Mushrooms
A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or on its food source. The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, hence the word mushroom is most often applied to fungi (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes) that have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae, sing. lamella) on the underside of the cap just as do store-bought white mushrooms.
History Of Mushrooms
The word mushroom is derived from the Gallo-Roman mussiro which evolved to mussereroun in Middle English. In the eighteenth century, France began cultivating mushrooms resembling the basic mushroom that we all buy at the market. Prior to 1940, the most widely available mushroom was the Italian brown, now known as the crimini mushroom. From this early lust for fungi arose the taste for more exotic mushrooms, including shiitake, enoki, oyster, morels, cepes, chanterelles, and more.
Mushrooms Nutrition Info
A serving (5 medium-sized mushrooms) has only about 20 calories, no cholesterol and virtually no fat and sodium. Mushrooms are high in riboflavin, a B-vitamin that promotes healthy skin and good vision. Niacin, another B vitamin found in mushrooms, ensures that the digestive and nervous systems function as they should. Selenium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the immune system, the thyroid system, the male reproductive system and cancer prevention; mushrooms are the only produce item that contains significant amounts.
Mushrooms Health Benefits
Scientists are looking into the role that white mushrooms may play in treating and preventing breast cancer. Laboratory studies suggest that a mushroom extract may help prevent heart disease by reducing blood lipids and cholesterol levels. Researchers are taking a serious look at the medicinal potential of shiitake, chaga, reishi and maitake mushroom extracts in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Psilocybin, originally an extract of certain psychedelic mushrooms, is being studied for its ability to help people suffering from mental disease, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Storing Mushrooms
Always refrigerate mushrooms. Loose mushrooms keep well in paper bags in the refrigerator. Avoid airtight plastic bags because they will retain moisture and speed spoilage. Properly stored, fresh mushrooms will keep for five days or longer.
Mushroom Trivia
Mushrooms can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibers. The chromophores of mushrooms are organic compounds and produce strong and vivid colors, and all colors of the spectrum can be achieved with mushroom dyes.
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