Veggie & Fruit Guide
Veggie & Fruit- Please select from abc list
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are not a true vegetable in the sense
that they don’t have any leaves, roots, or seeds, and don’t need any light
to grow. These earthy delicacies are actually classified as fungi, which
grow in the dark from spores released by the mushrooms.
Some mushrooms have been valued
throughout the world as both food and medicine for centuries.
Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms grew by magic, because of the way they
could appear overnight. The Chinese have used and
revered many fungi as tonics for the immune system for thousands of years,
while in Japan, medicinal mushrooms are still sold to maintain health and
promote longevity.
There are over 38,000 mushroom varieties today - some are edible and
some are highly toxic.
Seasonal Availability
Mushrooms are available all year
round.
Serving Size
Half a cup of cooked mushrooms or 1 cup of
raw mushrooms (80g) provides one serving of vegetables.
Description by variety
White mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
These mushrooms have a mild
and woody flavour that intensifies when they are cooked.
White button mushroom
Button mushrooms are small, cultivated
white mushrooms.
Brown mushroom (Crimini/ Italian brown)
This variety has an
earthier flavour than the fresh white mushroom.
Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus)
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate,
mild flavour when cooked with a delicate and velvety texture.
Shiitake mushroom
This variety has a rich and woody flavour and
develops a meaty texture when cooked.
Portabella mushroom (Portobello)
Portobello mushrooms have a
substantial texture and meaty flavour.
