Mushroom Nutritional Facts

It’s a strange thing but it is still possible to encounter people who believe that mushrooms are somehow largely ‘empty’ and contain little of anything.
That explains why for some people, mushrooms are still seen as largely a decorative addition to things such as soups or as a garnish for meat etc.

Of course, this is fundamentally wrong.

Here at Fresh Crop Mushrooms, we are desperately keen to increase public awareness of what we call mushroom nutritional facts.  That’s because this foodstuff is absolutely full of potential nutritional benefit in a number of areas.

In fact, mushrooms are sometimes referred to as a super food - and with good reason.

Let’s consider the facts just for a second. Mushrooms are full of:

• Vitamins;
• Anti-oxidant chemicals;
• Immune system enhancing compounds;
• Natural fibres;
• Dietary Selenium.
Need we say more?
Then there are all the things that mushrooms do not contain (or have in tiny quantities only) and which should be taken into account when considering the basics of mushroom nutritional facts:
• Fats;
• Artificial chemicals, preservatives and colourings;
• Man-made sweeteners such as aspartame;
• High amounts of sodium;
• Cholesterol.

True, you can’t select a foodstuff exclusively based upon what it does or does not contain.  Taste is also a pretty important thing to assess and of course, mushrooms contain their own beautiful flavours which can sometimes be enhanced through sympathetic recipes.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that different types of mushroom may contain different percentages of the beneficial chemicals and minerals needed by the human body.  For example, Shiitake mushrooms are well known for having high levels of dietary Selenium which can help to stimulate the immune system and protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Many people claim to have seen significant health and quality of life improvements by eating more mushrooms and cutting down on things such as red meat etc.
There is evidence that suggests this is far more than just a fad and in fact, by understanding a little more of mushroom nutritional facts and eating more of them, people really can see positive health benefits.

Why not try this type of approach yourself?

FAQs - Mushroom Nutrition

Here are some of the frequently asked questions addressed to Fresh Crop Mushrooms on the subject of nutrition.


How are mushrooms good for you?

There are really two different ways of answering this question:

• By talking about all the harmful things that mushrooms lack, such as fat and cholesterol 
• Then highlighting all the good things they include such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

In a brief blog of this nature we don’t have the space to go into great detail about mushroom nutrition but it is extensively covered on other sections of our site.

Does how you cook them make a difference?
Yes, absolutely.

Some methods of cooking positively destroy many of the benefits that come naturally in terms of mushroom nutrition. This is usually best encapsulated by talking about the need to avoid over-cooking them.

Why not consult some of our excellent recipes on the site?

Can you live entirely on mushrooms?
No.

The human body requires many different nutrients, some of which are available from sources other than mushrooms.

It is never advisable to go on to a rigorous dietary regime that involves cutting out entire categories of foodstuffs, unless you have checked with your doctor that there will be no health risk issues associated with your decision.

However, what you can do is to significantly replace much of the meat in your diet with mushroom-based products.

You don’t need to become a full blown vegetarian to obtain benefits from doing so but once again, do think about this in the context of your overall health.

What are anti-oxidants?
Although medical positions are constantly evolving, it is generally accepted that molecules called ‘free radicals’ in the body can, in certain circumstances, play a significant role in creating cancerous tissue.

Anti-oxidants are found in many natural foodstuffs and they effectively inhibit oxidation in the free radical cells, thereby leading to their destruction. Anti-oxidants are generally believed to play a major role in helping to prevent cancer by reducing the numbers of free radicals in your body.

Mushroom nutrition is typically high in anti-oxidants with some varieties of mushroom being particularly efficacious in this respect.

Read More  - http://freshcropmushrooms.com.au/mushrooms-news/the-facts-about-mushroom-nutrition/

Everything you ever Wanted to Know About Shiitake Mushrooms

One of the best-known of what might be called the more ‘exotic’ mushrooms is the variety called “Shiitake”.

