10 Amazing Types of Mushrooms - Your New Favorite Healthy Addition to Any Meal! Image Source: Unsplash Are you a mushroom lover? If not, maybe you should become one! Mushrooms are not only delicious and nutritious, but they’re also affordable and easy to add to almost any meal. In fact, once you get started with this new culinary interest of yours, you’ll find so many varieties of mushrooms that it will be hard for you to decide which one to use first. If you are looking for a new way to introduce more plant-based foods into your diet then read on and discover some amazing types of mushrooms that can fit almost any meal. What Are Mushrooms? Mushrooms are fungi that are grown on decaying organic matter such as wood or straw. They are one of the most widely eaten types of fungi with over 2,000 species being eaten by humans. Mushrooms are very low in calories and fat-free. They are also an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals, including selenium, potassium, zinc and copper. Their health benefits include improved immunity, reduced risk of heart disease, reduced risk of certain cancers and lower blood pressure. Types of Mushrooms The shiitake - This variety is native to Asia and is one of the oldest mushrooms consumed by humans. It is packed with B vitamins and is rich in iron. It is also one of the most widely consumed varieties of mushrooms, found in many different types of dishes. Maitake - This variety is also known as the “dancing mushroom” because when it is fully grown it can “dance” on the ends of its caps. It is native to Japan and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Mixed mushrooms - This type of mushroom is a combination of several different varieties and is usually used in casseroles and soups. Mixed wild mushrooms - These are similar to mixed mushrooms, but their mushroom varieties are all from the wild. Mushrooms - This variety is a combination of all the above varieties. Health Benefits of Eating Mushrooms Mushrooms are nutritionally dense, cholesterol-lowering foods that can be easily added to almost any meal. They are low in calories and fat-free, while containing a large amount of potassium, selenium and zinc. Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, which is linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers. Mushrooms also contain vitamin B2 and B6, which helps improve immunity and reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re also a good source of copper and manganese, which are essential for helping your body metabolize iron and lower your blood pressure. Mushrooms also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted to serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve your mood and decrease anxiety. How to Shop for and Store Your Mushrooms Choose mushrooms that are firm, dry and without any cracks, discoloration or wilting. They should be stored in a paper bag in your refrigerator to keep them dry. Mushrooms can be kept in your refrigerator for up to a week, but the longer you keep them, the less flavor they retain. You can also store them in a paper bag in a cool, dry place, where they’ll last for months. Mushrooms can be easily cooked in a variety of ways, including sauteing, broiling, roasting, grilling, steaming and boiling. Mushrooms are best cooked briefly, as they lose their texture when overcooked. 10 Amazing Mushroom Varieties You Should Know The shiitake - This variety is native to Asia and is one of the oldest mushrooms consumed by humans. Maitake - This variety is also known as the “dancing mushroom” because when it is fully grown it can “dance” on the ends of its caps. Mixed mushrooms - This type of mushroom is a combination of several different varieties and is usually used in casseroles and soups. Mixed wild mushrooms - These are similar to mixed mushrooms, but their mushroom varieties are all from the wild. Mushrooms - This variety is a combination of all the above varieties. Morels - This variety is one of the most expensive mushrooms you can buy and is best used in sauces. Oyster mushrooms - These are one of the most common varieties of edible mushrooms, as well as one of the easiest to grow. Meadow mushrooms - These look similar to meadow grass and are often used in Asian cooking. Shiitake - This variety is native to Asia and is one Butter mushrooms - These are large and creamy mushrooms, often used as a side dish. Bottom line Mushrooms are delicious, easy to cook with, and are nutritious and affordable, making them a great addition to any meal. These delicious fungi are low in calories and fat-free, and they also provide a wide array of B vitamins and minerals, including iron, selenium, potassium, zinc and copper. Eating mushrooms is a great way to improve your overall health and stay fit and healthy! If you are looking for new, delicious ways to add more mushrooms to your diet, then this article will help you discover some amazing types of mushrooms. From shiitakes to morels, there are plenty of mushroom varieties to try! 2nd article 10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Mushrooms Intorduction When it comes to food, mushrooms are a strange beast. Few foods are as divisive. Some people see them as side dishes reserved for boring meals, while others see them as critical staples and the meat of the plant world. But in any case, they’re not just one food – they’re an entire unique family of foods with their own unique characteristics, properties, and history. We know this because those who love mushrooms tend to know a lot about them. Even if you don’t think you know much about them right now, let this article serve as your initiation into the world of mushroom lovers. After reading these 10 interesting facts about mushrooms, you may find that you know more about these incredible fungi than you originally thought! topics Did you know? Mushrooms have no brains, no eyes, and no tongues. Did you know? Mushrooms are essentially the fruiting body of a fungus. Did you know? While most mushrooms are safe to eat, a few are extremely toxic. Did you know? Many cultures see mushrooms as having medicinal properties. Did you know? Mushrooms make great meat substitutes for vegetarians and vegans. Did you know? Chanterelles are one of the most highly prized edible mushroom varieties. Did you know? There is an entire subculture of people dedicated to growing their own mushrooms at home. Did you know? Edible mushrooms grow from a thread called a “stem” instead of roots or leaves. Did you know? The word “mushroom” is derived from the Latin word “fungus” which means “to increase” or “to bring forth”. Lastly… You should always be careful when eating wild-harvested edible mushrooms!