A Guide to Common Medicinal Mushrooms

Adding common medicinal mushrooms to your daily diet will provide a special punch, texture and earthy flavor to your food.

The key to a spectacular mushroom dish is knowing which mushroom to use when cooking. You can’t really make a mistake, but some mushrooms work better with certain foods so this guide to commonly edible medicinal mushrooms will help enhance any dish.

Morel

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on morel mushrooms as they are usually pretty expensive, then consider hunting for them. You could also grow morel with magic mushroom kits, instead of buying from a store. Hunting for morel can be a lot of fun. You get to have an outdoor adventure and come home with baskets full of delicious, nutritious morel and perhaps other types of mushrooms too.

You do need to be careful and do research beforehand to ensure you’re not picking morel look-alikes. There are a few poisonous mushrooms that can be deceiving in appearance and feel, so know what you are looking for.

Filled with vital nutrients and a wonderful earthy flavor, cook morels by sautéing them with olive oil, white wine or heavy cream to intensify the taste. Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar just before you plate them, crack some black pepper and watch everyone’s eyes glow with delight.

White Button

Mushrooms are commonly associated with traditional white button mushroom which is found in the fresh produce area in almost any grocery store. For most restaurants and take away meals these are the mushroom of choice. They are widely available and quite inexpensive compared to many other types and are unfortunately often cooked so they are flavorless and spongy, which has given them a bad reputation at times.

When cooked properly White Buttons will add a touch of crunch and a flavour lift to any dish. To prepare these exquisite mushrooms, all you need to do is wipe them with a dry cloth or napkin or rinse for a few seconds under cold water. Dry off and pop them into a pan and Sautee in oil or even better, butter.

Cremini

Cremini mushrooms belong to the same family as White Buttons, the Agaricus bisporus species and have aged longer. They develop a similar flavor with a firmer texture.

Creminis are wonderful in dishes like soups, casseroles and stews where they absorb many of the flavors and juices of the dish. They are easy to grow as well if you want to have a fresh supply.

Portabella

Portabellas are the adults of the Agaricus bisporus family, the fully-grown mushroom of the species.

Portabellas have a high Vitamins B and Vitamin D content and can be used in almost anything due to their meaty texture.

They are great on a barbeque, or added to a stir fry and go well with pasta and almost any other kind of meal you prepare. They are supremely versatile and one of the most popular cooking mushrooms.

Lion’s Mane

If you’re looking for a mushroom that has lots of benefits and tastes great then Lion’s Mane is what you should try.

The mane contains cancer-fighting properties and helps boost the immune system. It reduces depression, helps improve digestion and cares for your brain. Lion’s Mane helps improve your body’s healing process. All these benefits are contained within one easy meal.

Lion’s Mane has a slightly bitter flavor if not cooked properly so following a Lion’s Mane cooking recipe or baking or sautéing the mushrooms will ensure a delicious meal. Many people find it easier and prefer to take Lion’s Mane supplements.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms provide many of the essential minerals and nutrients your body needs to live an active and healthy life. Its antioxidant properties can help in the fight against cancer.

Shitake are versatile and can be used fresh or dried. When using the dried mushrooms, either soak in water for a few minutes to soften them or add them to your dish in the dried form. Either way they are wonderful. Fresh Shitake can be trimmed and added to your dish a few minutes before serving.

Shitake absorbs liquid when being cooked so they are excellent in stir fry, curry, pasta or any liquid-based meal. Enjoy!

Reishi

Mainly grown in Asian regions of the world, Reishi has numerous benefits and is known as “the mushroom of immortality”.

Reishi has been known to help improve sleep cycles, and contains cancer-fighting qualities. They help to stabilize a body’s glucose levels and can help reduce allergy risks.

There are many ways you can take Reish. Some people prefer it as a supplement while others prefer Reishi freshly cooked. Other people grind it into a powder that can be added to drinks or food.

Wrap Up

With both flavor-enhancing and health benefits, common medicinal mushrooms are a must have ingredient in your cooking.

They taste great, add texture and variety and are extremely forgiving. Add their high protein and fiber content, and antioxidant capability and you’re not only doing your body but also your taste buds a huge favor.

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