Mushrooms are one of the most fascinating and strange edible things on the planet. Some can kill you, some glow in the dark and some can cause a time-warping, reality-altering hallucinogenic experience. There are thousands of mushroom species on the planet, and a large portion of them come packed with nutrients that humans naturally lack, in an easily digestible form. They contain disease-fighting properties, antioxidants, and many other important benefits. Besides this, they taste delicious! We’ve uncovered 10 powerfully healing mushrooms and ways you can incorporate them into your diet.
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Check Out 10 Popular Mushrooms and How To Use Them Below!
Button, or white mushrooms, are your most commonly used, available type of mushroom. Apart from being tasty, these little fungi are a great source of Vitamin D. They are also packed with antioxidants that aid in brain and gut health. Add sliced button mushrooms to nearly any of your favourite dinner meals! They go great on top of pizzas, cooked in pasta sauces and even raw in a fresh salad.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are full of bioactive substances that provide great benefits to the brain, gut and heart. They produce hormones that aid in preventing dementia and also have anti-inflammatory effects that are said to help fight symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Lion’s Mane has a stringy, meaty texture and a sweet and savoury taste that many compare to lobster or crab meat. This makes it a great seafood alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Wrap up your Lion’s Mane in a homemade sushi roll or fry up some ‘crab’ cakes!
King Oyster
King Oyster mushrooms are an excellent source of Vitamin B6 and iron, both things that humans need to obtain through food or supplements. They also provide a substantial amount of protein, making them a great meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians.
Don’t worry if you don’t like seafood, the flavour of King Oyster mushrooms is mild and sweet. They are perfect when pan-fried or grilled and go very well with teriyaki dishes. Try them out in your next stir-fry!
Black Truffle
You may have experienced a rush of good feeling after consuming these popular mushrooms, and there’s a scientific reason as to why. Recent studies show that black truffles contain a “bliss molecule” similar to THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s mood-enhancing and psychological effects.
These costly mushrooms come with a complex, decadent flavour, most commonly used in Italian cuisine. Black truffle oil adds a rich flavour to pizzas, pasta and drizzled atop salads.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are jam-packed with vitamin D and are great for supporting heart health and boosting the immune system. These savoury fungi also contain a natural anti-tumour compound called lentinan.
Shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture similar to that of portobellos but have an earthy, smokey flavour. They pair fantastically with steak or sautéed in risotto.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are often considered the gold standard when it comes to medicinal mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms, or Lingzhi, have been revered in Asian societies for thousands of years and are one of the oldest symbols of well-being and longevity. Reishi mushrooms are loaded with ganoderic acid, which is known to help reduce cholesterol and also lower high blood pressure. They are also excellent at immune-boosting and even have anti-cancer properties.
Reishi mushrooms not only look like they’re made of wood, but they have the texture to match. This makes simmering them in water to release the benefits, the best method of cooking. Add them to broths for a near tasteless addition to soups and stews, or add to your favourite tea!
Porcini
Several studies have shown that porcini mushrooms contain properties that are able to destroy human colon cancer cells, as well as prevent the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. While this hasn’t been proving 100% yet, we do know that they are a great source of Vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium.
Commonly used in Italian cooking, Porcini mushrooms have a distinctly creamy, almost nutty flavour. These mushrooms make great additions to pasta, and if bought dried can be rehydrated by soaking in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the Woods, or scientifically Laetiporus, grow in clusters on the sides of trees in a beautiful orange hue. They are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, fibre, vitamin A and even contain antibiotic properties.
As you may have already guessed, this mushroom gets its name from its flavour resemblance to chicken. This makes it an excellent meat replacement for those looking for a chicken alternative and can be prepared in many of the same ways. Create a vegetarian fried-chicken feast with this tasty fungi!
Enoki
These cute little mushrooms are full of dietary fibre, antioxidants and low in cholesterol. Regular consumption of Enoki mushrooms can aid in reducing belly fat and improving metabolism because of the linoleic acid contained inside.
Enoki mushrooms are very popular among Asian cuisines and the long, stringy mushrooms can be purchased in large clusters at most grocery stores. They go great with sautéed noodles and add a unique texture to the dish.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms are a nutrient-dense superfood, containing many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These include Vitamins B and D, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and many more. Consuming Chaga is like taking a naturally occurring multi-vitamin!
Chaga mushrooms may not appear to be overly appetizing as they have a hard, bark-like texture, but simmering them down for a tea will release all the antioxidant benefits. Add cinnamon, ginger and cloves for a comforting and healthy tea.