Even in relatively recent times, these were little known outside of Japanese and Chinese cuisine. That was a pity because these are delicious and one of the best types of mushrooms to use in a variety of dishes.

The exact history of their discovery by western cuisine needn’t really concern us here – what’s more important is to understand a little about them and how they can enhance many dishes or even be one in their own right.

Appearance
If you’re unfamiliar with Shiitake mushrooms, the first thing to grasp is that their appearance is a little deceptive and possibly off-putting to the uninitiated.

They’re rather woody-looking and often a darkish speckled brown in colour. That can confuse some people into thinking that they’re a little stale but in fact the colour means nothing – it’s just the way they are.

Their caps are usually about 5-10cms in diameter.
As with any mushroom, try to make sure that you buy them as fresh as possible or if not – that they’ve been professionally dried. They should look moist and fairly plump when they’re fresh.

There’s a world of taste difference between Shiitakes that have been professionally dried and those that have started to dry out spontaneously because they’re way past their best. Don’t confuse the two!

Incidentally, if you want to store them, keep them in a paper bag in the fridge. Don’t put them into plastic bags – they’ll get wet and slimy.

Using
The majority of people eat Shiitakes because they taste delicious. At Fresh Crop Mushrooms we can provide some great recipes but you can also experiment to your heart’s content.

When preparing them, don’t drown them in water trying to clean them. They’ll absorb it and go soggy.

Instead, gently wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel.

You can then add them to miso soup or sauté them in broth as a side dish or even a course in their own right. Their flavour is delicious so try not to swamp that by serving them in thick, pungent or piquant sources.

Oh yes, they also are very good for you too, containing many beneficial elements.

Those ancient Chinese and Japanese cooks knew a thing or two!

Mushroom Health Benefits for You

Till last few decades, mushroom remained a forbidden item in many cuisines. Asian cuisine embraced mushrooms quite early. Modern world has now accepted the miraculous properties of this humble looking fungus. People around the globe are using mushrooms as a part of their diet. Many of us may still be hesitant in trying out a mushroom recipe for the fear of getting poisoned. Whereas the truth is that there are over ten thousand varieties of mushrooms and only amount a thousand are known to human beings. There are just about hundred odd mushroom species that are poisonous.  You must always ensure that you buy mushrooms from a commercial cultivation because they are cultivated for consumption only. Mushrooms are great for your health.  Let us look at some prominent mushroom health benefits.

Creates a Shield against Cancers:  an increasing number of people are falling prey to prostate cancer, Leukaemia, Breast cancer, cervical cancer etc. Chemotherapy and radiations can take a toll on cancer patients. Many of us often wonder what they could do to avoid such dreaded disease. Well the answer is simple, consume mushrooms. Mushrooms contain beta-Glucans, these beta-Glucans are known to prevent prostate cancer.  Mushrooms also contain Linoleic acid and Selenium which are helpful in battling cancer. Linoleic acid is known to reduce the Estrogen levels in women post menopause thereby reducing the chances of breast cancer. Similarly selenium has anti-bacterial properties that help in suppressing the growth of cancerous cells.

Promotes Weight Loss:  Obesity is one of the biggest challenges of the modern lifestyle. Obesity leads to onset of various disorders like diabetes, cholesterol etc. Mushrooms are rich in fibre and water content. A cup full of mushrooms would be equal to twenty calories. You can consume mushroom salads and mushroom sandwiches for your mid-meal snacks. High fibre content in these mushrooms would also trigger the metabolism rate of your body. Increased metabolism would lead to burning of stored fats and you would be in a position to lose weight with ease.

Ideal for Diabetes:  last decade has seen increase in number of diabetics across the country.  Mushrooms can help you in controlling your blood sugar levels to a great extent. Mushrooms are high in fibre and low in carbohydrates. Mushrooms contain no fat and hence they are easy to digest. They have good enzymes which help in breaking down the starch or the sugar that was ingested via food.  Quick breakdown of sugar helps in controlling the production of insulin. Selenium in mushroom is also known for its anti-bacterial powers. This creates a shield against infections.

