KNOWLEDGE OF MUSHROOM/Types of mushroom and Varieties

 

KNOWLEDGE OF MUSHROOM

AUTHOR :- FOOD MYSTERY

DISCRIBED BY :- CHEF NITISH MEHRA

The best known variety is the white button mushroom. Shitake, portobella and oyster mushrooms are widely available. Your grocery store may also carry other varieties like the crimini, porcini, maitake and enoki. Most mushrooms in supermarkets have been grown commercially on mushroom farms in controlled, sterilized environments. Gourmet shops may also carry mushrooms that grow in the wild in forests, like the thin-stemmed enoki, the very black black trumper, the wrinkly meaty maitake and the aromatic porcini.

Types of mushroom and Varieties

Shitake Mushroom

You can grow your own mushrooms at home. Do-it-yourself kits provide the substrate material on which the mushrooms grow, and the spores or seeds that start the fungus growth. Grow them in a cool spot out of direct sunlight and water regularly, for a supply of fresh mushrooms that will last for months. Most mushrooms do not grow in the dark, except the button mushrooms. The enoki, shitake and oyster varieties of mushrooms are the easiest to grow.

Portobello Mushroom

The large portabella mushrooms are mature criminis that are allowed to grow for up to a week longer. Their deep, meaty texture and flavor makes them ideal to grill, broil or roast. They make a delicious burger.

Crimini mushrooms have a light brown cap and a firm texture. They are sometimes called  baby bella’s. They work well with beef, wild game and vegetables.

Maitake are rippling and fan-shaped, without caps. They bring a distinctive aroma and a rich, woodsy taste to your cooking. They are also called "Hen of the Woods.

Shiitakes are tan to dark brown and have broad, umbrella-shaped caps, wide open veils, tan gills.

They are best when cooked and added to stir-fry, pasta pizza, and soups.

Enoki Mushroom

Enoki mushrooms have tiny, button-shaped caps and long, spindly stems. They are often used in Asian cooking. Enoki have a mild taste that can be enjoyed raw in salads and sandwiches. Enoki mushrooms are often added to an Asian soup stock made with soy sauce and tofu.

The oyster mushroom can be gray, pale yellow or even blue. It has a delicate flavor and a velvety texture.

Wild Mushrooms

Crimini Mushroom

Some mushroom lovers enjoy searching the woods for prized wild varieties of mushrooms, such as morels, truffles and chanterelles. However, there are thousands of varieties of inedible and poisonous mushrooms. It is important to seek the guidance of a trained mycologist, or mushroom expert, before you eat any wild mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms often resemble edible mushrooms, so for safety’s sake, purchase commercially grown mushrooms. If you want to try wild varieties, buy them from a retail store or restaurant.

Mushrooms for Health and Nutrition

Maitake Mushroom

Mushrooms are a wonder food. They are nutritional treasures, low in fat, low in calories, but rich in vitamin B complex and antioxidants. Mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Mushrooms are also a good source of the B vitamins riboflavin (B2) for healthy red blood cells, niacin (B3) for healthy skin, digestion and nervous system, and pantothenic acid (B5) for hormone production and a healthy nervous system. . These vitamins help break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates so they can be used for energy. Mushrooms can be an important source of B-vitamins for people who don’t eat meat. Mushrooms are one of the best plant-based sources of niacin available.

In addition, mushrooms are a natural antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Both cooked and raw, mushrooms provide ergothineine, a powerful antioxidant that helps the body’s cells combat free-radical damage. Pound for pound, white button mushrooms have 12 times as much of this antioxidant as wheat germ.

Oyster Mushroom

New research also found out that mushrooms play a role in fighting cancer, autoimmune diseases and obesity. A number of mushroom varieties are being studied for their anti-cancer, anti-viral and immunity-enhancing properties. The turkey tail mushroom is likely to suppress tumor growth in breast cancer patients. The oyster mushroom may reduce the levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol in AIDS patients. Research also shows that maitake mushrooms may boost the immune function, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism in diabetics,

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