More Spores
Mushrooms really are a total package food. With a meaty texture and mild flavor, they take on the flavors of what they are cooked with so you can really make them what you want. They also pack a punch in the nutrients department. They are riddled with B vitamins which can aid in digestive health, benefit the nervous system and make your skin glow. They contain antioxidants, which for a while was the health buzz word. These can supercharge your immune system and help fight against heart disease and cancer. Mushrooms are also rich in potassium, which can be particularly helpful for avoiding cramping during intense workouts. And the pièce de résistance is they are cholesterol free, low sodium, low calorie and fat free. Bam, they are amazing.
There are so many mushroom varieties, that having access to all of them can be difficult. Though the numbers varied in my research between 39 and 50,000 mushroom species, it would appear there are plenty of mushrooms growing on the planet. The 39 number was more in reference to how many types of mushrooms are edible, but to break it down a little more here are some of the most commonly eaten mushrooms; king trumpet, enoki, white button, maitake, beech, porcino, hedgehog, crimino, black trumpet, morel, chanterelle, oyster, shiitake, and portobello. Still quite a mouthful, but all so different and delicious in their own ways.
With tools like the Google app, which can be downloaded completely free, you can identify mushrooms out in the wild. Though it would always be best to consult an expert before consuming anything found on a hike, the hunt is still a fun ride. The lens tool on the app allows you to take a picture of any plant, or really anything, that you cannot identify and then it searches the internet utilizing the image. With that short, long, list above, maybe you could forage yourself a little midday snack. But again, please consult a local expert to ensure the mushrooms are safe for consumption.
As for recipes, as you’ve seen, don’t get me started. I could eat mushrooms for every meal. If you don’t want to cook your own, there are so many options for dine out. Do a Krush Your Own with mushrooms in the mix at Organic Krush, or order a savory mushroom, goat cheese and chive crepe at La Fin. Saute them, bake them, shred them and form them into a burger, however you want to eat them, get those nutrients in. And if all else fails, and you absolutely cannot stand the taste or texture, grab a mushroom powder and add it to your daily smoothie or coffee. There are so many options, so get out there and find those fungi!
by Catie Zimmerman