There are several other mushroom health benefits like increase in immunity, enhanced digestion and more efficient way of eliminating toxins from the body. Not to forget the fact that mushrooms also help in combating dehydration.

Some More Interesting Articles

http://freshcropmushrooms.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/what-are-the-benefits-of-mushrooms/

http://freshcropmushrooms.com.au/mushrooms-news/interesting-mushroom-nutritional-facts/

 

Why you should buy from reputed mushroom suppliers in Australia

Mushroom is labelled as the new wonder food of 21^st century. Increasing number of people have started making conscious efforts to add variety of mushrooms to their diet. Nutritional benefits of mushroom are infinite. And the best part is that you can whip up more than 100 unique mushroom recipes online. Mushrooms fall in the class of fungi. They grow abundantly on an external host like plant or insect. Mushrooms are often found growing on moss, barks of woods, dried logs etc. Mushrooms require moisture and dampness to grow.  

Increasing demand for mushrooms has led to increase in number of mushroom suppliers in Australia. Mushrooms are now grown commercially and shipped to super markets so that you can buy them without any hassle.

Some people prefer to pick mushrooms in wild instead of buying them from reputed mushroom suppliers in Australia because they think that all mushrooms are created alike. But the truth is far away from this. There are over fourteen thousand varieties of mushrooms and human beings are only aware of about a thousand odd varieties of them. Out of the known varieties hundred varieties of mushroom are deemed to be poisonous. Even most experienced foragers may sometimes be deceived by the appearance of the mushroom. You definitely do not want to take a risk of consuming a poisonous variety. Safety is the primary reason that you must buy mushrooms from a reputed supplier.

Another important thing to consider is the area where the mushrooms are grown. Mushrooms that grow in wild will absorb whatever is available in the substrate that they grow on. So if a mushroom is growing close to a marshy land which has high amounts of chemicals, pesticides or other harmful substances then there are high chances that these harmful substances will be absorbed by the stem of mushroom and would be spread across to the entire mushroom. So eating wild mushrooms may actually harm you instead of doing any good. Such mushrooms are likely to have sense concentration of pesticides and insecticides which will be ingested by you when you consume them. On the other hand reputed mushroom suppliers in Australia are trained professionals who understand different types of mushrooms and their growing conditions. These suppliers grow mushrooms organically. In other words, the soil contains natural fertilizers and there is no use of harmful insecticides and pesticides on such soil. Organically grown mushrooms taste fresh and are high on nutritive value.  These suppliers are well aware of harvesting time for mushrooms and their appropriate storage so that they don’t get slushy and slimy. By buying mushrooms from reputed sources, you ensure that you safeguard yourself and your family from consumption of harmful mushrooms.

Most Popular Mushroom Recipes across the Globe

Mushrooms are some of the most popular and easy to eat vegetables. Mushrooms recipes are easy to make and if you just search on the World Wide Web you are sure to find millions and millions of them. A look at some of the recipes that top the chart in various cuisines will surely help you decide on what to cook the next time you plan to make a mushroom dish.

1. Australian cuisine: - The garlic mushroom recipe of Australia is world famous. This is one of the easiest and fastest dishes to make. You need one cup finely sliced mushrooms, quarter cup olive oil, quarter cup dry sherry and five to six pods of garlic that is finely crushed. In a large skillet, heat the oil and sauté garlic and mushrooms in it. Add dry sherry after sautéing for about three-four minutes. Add salt and red chilli flakes for taste. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

2. Chinese cuisine: - The Chinese use mushrooms a lot and believe that they are great energy giving foods. The Chinese braised mushrooms are absolutely delicious. You will need dried Shiitake mushrooms that are cut from the stem. Soak them in water for about half an hour. Marinate the mushrooms for thirty minutes in mixture of one teaspoon each of lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil and onion juice. In a thick bottomed pan add two teaspoons of groundnut oil. Sauté 4 finely chopped garlic in it. Now add mushrooms and sauté them till they are golden brown. Add one cup vegetable stock, 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce and a pinch of freshly ground pepper in it. Cover the pan and let it cook for 30 minutes. Now add one tablespoon white wine to it. Make a mixture of ½ teaspoon corn flour and water and add it to the boiling concoction. Cook till the sauce thickens. 

