The Health Benefits of Mushroom Products – FAQs

Here you will see a brief selection of some of the more commonly encountered health questions we see at Fresh Crop Mushrooms.

Why are mushrooms considered healthy?

Space doesn’t permit a full response here but numerous studies have shown them to be full of a wide range of beneficial properties whilst at the same time being almost entirely devoid of many of the compounds we now know to be harmful.

Are all mushrooms healthy?

That is a difficult question to answer specifically because some varieties contain rather more of certain healthy properties than others.

Generally speaking, the answer is an unqualified ‘yes’- though some may be more healthy for you in certain specific ways than others.

Of course, keep in mind that we’re speaking here of cultivated varieties. Some forms of wild mushroom are not suitable for consumption and may in some cases be dangerous.

Can the storage of mushrooms make a difference?

That depends.

The longer you store cropped mushrooms then the greater the chance that some of their culinary attraction and nutritional benefit may deteriorate.  That is generally true of a wide range of foodstuffs.

However, the health benefits of mushroom products which have already been prepared may last for much longer, providing you store the product in line with the producer’s recommendations.

On the whole though, it is normally better to use mushrooms as quickly as possible after they are cropped.

Are mushrooms capable of curing certain types of illness?

We need to be clear that we are not qualified to give specific medical advice. You should always get such advice from a fully qualified medical practitioner.

However, there are numerous studies which show that certain types of mushrooms may be extremely useful in forming part of a wider treatment regime to address certain types of medical condition.

For example, some forms of vitamin deficiency may be significantly helped by consuming mushrooms, as they are typically rich in vitamin D and the B vitamins.

It is also now widely accepted in medical circles that a healthy diet can play a huge part in helping to prevent certain categories of illness arising.  For example, mushrooms are well known to be useful in helping to stimulate the immune system as an aid to dealing with some types of viral infections before they become established. 

Where to find mushroom recipes in Australia

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You won’t have trouble finding some great mushroom recipes that will help you to enjoy this great bounty of nature.

Here are just a few sources that we at Fresh Crop Mushrooms have found over the years – mainly based around internet sources of course.

Specialist mushrooms sites such as ours

We like to think that we are the proud possessors of some of the best mushroom recipes in Australia.

Why not put this to the test by reading the appropriate sections of our website?

General culinary websites

Some of these have some great ideas for both commonplace and harder to find mushroom varieties.

One thing that is worth looking out for though is the fact that some websites may see mushrooms as something of a garnish on a plate rather than a fantastic major ingredient in their own right.

If you are looking at recipes where mushrooms seem to be generally relegated to the role of second-fiddle, you might want to go elsewhere.

Vegetarian cooking websites

It should be possible to take as read that such sites will have great recipes and many do.

However, some vegetarian sites with mushroom recipes in Australia are occasionally guilty of being a little unimaginative. You can form your own view on that one by studying their ideas carefully.

Various periodicals

At one time, the glossy magazine was the major source of recipes for an entire generation of cooks.

Today this is declining as they are replaced by their electronic equivalents but even so, it is surprising sometimes how imaginative and inventive some of the recipes are in magazines that may have as their primary focus the home and garden etc.

Health spa publications and dietary journals

Health, fitness and wellbeing professionals have known for a long time just how beneficial mushrooms are as part of a balanced healthy diet.

You may be able to find some fantastic recipes on their sites.

Asian cooking sites

Some Asian cuisines were centuries if not millennia ahead of the west in identifying the benefits of mushrooms as food.

You’ll pick up some great ideas there.

So, all in all, there’s no reason to start saying you can’t find good mushroom recipes in Australia!

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The Old Favourite – White Mushroom/White Button Mushroom

If even if you are relatively unfamiliar with mushrooms, it is almost certain that you will have seen and eaten a variety called the white button mushroom.

Currently cultivated in over 70 countries worldwide, it is by far the most popular mushroom on the planet and the one most widely consumed.

They are typically small with a cap that resembles a shower cap on top of someone’s head.  The stems are small and the most common variety is, as the name implies, white.  In fact though, they can also be found in brown and variations of the two colours in between.

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Sometimes when they are brown or a different colour they may have a separate name, such as a Roman mushroom. Yet whatever they are called, they are typically characterised by:

• They’re very easy to prepare and cook;
• A great flavour;
• Affordability – due to their large-scale cultivation.

Their versatility is legendary and that’s why you’ll find them in just about every cuisine around the world.  You can see them in Asian soups, French platters and Italian pasta dishes etc.

