Everyday Superfoods: Mushrooms

While often grouped with vegetables, mushrooms grow from microscopic spores, not seeds. Plants growing from spores are called fungi, making mushrooms a unique member of our food supply.

did you know?

• Mushrooms are full of umami, the fifth basic taste. Umami (pronounced oo-MAH-mee) is described as a savory, brothy, rich or meaty taste sensation.
• Beware of wild mushrooms. While some varieties are edible and delicious, there are thousands of inedible and poisonous mushrooms. It is best to never eat wild mushrooms without the guidance of a mushroom expert.
• Mushrooms are commercially produced in virtually every state. Pennsylvania, however, accounts for 61% of total U.S. production.
• Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, and very low in sodium, yet they provide important nutrients, including selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D and more.
• According to folklore, ancient Egyptians believed that mushrooms were the plant of immortality and pharaohs decreed that they were reserved for royalty.
• While all mushrooms contain some Vitamin D, exposing mushrooms to UV light when growing can increase their Vitamin D content significantly.
• Mushrooms’ taste and texture make them a perfect match for both vegetarian and meat dishes.
• Taste how versatile mushrooms can be when blended into traditional meat dishes. Look for one of our Mushroom Blended Favorites.

Try some of our favorite mushroom recipes!

Related:

Superfood Sides // Tomatoes // Melons