Mushroom is neither a fruit nor a vegetable. Technically, not even a plant. Mushroom is an edible fungus. However, for culinary purposes, it is treated as a vegetable.
It is believed that there are 10000 kinds of mushrooms. Well, there are no studies validating the number. However, not all of these are edible. The common edible variety of mushrooms includes a white button, oyster, porcini, and chanterelles. The edible mushrooms can be in any form; fresh, canned, dried.
Mushrooms are fat-free, low in cholesterol and low in calories. The nutritional value of mushrooms varies according to the variety of mushrooms. However, these are a good source of fiber as well as proteins. Mushrooms also contain vitamin B. Further, the mushroom is an excellent source of potassium and copper. The portabella variety of mushrooms has more potassium than a banana.
Mushrooms contain selenium which is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents damages to the body cells and tissues.
Mushrooms are the only non-meat foods that can make vitamin D. White button mushrooms are good at it.
If you are looking for a plant-based diet, mushrooms are just so right for you.
Without going in the technical/scientific details, the following are the answers to a few questions which tell us about the health benefits of mushrooms
The antioxidants present in mushrooms may help prevent lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. Mushrooms are also believed to be a vitamin D supplement. And vitamin D also helps to prevent as well as cure cancer.
Mushrooms are rich in potassium, fiber as well as vitamin C. These are good for the heart.
Mushrooms are believed to have more potassium than a banana. Potassium regulates the blood pressure and helps to control hypertension. A further deficiency of vitamin C can lead to cardiovascular diseases and vitamin C can help to prevent this illness.
Other than the benefits mentioned above, the following are a few more the health benefits of mushrooms:
Owing to all these nutritional properties, mushrooms are often referred to as a superfood.
In India, white button mushrooms are very popular. I have always worked with these. And to clean these, first of all, the mushrooms should be washed properly. To clean the mushrooms all-purpose flour/maida is used. Sprinkle refined flour on the mushrooms. Rub it on the mushrooms. Add water gradually. Add more flour if needed. Finally, wash under running water to get rid of all the dirt, etc.
Of all large variety of mushrooms that grow, very few are edible and even fewer can be eaten raw. The best way to cook mushrooms is grilling or in the microwave. This way the nutrients remain intact.
Time for some Fun Facts about mushrooms (We don’t mean to scare you!)
Mushrooms believed to be the food of God and here are mushroom recipes which you must try!
Before discussing how to store mushrooms? It is critical to mention that mushrooms should be purchased from absolutely reliable sources. Always pick the best looking, fresh and whole mushrooms.
Mushrooms are perishable. These should be stored properly. A refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms.
If you do not plan to use the mushrooms immediately, it is best to store them in the original packing. which generally includes a plastic box and cling wrap with holes which let the mushrooms breathe. Mushrooms can also be stored in a slightly open zip lock bag. Paper bags are also used to store mushrooms. To avoid the drying of mushrooms, a damp paper towel is placed in the paper bag.
The bottom line for storing the mushrooms is that mushrooms need to breathe.
When stored properly, mushrooms can last for up to a week.
Mushrooms cooked in a delicious, spicy, flavorsome gravy is mushroom curry. It is also known as mushroom masala or in the most common language, it is the mushroom sabji. The best part about this mushroom masala recipe is that it is absolutely lip-smacking and doesn’t call for any special ingredients.
View the recipe here.
Mushroom SoupRich and creamy soup, with perfect balance flavors, with the awesome bite of sautéed mushrooms, a slight hint of garlic, velvety texture is the mushroom soup recipe. The feel and the consistency of this mushroom soup are to fall for.
View the recipe here.
Mushroom Fried RiceRice having the awesome flavor of perfectly cooked mushrooms, with the hint of garlic and pungency of onions and soy sauce, the superb bite of celery is Mushroom Fried Rice. The Mushroom Fried Rice recipe is very quick to fix with cooked rice in hand.
View the recipe here.
Cheese Stuffed MushroomsCheesy stuffed mushroom is a delightful appetizer, very simple to make and loved by the ones who may not be fond of mushrooms. Button mushrooms are hollowed to fill in a paneer mixture thereafter coated with a cheesy mix and baked to prepare a mouthwatering snack.
View the recipe here.
Mushroom MasalaButton mushroom cooked in rich and spicy gravy is mushroom masala. Mushrooms lovers can’t miss trying this particular recipe. A mushroom can be served with simple chapatis or parathas. Do try this recipe on a weekend or as a party main course recipe.
View the recipe here.