They are perhaps most commonly seen in large quantities on supermarket shelves but they are also available in a mushroom growing kit form, which means you will get them fresh and have great fun watching them grow.

At Fresh Crop Mushrooms we are keen to advise people not to let the familiarity of this mushroom mean that it starts to be taken for granted.

It’s incredibly flexible and can be prepared in almost any number of ways to enhance another dish or indeed to form one in its own right.  Try, for example, that old favourite garlic mushrooms if you have any doubts in that respect!

It’s also worth keeping in mind that these mushrooms, just like many other varieties, may have health benefits.  They contain vitamins and minerals which are believed to be helpful in conditions such as rheumatism and anything that may be receptive to anti-oxidants.

So, while these may not always be quite so glamorous in appearance as some of the more exotic varieties, why not give them a try?  You won’t be disappointed.

 

Porcini Mushrooms – An Italian Favourite

Porcini mushrooms, also known as king bolete mushrooms, are an umbrella-shaped gourmet mushroom long popular with Italian chefs. Not easily cultivated, these complex fungi are at last gaining popularity as a delicious addition to any diet. Possessing a firm, dense structure and a strong, nutty flavour, porcini mushrooms are a long-cherished gourmet ingredient in Italian cooking. Known for being a bit on the costly side, porcinis pack a culinary punch that makes them worth any extra cost involved.

Porcini is Italian for “piglets”, and once you see these mushrooms, you will understand why. Their red to reddish-brown cap colour and thick, round stem are indeed reminiscent of a piglet. Porcini mushrooms are similar to piglets in another way – a mature porcini can weigh as much as a few pounds!

Umbrella-shaped, as are the other members of the mushroom genus bolete, porcini mushrooms grow on the ground beneath trees, not on the wood itself. This is one main characteristic that differentiates bolete mushrooms from the polyspore mushroom group, which is the most common and well-known group of mushrooms. The porcini mushroom, as all bolete mushrooms, lives in symbiosis with the tree under which it grows. The base of the porcini’s stem reaches into the earth, and creates a nurturing, mutually-beneficial relationship with the plant. Places where porcini mushrooms can be found growing naturally include Italy (of course!), Europe, North America, and New Zealand.

While porcini mushrooms, or king bolete mushrooms, are some of the tastiest mushrooms available, other members of the bolete group are tasteless or, worse yet, horribly bitter, and although no members of the genus bolete are deadly, many are poisonous and can make one very ill. Easily misidentified in the wild, mushroom-hunting for the king bolete is not for amateurs. That is why Australians are fortunate to have access to fresh porcini mushrooms through local Australian mushroom suppliers, who know how to shop for and select fresh edible mushrooms.

Porcini mushrooms have a strong, pleasantly nutty flavour, which remains undiminished when dried. Porcini mushrooms are best dried whole, and can be rehydrated prior to use.Ensure that the dried porcinis are kept in an air-tight jar in a dark environment, and rehydrate only what you plan to use immediately.

Because porcini mushrooms are susceptible to infestation and do not last long once they’ve been harvested, a good local mushroom supplier is key to providing Australians with fresh, quality porcini mushrooms. In addition to porcini mushrooms, Australia’s local mushroom suppliers provide access to many different varieties of fresh, flavourful fungi, as well as providing mushroom lovers with information and preparation tips.

Because of their dense structure, high level of protein, and strong flavour, porcini mushrooms are excellent as a meat substitute. Try them in Italian dishes as are placement for chicken, veal, or even eggplant for parmesan! Their meaty feel in the mouth and strong flavour is satisfying, delicious, and very nutritious.

Whatever your favourite fungi, Australia’s local mushroom suppliers are available to assist you – ring or email them today, and find out how good mushrooms can be.

Benefits of mushrooms for Kids

Most parents would agree to the fact that kids are fussy eaters.  Coaxing kids to eat vegetables can be quite challenging. Parents often find it challenging to provide nutritious food to their children. Well, the good news for most of the parents is that they can easily introduce mushrooms through delicious recipes. Mushrooms can be used as pizza toppings or in burgers, sliders, quiche, and rolls or even in baked pies.  If you are wondering as to why we specifically mentioned mushrooms for kids then the answer is that mushrooms are treasure house of essential nutrients. Let us look at some of the benefits of mushrooms for kids.

Helps in building immunity:  children are susceptible to infections. They contract infections at schools, classes or other public areas. You cannot stop your child’s social growth just because you don’t want him to fall prey to any infection. Well, the right solution here would be to make your child’s immune system strong. Mushrooms contain selenium and potassium which are essential in building immune system.  Regular intake of mushrooms can help in boosting immunity of your kid. Ensure that you add a serving of mushrooms every alternate day in your meals. You could browse through various websites and experiment with different mushroom recipes so that your kids don’t feel monotonous about consumption of mushrooms.

