Room for Mushrooms

    Mushrooms are best stored in a moist environment like a plastic bag with a wet paper towel if wanted to eat fresh. They otherwise freeze and dry well, which can extend shelf life. Mushrooms should be washed well since they often still have dirt on them even if they come from the store. Washing mushrooms or any other vegetable from the earth can help wash off any harmful bacteria. 

    Try incorporating mushrooms into a soup, salad, or noodle dish next time you're cooking! 


Remember to be kind to yourself and others!

-KM





References
Photo one: https://www.loveandlemons.com/sauteed-mushrooms/
Photo two: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2019/04/producing-specialty-mushrooms-outdoor-vs-indoor-systems/ 
Photo three: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-mushroom-nutrition
Photo four: https://www.grocery.coop/fresh-from-the-source/portobello-mushrooms
Photo five: https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-clean-shiitake-mushrooms/
Photo six: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oyster-mushroom-benefits
Photo seven: https://redhousespice.com/steamed-enoki-mushroom/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-mushrooms
https://www.farmersalmanac.com/edible-mushrooms-how-to-cook-them

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