Do you like mushrooms?	FOOD & COOKING

Mushrooms have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. The Chinese have a long history of eating mushrooms. The first recorded use of mushrooms in Chinese cuisine dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 BC). Mushrooms were considered a delicacy and were served to the emperor and other members of the royal court. The Romans also ate mushrooms and considered them to be a food for the wealthy. Mushrooms were often served at banquets and feasts.

In Europe, mushrooms were popular during the Middle Ages. They were often used as a substitute for meat during times of fasting and were also used in soups and stews. During the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, mushrooms became more widely available as a result of advances in farming and transportation. Mushroom cultivation began to develop in Europe and North America, making mushrooms more affordable and accessible.

Today, mushrooms are consumed all over the world and are used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pizzas and salads. In addition to being a popular food, mushrooms are also used for their medicinal properties and are sometimes used in traditional medicine.

In European folklore, mushrooms were believed to be associated with fairies and other supernatural creatures. It was said that fairies would use mushrooms as umbrellas to shelter themselves from the rain.

In Japanese folklore, there is a belief that mushrooms are created by lightning strikes. It was said that when a lightning bolt strikes a tree, mushrooms would grow from the spot where the lightning hit.

In some Native American cultures, mushrooms were used for their hallucinogenic properties in spiritual rituals. The use of mushrooms was believed to allow the user to communicate with the spirit world.

In Russian folklore, there is a belief that mushrooms have healing properties. It was said that if a person was sick, they should go into the forest and find a mushroom that looked like a little man. The person would then eat the mushroom, and it would heal their illness.

In some African cultures, there is a belief that mushrooms have magical properties. It was said that if a person ate a mushroom, they would be able to understand the language of animals.

There are many varieties of edible mushrooms available for cooking. Here are some of the most common types:

Black trumpet mushrooms / Trompettes de la mort

Black trumpet mushrooms, also known as horn of plenty or trumpet of the dead, are a type of edible mushroom that grow in forests and woodlands in North America and Europe. They have a distinctive trumpet or funnel shape with a wavy margin and a dark, almost black colour. Black trumpet mushrooms have a delicate, earthy flavour with notes of black truffle and a rich, meaty texture. They are a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories. Black trumpet mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, sauces, and omelets. They are also popular in French and Italian cuisine, and can be dried and stored for later use.

Button mushrooms

Button mushrooms are the most commonly found mushrooms in supermarkets and grocery stores. Also known as white mushrooms, are small, round mushrooms with a smooth cap and short stem. They have a mild, earthy flavour and a firm, meaty texture. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews and stir-fries. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories. Button mushrooms are widely available in grocery stores and can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet.

Chanterelle mushrooms

Chanterelle mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that are highly prized for their delicate, fruity flavour and meaty texture. They are commonly found in the wild in forests and woodlands in North America, Europe and Asia, and are harvested in the late summer and fall. Chanterelles have a distinctive funnel or trumpet shape with a golden or yellow colour and a wavy margin. They have a slightly nutty flavour with hints of apricot or peach, and a meaty texture that holds up well in a variety of dishes. Chanterelles can be used in many ways, such as sautéed as a side dish, added to soups and stews or used in omelets or quiches. They are also popular in French cuisine, and can be paired with meats like chicken or pork or served as a topping on pizza or pasta.

Chestnut mushrooms

Chestnut mushrooms, also known as cremini mushrooms or brown mushrooms, are a type of edible mushroom that are similar in appearance to white button mushrooms, but have a darker, richer color and a slightly more robust flavour. They are native to Europe and North America and are now widely cultivated and available year-round. Chestnut mushrooms have a round, dome-shaped cap with a smooth, velvety surface and a light brown colour. They have a mild, earthy flavor and a meaty texture that makes them a popular choice in a variety of dishes, such as sautéed as a side dish, used in soups, stews, and sauces, or added to omelets and quiches. Chestnut mushrooms are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and are also low in calories and fat.

Cremini Mushrooms

(See Chestnut mushrooms)

Enoki mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms, also known as enokitake or winter mushrooms, are a type of edible mushroom native to East Asia. They have long, thin, white stems and tiny, button-like caps, with a delicate, slightly crunchy texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavour. Enoki mushrooms are commonly used in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine, and are often added to soups, salads, stir-fries, and hot pots. They are also popular as a garnish, due to their delicate appearance and texture. Enoki mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories and fat. They are also believed to have several health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and improving gut health.