Helps in strengthening bones: mushrooms have the capability of converting sunshine through photosynthesis. Sunshine is absorbed by mushrooms and is stored as vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for making your bones strong. Kids lead an active life and they need to be strong and fit to sail smoothly through their daily activities. You can add mushroom sandwiches or grilled mushrooms in your kid’s meals to ensure that he gets sufficient amount of vitamin D.

Increases haemoglobin: haemoglobin is one of the most essential elements of our blood.  Lack of adequate amount of haemoglobin can lead to anaemia.  Anaemia can lead to severe weakness and loss of immunity. Mushrooms are rich sources of iron. Sufficient amount of iron is essential in production of haemoglobin. Shiitake mushrooms and criminal mushrooms are high in iron content and are often recommended for individuals who are anaemic.  High iron content is therefore one of the biggest benefits of mushrooms.

Mushrooms are also high on essential nutrients like riboflavin, biotin and selenium. These nutrients restrict the formation of free radicals and thereby protect our body from bacteria and virus. Free radicals hamper the digestion process whereas mushrooms aid the process of digestion. Regular consumption of mushrooms can also prevent constipation and acidity. Parents should try different varieties of mushrooms to maintain the novelty of this super food. Avoid over cooking mushrooms as it will destroy the nutritive value of food. So what are you waiting for, grab a pack of organic mushrooms and introduce healthy food for your kids.

With the exciting, simple and nutritious recipes available at Fresh Crop Mushrooms shiitake can happen as often as you want.

What are the Benefits of Mushrooms?

Mushrooms have been around the scene on eastern cuisine since several centuries. Chinese, Koreans and south-east Asians have used mushrooms creatively in sauces, stir fried vegetables, or along with succulent meat dishes. Mushrooms are extremely versatile and hence you can easily experiment with them. Several Chinese medicines also use mushrooms extracts for curing various ailments. Western world has shed its inhibitions of mushrooms and has now started experimenting with them. Let us look at several benefits of mushrooms.

1. Strengthens Your Bones: Mushrooms are known to be a treasure house of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for strengthening your bones. Mushrooms have the unique ability of converting sunlight into the necessary vitamin D3. Mushrooms have Ergosterols which absorb UV light and convert it into vitamin D3 and Vitamin D6. Research has also shown that you can enhance the Vitamin D levels in mushrooms by exposing them to sunlight. If you are relying on supplements for Vitamin D or if you are not getting enough sun exposure, you can benefit from regular consumption of mushrooms.

2. Stops Premature Greying: hormonal imbalance can often lead to premature greying of hair. Mushrooms are rich in copper and iron. Increased iron content enhances your haemoglobin levels and increases the circulation of blood. This helps in rejuvenation of hair. It also prevents premature greying and thinning of hair.

3. Prevents Constipation: mushrooms are high in fibre content.  Fibre enables the body to use more energy for digestion. Your body breaks down fats to create additional energy. Fibre ensures that your body is hydrated and you do not face constipation issues. Similarly breaking down of fats also helps in losing weight.

4. Provides relief from inflamed joints: mushrooms are known to help in relieving patients from joint inflammation. Studies have shown that consumption of mushrooms reduces cartilage loss and prevents inflammation around major joints like knees and elbows and around minor joints like finger. Several Chinese medicines prescribe mushroom extracts for arthritic patients.

5. Enhances skin complexion: mushroom is rich in selenium: This essential nutrient is known to control the production of melanin. Melanin is responsible for adding colour to your skin. Higher amount of melanin makes you look dark. Mushrooms control the production of melanin and help you to have a healthy glow on your face.

Considering the above mentioned benefits of mushrooms, it is vital that you include mushrooms in your diet on regular basis. There are varieties of mushrooms available in the market so you can experiment with their variety. Some of the most popular varieties of mushrooms are Shiitake, Cremini, Portobello, Baby Bella, Enoki, Reishi, black fungi and much more. You could either use dried mushrooms or fresh mushrooms for any of your recipes. Do remember that dried mushrooms would need to be soaked in warm water at least for 20 minutes before they are ready to be used. Another important thing that you must consider while cooking mushrooms is to wash them clean and pat them dry. Avoid over cooking mushrooms as it will diminish its nutritive value.

