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How to Cook Mushrooms + Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Sharon Palmer

Mushrooms are filled with umami flavor, nutrition, and health benefits—learn how to cook mushrooms with these top five tips and mushroom recipes, plus discover the many health benefits of mushrooms.

Nothing compares to the earthy fragrance and savory taste of mushrooms, freshly sautéed in a bit of olive oil and garlic. A rich source of umami (that savory sensation), mushrooms can add flavor to any dish, and the darker a mushroom is, the more umami it has, in general. Umami can increase satiety, balance saltiness, and lessen bitterness, making them a tasty and healthy addition to anything from pastas to salads. This savory flavor and “meaty” texture is even more important for completely plant-based diets. However, did you know that mushrooms are far more special than their delicious taste suggests? Neither plant nor animal, mushrooms reside in the kingdom of fungi, and are actually the complex fruiting body of the fungal organism.

Mushrooms for sale at the Pasadena farmers market.

What Are Mushrooms?

Similar to how a tree produces seed-bearing fruit to continue the species, a fungal organism produces spore-spreading mushrooms that can seemingly pop up overnight. This phenomenon is actually the origin of several phrases in the English language, such as “mushrooming,” meaning to pop up quickly! Keep an eye out for mushrooms the next time it rains, and you’ll likely see tons of those little fungi. How to grow mushrooms? If you’d like to grow your own edible mushrooms, there are plenty of ways to do so: purchase spores from a local gardener, or, if your green thumb isn’t very green, you can buy a pre-prepared mushroom kit online!

A variety of mushrooms available at the Ojai farmers market.

With thousands of mushroom species present in the world, most of these fungi remain mysterious, as only 10 percent of the species have been identified. Most of the discovered species are considered macrofungi—ones we can see—and many of the unidentified species are microfungi, including molds and mildews. In fact, the one of the largest living organisms is a fungal colony in Oregon, weighing the same as 20 blue whales and covering nearly 4 square miles in area! Read more about the different varieties of mushrooms available here.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Naturally low in calories and fat, mushrooms only contain 18 to 28 calories per three-ounce serving, depending on the variety. Even more importantly, mushrooms are a great source of beta-glucans, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, trace elements and naturally-occurring plant compounds like sterols, phenols, and terpenoids. They also are an excellent source of buzz-worthy vitamin D (if exposed to light), which keeps us happy during these dreary, sunless winter days!

Check out this mushroom-rich recipe for Sonoma Kale Salad, and watch the video for making this recipe here.

Researchers point out that mushrooms have a number of bacteria, yeasts and molds that may hold health-promoting promise. The study of mushrooms’ health benefits has focused primarily on their anti-cancer activity, antioxidant action and immune-enhancing benefits. A few studies have looked into other potential benefits, including weight management and satiety, and reduction in levels of blood lipids and glucose. Mushroom beta-glucans may be the secret ingredient, as they appear to have immune-stimulating and cholesterol-lowering effects, as well as anti-cancer activity, according to a November, 2009 study in Nutrition Reviews.

Explore the benefits of this fluffy Lion’s Mane mushroom in this blog post.

How to Cook with Mushrooms

Interested in cooking with mushrooms? The amazing thing about these fungi is that they’re extremely versatile. Button ball mushrooms, the most popular variety in the United States, can be cooked or eaten raw. I love to slice them and dip them into hummus alongside red and orange bell peppers! However, figuring out how to cook them can be tricky. Make sure to rinse them off before use, but if they’re too damp before cooking, the trapped water may cause them to steam rather than crisp up. To avoid this, cut them after rinsing, and pat them dry before adding them to the pan. You can also marinate mushrooms for a deeper, more intense flavor that will add complexity to your dish. However, while most mushrooms can be cooked in a number of ways, there are a few varieties that require more preparation! Head down to the bottom of his blog post for a deeper look at some of the best ways to enjoy everything from Shiitake to Enoki.

Check out my video for making this Noodle Bowl with Thai Tofu and Vegetables that deliciously incorporates mushrooms.

Top 5 Ways to Use Mushrooms + Mushroom Recipes

Start your day out right with these Savory Oatmeal with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Tofu.

1. Start out the Day with Mushrooms

Replace your plain, ordinary breakfast with a delicious and savory mushroom meal. Sauté them in a tofu scramble, slice them into your breakfast sandwich, or stir them into your savory oats.

These tasty Tofu Mushroom Tacos will be a hit at dinner.

2. Wrap up Mushrooms

Slice them into your next lunch wrap, along with creamy hummus, spicy greens, and protein-rich beans in tacos or veggie wraps.

Experience umami with this Mushroom Bomb Lentil Pasta.

3. Stir Them into Pasta Dishes

Add complex flavor, taste, and nutrients to your pasta, from lasagnas to simple pasta bowls.

Add a savory addition to your diet with this tasty, mushroom-rich Sesame Tempeh Grain Bowl.

4. Toss Shrooms into Salads and Bowls

Toss up your greens and grain bowls with a powerful punch of savory mushrooms. Enjoy them sliced raw or sautéed with olive oil and garlic.

This Mushroom Spinach Tofu Pie will keep you warm and satisfied with its savory, comforting flavor.

5. Bake with Mushrooms

From veggie-filled pies to savory patties, pop them into the oven.

Find out more about using plant foods with the following blogs:

Discover more of my plant-based delicious mushroom recipes here:

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