Giant Puffball Mushrooms

Giant puffball mushrooms, also known as Calvatia gigantea, are a type of edible mushroom that can be found in open fields and forests in North America and Europe. They are characterized by their large, round shape, which can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter, and their white, smooth exterior. Giant puffballs are most commonly found in late summer and fall and can be identified by their lack of stem, gills, or pores. They have a mild, nutty flavour and a firm, spongy texture, similar to tofu or marshmallow. Giant puffballs can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sliced and sautéed, breaded and fried, or grilled like a steak. They are a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins, and are also low in calories and fat.

Hedgehog Mushrooms

Hedgehog mushrooms, also known as sweet tooth or woodland hedgehog, are a type of edible mushroom that are found in forests and woodlands across North America and Europe. They have a distinctive cap that is shaped like a funnel or vase, with a brown or reddish-brown colour and a slightly fuzzy texture. The underside of the cap is covered in spines or teeth instead of gills, which is how they got their name. Hedgehog mushrooms have a rich, nutty flavour and a firm texture, making them a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes, such as sautéed as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or used in omelets and quiches. Hedgehog mushrooms are highly nutritious, containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories and fat. They can be found at farmers markets or speciality food stores, and are also available for purchase online.

King oyster mushrooms

King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms or eryngii mushrooms, are a type of edible mushroom that are native to Mediterranean regions and parts of the Middle East. They have a thick, meaty stem and a small, rounded cap, with a smooth, creamy white texture and a mild, nutty flavour. King oyster mushrooms are often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Japanese and Korean dishes, and are frequently used as a meat substitute due to their meaty texture. They can be grilled, roasted, sautéed or used in soups and stews. King oyster mushrooms are a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals and are low in calories and fat. They can be found at speciality food stores, farmers markets, and online retailers.

Morel mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that are found in the wild in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They have a distinctive honeycomb-shaped cap that is usually tan or brown in colour, and a hollow stem. Morel mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavour and a meaty texture, and are often considered a delicacy. They are commonly used in French cuisine, particularly in dishes such as sautéed morels, cream of morel soup and risotto with morels. Morel mushrooms are also used in various other cuisines, such as in Indian, American and Eastern European dishes. Morel mushrooms are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories and fat. They can be found at speciality food stores, farmers markets, and online retailers, but should be harvested with caution as they can resemble toxic mushrooms.

Oyster mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom with a delicate, sweet, mild flavour and a velvety texture. They have a unique shape that resembles an oyster and come in various colours. Oyster mushrooms are low in calories and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are commonly used in Asian and European cuisines and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sautéed, roasted, or used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. Oyster mushrooms can be found fresh or dried in grocery stores and are also available in supplement form for their potential health benefits.

Porcini mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms, also known as Boletus edulis, are a type of edible wild mushroom that is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America and Asia. They have a round, bulbous cap that can range from light to dark brown in colour, and a thick stem. Porcini mushrooms have a meaty texture and a nutty, earthy flavour that is often described as rich and savory. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly in pasta dishes, risottos, and sauces, and are also used in various other cuisines. Porcini mushrooms are a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories and fat. They can be found fresh or dried at speciality food stores, farmers markets, and online retailers.

Portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are large, meaty mushrooms with a flat cap and a sturdy stem and are often used as a vegetarian substitute for steak. They have a strong, earthy flavour and a dense texture. They can be grilled, roasted or sautéed. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are low in calories. Portobello mushrooms are widely available in grocery stores and can add a hearty and satisfying element to a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and burgers to pastas and salads.

Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom with a meaty texture and rich, earthy flavour. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are known for their immune-boosting properties. Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Asian cuisine and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-fries, soups, and stews. They are also available in supplement form and are believed to have potential health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and supporting cardiovascular health.

Wood Blewit Mushrooms

Wood Blewit mushrooms, also known as Lepista nuda, are a type of edible mushroom that is found in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America. They have a distinctive lilac to purple-brown cap, which can reach up to 15 cm in diameter, and a thick stem that is also lilac in colour. Wood Blewit mushrooms have a firm, meaty texture and a nutty, earthy flavour that is often described as rich and robust. They are commonly used in various cuisines, particularly in dishes such as stews, soups, and sautés. Wood Blewit mushrooms are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories and fat. They can be found at speciality food stores, farmers markets, and online retailers. However, they should be harvested with caution, as they can be easily confused with poisonous mushrooms.

David Jenkins
Hub-UK

Email Hub-UK : info@hub-uk.com