3. English Cuisine: - the chicken, leek and mushroom soup offers comforting warmth during cold season. This nutritious soup is loved by all. For this soup, you will need two leeks that are finely sliced, two cups of finely sliced mushrooms, four cups chicken stock and 3/4th cup fresh cream. In a pan add some olive oil, sauté two –three crushed garlic in it. Add leek and cook for about five minutes. Now add mushrooms and bay leaf in it and cook for another three to four minutes. Add one tablespoon dry white wine and 4 cups of chicken stock. Let it simmer on slow flame for 10 minutes. Now add fresh cream and serve hot. This creamy soup is perfect for all functions and is best enjoyed with family around a nice warm fireplace.

Mushroom benefits are huge and so it is important to find different ways to add mushrooms to your diet. Whether it’s a cup of mushroom soup or a nice mushroom salad make sure that you have a portion of mushroom in your everyday diet. You could probably try out some of the above mentioned mushroom recipes and treat your loved ones with nutrition packed meals.

What Are the Best Ways to Cook Popular Mushroom Varieties?

There are hundreds of mushrooms in Australia to choose from. Each mushroom contains a unique flavor and texture. Knowledge of the proper way to prepare and serve many of the mushroom varieties you may encounter in the kitchen is the best way to ensure a perfect meal. 

Chanterelle Mushrooms

Fresh chanterelle mushrooms are ideal. They have the most flavor. You can substitute dried chanterelle mushrooms, though they sometimes have a rubbery texture. Chanterelle are most often sautéed. 

  
Sulfur Mushrooms

Sulfur mushrooms are a great chicken-substitute, because they have the same texture and consistency of chicken. They are often sautéed, but can be also be simmered in chicken stock to create a chicken-flavor, making them the ideal mushroom for vegetarians. 

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are one of the most popular in mushrooms in Australia, due to their fruity flavor. Enoki mushrooms can be cooked, but are generally served raw. 

Matsuke Mushrooms

Matsuke mushrooms are a delicious treat when fresh. They are often grilled or steamed to perfection. However, they only worth the money when fresh, as canned or dried matsuke mushrooms rarely have the same intense flavor as fresh ones. 

 Oriental Black Mushrooms

Another of the most popular mushroom varieties, Oriental black mushrooms are readily available. They have an oyster-like flavor and can be cooked in any number of ways, ranging from steaming to grilling to soup to an appetizer. 

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello Mushrooms are the ideal mushroom for grilling and roasting. They have an extremely large, flavorful cap that is easily placed on a grill or stove. 

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushrooms can be cooked in a wide variety of ways. They are often used as a meat substitute, due to their tough texture and large size. They can be cooked in soups, grilled, and are often cooked in stir-fries. Unlike other mushroom types, dried shiitake mushrooms often have a more intense flavor then fresh shiitake mushrooms. Dried shiitake mushrooms can easily be reconstituted by soaking them in some water before cooking. 

Straw Mushrooms

Those who like Chinese food will recognize straw mushrooms as one of the main ingredients in Chinese stir-fries. While they may be difficult to find fresh, canned straw mushrooms are just as flavorful as fresh straw mushrooms. 

Truffles

For the lucky few who can afford them, truffles are a wonderful delicacy. Truffles can be cooked in a wide variety of ways, but are best served in dishes that have a soft flavor. This is because truffles have an intense, almost overpowering flavor. They are best served fresh, and should be cooked within a few days of purchase. 

Get Free and Exciting Recipes Every Week http://freshcropmushrooms.com.au/