Most Important Mushroom Nutritional Facts

There have been several myths surrounding mushrooms.  Most people avoid mushrooms thinking they are poisonous. Well, not all mushrooms are poisonous. There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms and only about 100 odd varieties of mushrooms are poisonous.  In olden days, mushrooms were respected and looked upon as food for royals.  Mushrooms have recently been in limelight after European countries realized the nutritional value of them. Many of us are not aware of many mushroom nutritional facts. Due to these we ignore these yummy and nutrition packed fungi. Let us look at some of the most important mushroom nutritional facts.

Sole plant source of Vitamin D: many of us might not be aware that mushrooms are the only plants that can produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D is often called sunshine Vitamin. It is essential in promoting healthy bones. A cup full of white button mushrooms can easily provide you with your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Rich source of Vitamin B: Vitamin B is required for proper functioning of nervous system.  Mushrooms are rich source of niacin, riboflavin and Panthothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is essential for regularisation of hormones. Niacin on the other hand is essential of reproduction of epithelial cells of the skin. Riboflavin is most important nutrient that is found in mushrooms. Riboflavin is essential for increasing the red blood cells in your body.

Rich source of selenium: Selenium is a powerful anti-oxidant that is found in meat.  Selenium is known to have proven anti-aging properties. Many vegetarians often miss out on Selenium as it is not easily available in vegetables.  Mushrooms especially Shiitake and crimini are rich sources of Selenium.  Consumption of these mushrooms also helps in fighting against tumours and cancer. Nutritionists recommend consumption of at least two cups of mushrooms every day to meet your daily requirement of Selenium.

Lowest in calories: mushrooms are most recommended for individuals who want to lose weight as they are lowest in calories. Eating mushrooms with other vegetables can reduce your calorie count while maintaining your nutrition levels. Mushrooms are also very filling and hence they keep you feeling full for longer time than other foods. This actually helps in reducing your food intake and thereby helps you to lose weight with ease.

High in fibre:  mushrooms are high in fibre content and hence they are known to improve your metabolism rate. Enhanced metabolism rate also helps in breaking down stored fats. Pregnant women are often recommended to eat mushrooms because it prevents constipation which is one of the most common challenges of pregnancy.

Mushrooms are low on sodium and hence are ideal for your day to day consumption. That’s not all mushrooms are also high sources of varied vitamins which are retained even after you cook them. So say cheers to healthy life by adding mushrooms to your diet.

Why Are Mushrooms a Must Have?

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Mushrooms are a food item many people forget about. However, they are a must have for any kitchen. Mushrooms contain many needed vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms are also low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, making them a healthy option for any meal. There are a wide range of mushroom varieties available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Because they are available all year long, mushrooms can be used to spice up even the most boring dish at any time of the year.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms           

Many people are unaware of how mushrooms can be beneficial to their health. While small, mushrooms are loaded with many important nutrients. They are full of dietary fiber, which aids digestions. Many mushrooms also contain selenium, a mineral that the body requires in small amounts. Many people often lack selenium, which has been linked to a decreased risk in cancer. Mushrooms are full of protein, and many have a meaty texture and flavor, making them a great meat substitute. They are also full of antioxidants, which help protect the cells in the body from oxidative damage.

Mushrooms are not only healthy because of what they contain, but also what they lack. Mushrooms are low in sodium, and do not contain any fats or cholesterol. This makes them a great choice for people who suffer from heart problems, high blood pressure, or who just want to eat healthier.

Can Be Used to Spice Up Any Recipe

Mushrooms often have a robust, delicious flavor. This makes them a great addition to sauces, soups, or just about any recipe. If what you are cooking seems dull in flavor, the right mushroom may be just what you need to spice it up. Shiitake mushrooms can be added to an omelet, which will start the day off right, with a good dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and a delicious breakfast.

Mushrooms also make a popular appetizer. While prosciutto is a common appetizer ingredient, such an appetizer can be made even more delicious with the addition of shimeji mushrooms. Wrapping the mushrooms in thin slices of prosciutto will create a delicious mix of tastes. Best of all, this appetizer requires little prep time.

Mushrooms Create Exotic Flavors    

Many different mushroom varieties grow all over the world. Because of this, different cultures have traditionally used different mushrooms for specific dishes. You can experiment with these exotic flavorings by pairing exotic mushrooms with different spices, such as curry. Or use exotic mushrooms in a Japanese stir fry. Mushrooms are also available at all times of the year. This means that you never have to sacrifice for a recipe due to mushrooms being ‘out of season’.

Call 02 9637 2550 for Best and fresh mushroom in Australia for more detail call Fresh Crop Mushroom