MUSHROOMS...GOTTA LUV'EM

**MrKhay** · 02-22-2007, 02:57 PM

Mushrooms

People have been enjoying mushrooms for centuries because of the flavor and excitement they contribute to our meals. Now scientists are beginning to discover the health benefits mushrooms contribute as well.
Types of Mushroom
Major types include...
WHITE: the most widely available fresh mushrooms, whites are mild in flavor, smooth and round in appearance, creamy white to beige in color and come in various sizes from button to jumbo. When small they have closed "veils" (gills are covered on the underside of the mushrooms); larger mushrooms may have open veils. White mushrooms may be eaten raw and can add excitement to soups, salads, sauces, sandwiches, main dishes and more

SHITAKE: These tan to dark brown mushrooms are also called "Oak," "Chinese" or "Black Forest" mushrooms. They have umbrella-shaped caps, open veils and tan gills. They are woodsy in flavor and best when thoroughly cooked. The stems tend to be woody and should be removed before cooking.

PORTABELLAA larger relative of the white and crimini mushroom, portabellas are allowed to mature longer than their smaller relatives and can grow to 6 inches across the top. When freshly harvested, they are a light tan with slightly rough rounded caps. They are used in the same ways as white and crimini. Their size, meaty flavor and texture makes them an excellent choice for grilling and sautéing whole or in thick slices.
Nutrition Benefits of Mushrooms
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.

Pantothenic acid, also found in mushrooms, is involved in the production of hormones. Mushrooms are an important source of potassium; one medium-sized portabella contains more that a banana.

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. Copper, also found in mushrooms, aids iron in its role in making the red blood cells that deliver oxygen to all the cells in the body.
Medical Benefits Mushrooms
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 both shiitake and maitake mushroom extracts in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
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.

http://www.organicfood.com.au/Conten...-nutrition.seo

kmfarm · 02-22-2007, 05:45 PM

All sounds good to me. Now let's get that farm going.

Mark

AlumniClub · 02-22-2007, 08:29 PM

Im ready...let go shroom farming.

I was at one time going to try to grow shrooms in my basement but never did.

Maybe one day I will try this.

Foragist · 02-22-2007, 10:19 PM

Picking wild mushies is the way to go for me.
Morels, chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, honey mushrooms, chanterelles, black trumpets, hedgehogs, oysters, puffballs, russellas, blewits, etc.
They are all over the place! You just gotta know when to look, and what yer lookin' at.
mmmmm...yummy free food!

**j10asen** · 02-23-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmfarm

All sounds good to me. Now let's get that farm going.

Mark
_________________
I don't need an engineer.Mark

in the words of "Bones" Dr McCoy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones

"Damit ,kmfarm, I'm an engineer not a farmer!!"
Bones

my words are

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyWords

"I ain't goonna eat no stinkin' mold or fungus"
MyWords

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

They always tell me mushrooms don't taste like anything, where is I ask why would you eat them then?

**MrKhay** · 02-23-2007, 12:12 PM

Mushrooms are not only TASTEY, they also have many medicinal properties.
High in nutrients.
Besides adding a wonderful earthy taste and meaty texture to foods, mushrooms also contain essential nutrients. There are many health benefits to eating mushrooms. They are a great source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and selenium, nutrients often lacking in our highly processed-food diets. In addition, mushrooms contain virtually no fat or cholesterol. Naturally low in sodium, mushrooms are also a good source of fiber.

One word of caution: Some varieties of mushrooms are toxic, so if you're fond of foraging in the woods for your supper, make sure you know which mushrooms are safe to eat. If you do your hunting and gathering in the supermarket, there is no need to worry.

**CarolsCritterCare** · 02-23-2007, 04:45 PM

Can't convince me they are good. BLAH!

You can have all my mushrooms.

We get those huge puff ball mushrooms in our yard along with Portabella, and something I"m not sure of it's name. I'd have to call my dad and ask him. He was all excited to see it ~ it was a biggie.

Carol

Foragist · 02-23-2007, 05:19 PM

C'mon, Carol, many mushrooms ARE good. And as BRAIN says, they can be good for you too. Do your pigs and bunnies eat the mushrooms in your yard too?
If those other ones are morels, I will come and pick them for you. :idea:

**CarolsCritterCare** · 02-23-2007, 05:36 PM

I have morels to, but those are already claimed by a farmer down the way.

The other mushroom I was thinking of was a Hen of the Woods. That thing was huge and not so tastey looking to me. But my dad loved it.

Carol

**MrKhay** · 02-23-2007, 06:03 PM

They're good on the grill, including puff balls...but you need to educate yourself on the toxic, and non-toxic types.
Here's a link to help with that. You'll find links to books on the subject of identifying edible mushrooms, and when and where to find them
http://www.backyardnature.net/f/mush-id.htm

**CarolsCritterCare** · 02-23-2007, 06:13 PM

Nope, sorry Brian....can't convince me to eat it.....
I see a mushroom and I think fungus.
Just my mind set. Can't get past that.
I've had folks slip mushrooms into spaghetti sauce, pizza, beef barley soup......found them every time.
Just biting into one gives me the willies.
Carol

ToesInTheSand · 02-24-2007, 06:28 AM

LOVE LOVE LOVE Mushrooms! Any and all!
This reminds me to do a Google on mushroom growing, I remember back in the 80's buying a "mushroom growing kit" somewhere. It's a 12" x 24" box with the dirt in it already, you add the mushrooms 'spores" to it and keep it moist and place it in a dark cool area of your home.

All I remember is that they grew fast, wouldn't STOP and I was giving mushrooms away left and right! Now I am off to check that out......ya'll are making me hungry.

**CarolsCritterCare** · 02-24-2007, 11:51 AM

I saw Mike Rowe on Dirty Jobs showing how they grow mushrooms at this mushroom farm and then harvesting them........
Can't do it.......nope, just can't do it.
Carol

**MrKhay** · 02-24-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToesInTheSand

LOVE LOVE LOVE Mushrooms! Any and all!
This reminds me to do a Google on mushroom growing, I remember back in the 80's buying a "mushroom growing kit" somewhere. It's a 12" x 24" box with the dirt in it already, you add the mushrooms 'spores" to it and keep it moist and place it in a dark cool area of your home.

All I remember is that they grew fast, wouldn't STOP and I was giving mushrooms away left and right! Now I am off to check that out......ya'll are making me hungry.

Here ya go, toes. "Pick" one :wink: :lol: :
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...&Go.y=10&Go=Go

ToesInTheSand · 02-24-2007, 03:32 PM

Thanks Brain! Done deal. Amazon is my favorite place to shop.....I don't have that "shopping gene" women are always talking about, so Amazon Online is perfect. Never even thought to look for mushroom kits on there.

Amazon is like Wal-Mart though as far as going in there to buy one item and ending up with 20. (or more!) Mushroom kit is on it's way! Yum!