Mushrooms have been considered as a delicacy due to its unique and versatile flavour. It is valued for its rich nutritional composition and easy cultivation. From puffballs to truffles, mushrooms range from everyday fare to a costly ingredient. People can buy them fresh, canned, or dried.
Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fibre and vitamin B. It is rich in minerals like Potassium, Copper, Iron and Phosphorus.
It is an amazing source of selenium which is an important mineral to strengthen the immune system.
TYPES OF EDIBLE MUSHROOMS
1. White button mushrooms (Alt. button mushrooms, cultivated mushrooms)
These are one of the most common mushrooms. It is very mild in taste. Ninety percent of the time when we eat a mushroom, it is most likely to be a white button mushroom. It can be eaten raw as well as cooked. It is added in soups and salads.
2. Portobello Mushrooms (Alt. open cap mushrooms)
This is one of the most common ingredients in Italian cuisine. It has a meaty texture which makes an amazing meat substitute.
3. Cremini mushroom (Alt. Italian brown mushroom, golden Italian mushrooms)
It is a form of young portobello mushroom. It is darker, firmer and more flavourful compared to the white button. These are also sold as “baby bellas”.
4. Shiitake mushrooms
(Alt. brown oak mushroom, black forest mushroom, black mushroom)
In Japanese, Shiitake means “oak fungus” which literally describes where these can be found. They have woodsy flavour and aroma. These are very popular and are usually used in Chinese cuisines.
5. Straw mushrooms (Alt. Chinese mushroom)
Straw Mushrooms are as popular as button mushrooms in India. They have a pleasant aroma and flavour. Cultivation of these mushrooms takes place in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, etc.
6. Milky Mushroom (Alt. summer mushroom)
As the name suggests, milky mushrooms only appear in summer and have a milky appearance. It is also said to have antibiotic, anti-tumour, and anti-cancer properties, and to help in regulating diabetes, lowering bad cholesterol levels, and to have strong antioxidant properties.
7. Oyster Mushrooms
(Alt. Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Tree Oyster Mushrooms)
Oyster mushrooms are eaten in a variety of cuisines and are especially popular in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. They can be dried and are typically eaten cooked. Oyster mushrooms are beloved the world over for their delicate texture and mild, savoury flavour.
(There are more types of mushrooms, only a few have been discussed in this article)
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MUSHROOMS
1. They have antibacterial properties.
2.They can help lower cholesterol.
3.They’re good for your immune system.
4. They may even help prevent or treat Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
WAYS TO ADD MUSHROOMS IN YOUR DIET
1. Mushrooms can be added to pizza as a topping
2. Mushrooms are added to a salad to make it tasty
3. Some mushrooms are added in pasta along with other vegetables.
4. Mushroom rice is popularly prepared in indo- Chinese cuisine.
5. Button mushrooms and straw mushrooms are added into soups and stews.
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