Common Mushrooms

Many common mushrooms are edible and have health benefits.

There is nothing like the delicious taste of well-prepared mushrooms. They go well with a wide variety of dishes and they have health benefits too. But how do you know which mushroom works well with which dish?

Some mushrooms will taste delicious straight from the grill, while others are more suited for a warm soup. So, how do you figure out which mushroom is best for the dish you want to make? This guide will assist with just that.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most healthy common mushrooms. Not only do they have oxidants that fight cancer, but they are filled with important nutrients and minerals. They can be purchased at the grocery store in either fresh or dried form. Fresh mushrooms can be sauteed after removing the stems. Dried Shiitake goes well in soups and stir fry.

Reishi

This mushroom is more uncommon, typically found in Asia. They act as a sleep aid, immune system booster, cancer fighter and help to balance blood sugar. The most common way of eating a Reishi mushroom is to grind it into a powder and add it to another dish or drink. They can also be eaten after cooking or sauteing.  

White Button, the most common of all mushrooms

These are the most common mushrooms found in grocery stores and are typically what people think of whey they describe a mushroom. Sometimes they are thought to have a bland taste and poor texture. making them not worth adding to a meal. However, this is simply not true. If you take the time to prepare White Buttons correctly, they taste excellent and are a great source of protein. 

The best way to prepare a White Button mushroom is to rinse them for a few seconds and saute them in oil. When done, they can be enjoyed on their own, or added to a dish. 

Cremini

You may be surprised to learn that Cremini mushrooms are the same type as White Buttons. The only difference is that Cremini mushrooms are at an older life stage than White Buttons. They are much like White Buttons, but they have a firmer texture and slightly different flavor. 

These mushrooms go well in casseroles, soups, stew, and other food that has a high liquid content.

Portabella

Portabella mushrooms are the last growth stage of White Buttons. They have a similar taste to White Buttons and Cremini mushrooms, but also have a meat like texture. This makes them a great choice as a meat substitute. They can also be grilled, put in a stir fry, pasta sauce or sauteed. These mushrooms are also healthy and have a high amount of both Vitamin B and D.

The Morel

The Morel mushroom is common and can be found in wooded areas, growing down the sides of trees. If you are interested in hunting for them, the best time to look is during springtime, as this mushroom prefers cooler temperatures. Just be careful because some poisonous mushrooms have a close appearance to Morels.

If you are not in an area where they will grow, they can be found at the grocery store. They can be expensive, which is why people typically hunt them if possible. However, the price is well worth it because they have a great flavor. They are best prepared by sauteing them in oil, typically an olive oil. For extra taste add in a bit of cream or white wine.

Lions Mane 

Like the Shiitake mushroom, Lion’s Mane mushrooms can help fight off cancer. They also boost the immune system, help digestion and speed up healing after an injury. These mushrooms have a bitter taste if not prepared correctly. To combat this, it is best to bake or sauteed them. This will remove the bitter taste.

Try one of these common mushrooms today

Mushrooms make for a great addition to any dish. It isn’t hard to cook with mushrooms and the wide variety available allows for experimentation. Not every mushroom will be enjoyed, but that is okay. If you don’t enjoy one species of mushroom, that doesn’t mean you won’t like another one. Mushrooms are healthy, bringing to the table fiver, protein and other health benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. So go ahead! Start hunting down common mushrooms at your grocery store, or adventure outside.