(NC)—Do you think fresh mushrooms are only good for salads? Think again! Mushrooms may just be the unsung heroes of the vegetable world. Contrary to their simple appearance, fresh mushrooms have a whole lot going for them.
Good for you
A half-cup serving of cooked sliced white mushrooms has a mere 14 calories, virtually no fat, 1 gram of fibre and is a source of phosphorus, potassium, copper, selenium, niacin and pantothenic acid. Mushrooms are also a good source of riboflavin, and are the only vegetable that contains Vitamin D. All that goodness with few calories and low fat.
Good for healthy weight
Mushrooms are great when it comes to weight management. Since mushrooms are 90% water, and contain some fibre, they help fill you up and delay hunger.
Good to go in any season
Mushrooms are grown year-round in Canada so they're always fresh and at their peak of flavour. In the spring try a delightful Baked Mushroom and Leek Risotto. Keep cool in summer with zesty Marinated Mushroom, Tomato and Basil Salad. Celebrate fall with creamy Fresh Mushroom and Squash Bisque and warm up to winter with Hearty Mushroom Meatloaf.
Good for the environment
Chances are the fresh mushrooms in your local grocery store are grown nearby. That means they have not traveled long distances, lost important nutrients and wonderful flavour, or left a carbon footprint. Great for you, good for the environment.
Good for fast and fresh flavour
Mushrooms make other foods taste even better because they have Umami, which is the fifth taste along with sweet, salty, bitter and sour. They may be complex in taste, but they are easy to prepare, cook and enjoy. Mushrooms can be eaten whole, quartered, sliced or chopped, and baked, grilled, broiled, sautéed, steamed or stir-fried. Their meaty texture makes them a wonderful substitute for meat in chili, lasagna and tacos.
For more information and delicious recipe ideas visit Mushrooms Canada's website at www.mushrooms.ca.
- News Canada