Mushroom Tips

Mushrooms; you either love them or hate them.  You can put me and my family in the love mushrooms column!  I am in good company in that column; Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms were a plant of immortality.  The Pharaohs classified them as royal food and commoners were forbidden to even to touch them.

The Pharaohs may have been on to something.  Mushrooms are high in B vitamins and minerals.  On top of that, they are low in calories.  Just more reasons for me to love them!

The Button Mushroom is the most popular mushroom in the United States.  More than 90% of the mushrooms purchased in the US are the Button Mushroom.

Below are a few Mushroom Tips: 

1. Mushrooms will last longer if you store them in a paper bags in the crisper compartment of the refrigerator. 

2.   For the best flavor: Sauté mushrooms on low to medium heat.

3.    For the best texture: Sauté mushrooms on high heat.

4.  Only clean mushrooms when you are ready to us them.  Gently wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel or clean them the good old fashioned way, by running them under cold water.

5.     Dried mushrooms: Soak dried mushrooms in hot water for 30 to 60 minutes.  Rinse and chop.  Save the soaking liquid to add to soups and sauces.  I use dried mushrooms more like a seasoning than a vegetable.

6.  You can freeze cooked mushrooms, but not raw ones.  Frozen mushrooms will last several months.

I buy my mushrooms at the grocery store.  I never go mushroom hunting.  I am too afraid to pick a poisonous one.  The cause of that fear was a movie I saw when I was a teenager.  I don't remember the name of the movie, but I remember the story.  A group of women killed a man with a soup made with poisonous mushrooms.  I think it may have scared me for life!

Do you love or hate mushrooms?  Have you ever gone mushroom hunting?

On Friday I will post my recipe for:

Deep Fried Veggies 

Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!

Stop by and visit Ashley, at What Does A Songbird Sing.  She posts recipes and exercise tips on her blog, and who couldn't use a little more of both!