Posts Tagged ‘versatility’

Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Magical Mushrooms for Skin Beauty We all know by now that mushrooms are good for you, but it seems like new benefits are being discovered every day! From immune system health to skin care, the fabulous fungi can protect against viruses, tumors, and acne alike, as they’re loaded with antioxidants and vitamin D. Yahoo Health! dishes on the latest study from Tufts University and the implications it has for mushrooms as flu fighters, wrinkle warriors and even acne avengers.

Meatless mains – US food trends Mushrooms’ meaty texture and umami goodness make them alluring as heroes of the dish to vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike. Restaurants & Institutions’ latest poll, the 2010 New American Diner Study, found that 1 in 4 of us is eating more meatless meals than we did a year ago. So, it came as no surprise to see mushrooms featured numerous times in the suggested meatless meals that accompanied this new data.

Do-It-Yourself Mushrooms New York Times comments on the increase in small-scale mushroom growing, or better put, mushroom DIYers. A new demand from cooking shows and food magazines for fungi has spurred mushrooming growth across the board for the past decade, from large-scale growers to small-time farmers market suppliers and now right into the consumer’s very own home. We’re not surprised, though! Who can resist the deliciously healthy fungi that can make such a wide variety of delectable dishes?

Add a touch of diversity to dishes Looking to jazz up your diet? Daily World discusses the versatility of mushrooms, providing insight into the many ways they can be used in a variety of dishes. The names of some of these ’shrooms might sound crazy, but we all know these “fun guys” are really down to earth.

Mushroom king commands respect The Chicago Tribune quotes our pres, Bart Minor, on the king of mushrooms who’s recently come to rule the hearts of chefs around the world: the king oyster mushroom. And this isn’t just any fish in the sea; its meaty stem and increasing availability make it a favorite in the fungi kingdom. Whether they’re cooked tempura style (Minor’s personal pref) or scalloped and sautéed, the king oyster will satisfy your every craving!

Peppers Too Pricey? Stuff and Grill Mushrooms Mushrooms might be full of flavor and nutrients, but they sure don’t come at a hefty price to match! The Associated Press reports on the always satisfying mushroom and its affordability compared to their other produce aisle counterparts, providing a mouthwatering grilled sausage-stuffed portabella recipe that you have to check out.

The Vitamin D Solution Dr. Michael Holick’s new book, The Vitamin D Solution, just hit the shelves posing this hormone (did you know vitamin D isn’t really a true vitamin after all?) as the potential cure-all for a host of illnesses. Holick recommends getting your D from foods like mushrooms, the only item in the produce section to contain this crucial nutrient, and supplements.

Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Surprise: Mushrooms full of nutrients Don’t be fooled by mushrooms and their lack of color – just because mushrooms are white does not mean they are not nutritional powerhouses. The Detroit Free Press alerts readers of this common misperception, and notes that mushrooms are in fact dense in nutrients. Not only do they supply B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid for energy, but they also are rich in folic acid, iron, potassium and antioxidants like selenium. Get these nutrients by giving their recipe for Mushroom Almond Paté a try at your New Year’s Eve party!

Wild Mushroom Mix Enjoy this vegan and gluten-free mushroom mixture atop pizzas, as a dip with crostinis for an appetizer, or even use it as the base for a hearty mushroom soup! The versatility is endless!

Top 10 health tips for 2010 Our friends from Canada over at The Daily Observer share the most important health tips for 2010. Aside from vitamin D topping the list (be sure to eat your mushrooms!), washing your hands to prevent catching airborne illnesses and measuring your waistline rather than hopping on a scale is recommended. Belly fat is particularly dangerous, possibly leading to a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Measuring tapes are less expensive than scales anyway…

Drug from mushroom may help treat cancer Unrelated to our research at City of Hope on white button mushrooms and breast cancer, researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that a wild mushroom native to China, cordyceps, may be effective in treating cancer as well. “The researchers say low-dose cordycepin (the medication that includes cordyceps) seems to inhibit the uncontrolled growth and division of cells and at high doses it also inhibits growth by stopping cells from sticking together.” Aren’t mushrooms amazing?