Are mushrooms really that nutritious? Mushrooms have always been part of the human diet, and they are used both as food and as medicine. “Mushrooms represent an unknown source of vitamins and trace elements. American researchers have just published in the journal Food Science & Nutritiona very precise analysis of the nutrients contained in the mushrooms” underlines Dr. Martine Perez, medical consultant for Top Santé.
“Already considered interesting foods as part of a low-calorie diet, they are also rich in soluble fiber, useful against constipation. Their protein content is also significantly higher than that of vegetables. This new research reveals that a daily serving of mushrooms increases the intake of several other micronutrients and vitamins”. Adding a portion of mushrooms to a meal provides elements that are not very present in the usual diet: copper, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin…
In addition, another recent study showed that certain mushrooms (specifically shiitake mushrooms) had a beneficial effect on immunity.
Mushrooms: we learn to choose them well
The cap of the mushrooms already gives us a valuable clue: in the case of the button mushroom, it must be tightly closed on the stem. Above all, the mushroom should not be soft, but firm. They must be hard when touched. This is how we recognize their freshness. If we choose them pre-cut into strips, we make sure that they have not browned. Finally, you have to pay attention to the label, and therefore to the provenance: button mushrooms often come from Poland and the Netherlands, the two leaders in Europe (France comes third). The French mushroom will have less transport time and will necessarily be fresher.
>> How to keep them? It should always be kept in mind that a mushroom keeps for a very short time. Its shelf life is relatively short: 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. The best thing is to leave them in the air and not cover them (so we avoid plastic bags!)
