There are many varieties of mushrooms available in the market. Each one has its own health benefit. It also goes by the name toadstool. These are a special type of fungus and they neither come under the fruit nor vegetable class. Most of the people frown at the mere mention of mushrooms. But the excellent health benefits that these fungi offer have attracted a lot of attention in the recent years that people have started adding them as part of their daily meal regularly.
Different Varieties
Mushrooms come in different sizes and colours. There are more than 14000 types available. Only 3000 varieties are suitable for human consumption and 1400 are highly poisonous. The most common type of edible fungi is the 'Agaricus bisporus' found very commonly in grocery stores. These are white in colour and are available fresh, dried and canned. Another variety is morsel which is grown and harvested in the wild, and hence it should be thoroughly cleaned before cooking. The portabella type is much larger in size and brown in colour. These mushrooms give the dish a deeper flavour. Other types include chanterelle, truffles, shiitake, Oyster, Enoki, and many more. Following few essential buying and cooking tips will help ensure you have a delightful meal with your friends and family.
Nutritional Value
Mushrooms have very high nutritional value. They have a whole lot of essential and very important nutrients including niacin, riboflavin, folate, iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B6, selenium, thiamine, potassium, copper, magnesium, and panthothenic acid. These edible fungi are also helpful in slowing down production of cancer cells and reduce the size of the cancer tumours. People who are on diet do not have to worry about mushrooms adding weight. Since they are very low in calories, carbs, fat and sodium, and rich in water content and fibre, they are an excellent choice for a diet food. They are also an amazing source of selenium which couples with vitamin E to protect cells. In addition, they also help greatly in treating migraines, mental disorders, support metabolism, and build a disease resilient immune system.
Cooking Tips
Care should be taken when cooking mushrooms. They add great taste and texture to food. Cooking a great dish involving this wonder ingredient involves proper storing and cleaning techniques. If you are cooking mushrooms for the first time, make sure you get help from a friend or colleague. In addition, you can also follow recipes online. Do not store mushrooms for a long time in the cooler or freezer. If it feels slimy, emit an odour, have been stored for two weeks or more, or have wrinkles and dark spots, you should discard it in order to avoid getting sick.
Those who cant cook mushrooms or have problem in cutting them can go for dried and peeled shiitake mushrooms.
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