Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great low-calorie, sodium-free, fat-free source of potassium and other nutrients and lend a fun flavor and texture to stir-fries, casseroles, pastas, rice dishes, pizza, meat dishes, burgers, salads and more. Available in many varieties, mushrooms are a great addition to a multitude of dishes and are even great as a grilled, sautéed, baked or fried side dish. Be sure, however, to use fresh, closed-gill varieties from your market as the ones that are decaying or picked from your own garden may be poisonous/toxic. Try marinating, stuffing, pickling or many other options for enjoying mushrooms.

Portobello mushrooms are often consumed by vegetarians as well as those who are watching their intake of fat, cholesterol and calories because of their larger, thicker, fleshier cap and distinct meaty texture. Portobellos can be eaten in place of a burger, marinated, grilled, roasted, sautéed, stuffed, baked or fried for a delicious, lighter, vegetarian meal or as an addition to meat and be kept frozen after cooking for several months. Be sure to wash gently and remove the gills on the underside of the cap by gently scraping, before cooking, as they have a bitter taste and a dark coloring when cooked.

Visit www.mushroomcouncil.com for more information.