Mushrooms – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are mushrooms?

Mushrooms are considered fungi. That may sound unappetizing, but most mushrooms are not only completely safe to eat. They add a wide range of flavors and textures to recipes. The fungi family is different from other types of organisms in that they are not animals, plants, or bacteria.

Many varieties of mushrooms are available in the fresh produce section. They are also available canned and dried. Among the types of common mushrooms are:

• White button (perhaps the most common)
• Portobello (substantial and often used as a substitute for meat)
• Shiitake (meaty, like portobello, they are often sold dried)
• Oyster and king oyster (popular in Asian dishes)
• Enoki (large clusters of tiny mushrooms)
• Beech (crunchy, mild, sweet, and nutty)
• Crimino (crimini when pluralized)
• Chanterelle (known for their distinct yellow color and strange shape)
• Porcini or cep (used in Italian cooking)
• Hedgehog (sweet and nutty)
• Chicken of the woods (which taste like chicken and are used as a meat substitute)
• Black trumpet (also known as black chanterelles, they taste smoky and rich)
• Truffle and morel (extremely rare and used primarily by gourmet chefs)

Each one of these mushrooms has a distinct shape and taste. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Soups
• Omelets
• Sauteed alone or with other vegetables in garlic and oil
• Pasta
• Sauces
• Asian recipes
• Broiled or roasted as a substitute for hamburgers or steaks (larger meaty mushrooms like portobellos are ideal for this)
• Salads
• Jerky

Where did mushrooms originate from?

Mushrooms are believed to be a billion years old, growing naturally in the wild. Believed to be responsible for immortality, mushrooms were eaten exclusively by the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. The Romans believed mushrooms were the food of the gods.

Also used by many civilizations for medicinal purposes, mushrooms found their way into mainstream cooking when the French began using them in haute cuisine. In the 19th century, mushrooms became very popular, and entire cookbooks were devoted to their preparation.

Today, mushrooms are easy to cultivate, and each culture has its own types and uses for this versatile ingredient.

What is the nutritional value of mushrooms?

Different types of mushrooms may contain different levels of nutrients, but they all have some combination of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein, including:

• Vitamin C
• Choline
• Selenium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorous
• Riboflavin, or B-2
• Folate, or B-9
• Thiamine, or B-1
• Pantothenic acid, or B-5
• Niacin, or B-3
• Potassium
• Vitamin D

Considering their size, they can deliver a giant range of nutrients and are believed to have positive effects on a variety of health conditions.

How are mushrooms grown?

Because mushrooms do not grow from seeds, the process for cultivating them is unique. They grow best in areas that are dark, cool, and humid.

Farmers grow mushrooms by creating nutrient-rich compost mixtures, which accelerate growth. They are grown in trays, but certain mushrooms may be cultivated in logs or poles. If well managed, mushrooms proliferate (as they do in the wild), and the crops may be significant. Most of the mushroom farms in the United States are in Pennsylvania, and Canada has a lot as well.

When are mushrooms in season?

Although mushrooms are available year-round, fall and winter are considered their peak season. Wild mushrooms are especially seasonal, so different varieties may be found in-store at varying times of the year. Fresh mushrooms are the highest in nutrients.

What should I look for when buying mushrooms?

When buying fresh mushrooms, choose ones that are firm, dry, and unbruised. They should also have a smooth appearance, with a plump and dry surface (but not dried out). When the “gills” of a mushroom are exposed, it has a richer flavor.

Instacart offers convenient same-day delivery or pick-up for mushrooms! Once they are added to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to give specific preferences or directions on choosing the best products. Shop for mushrooms.

How to store mushrooms

Mushrooms keep best when they are placed unwashed in a brown paper bag and folding over the top. The main compartment of the refrigerator (rather than the crisper drawer) is the best place to store mushrooms. The bag absorbs moisture so that the mushrooms won’t get soggy or moldy.

• Whole fresh mushrooms will last a week to 10 days
• Sliced fresh mushrooms will last for 5–7 days
• Cooked mushrooms will last for a week to 10 days
• Dried mushrooms will last up to 3 years

Do not place fresh mushrooms near foods with strong flavors or odors because mushrooms will absorb them. They will keep about a week in the refrigerator, but if they aren’t used right away, freeze or dry them. Mushrooms need to be cooked before they’re frozen. They will keep up to a year in an airtight container or vacuum-packed.

When ready to eat, clean mushrooms by brushing off debris with fingers or a damp paper towel. Rinse them briefly under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Mushrooms may actually get more flavorful when dried and, when rehydrated, the texture is almost just like that of fresh mushrooms. Here are some ways to dry mushrooms in either the oven or a dehydrator. Or, to save time, buy dried mushrooms.

How to tell if mushrooms are bad

The best way to tell if mushrooms are past their prime is if they become slimy and discolored. Wrinkles, dark spots, and a bad smell are also sure-fire ways of detecting bad mushrooms.

What can I substitute for mushrooms?

Among the substitutes for mushrooms are:

• Tofu
• Zucchini
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Russet potatoes
• Garbanzo beans
• Tempeh
• Onions
• Cilantro

Zucchini is often suggested as the best substitute because of its texture. However, combining mushrooms with various fresh produce often results in a healthy and hearty dish. Remember that canned, dried, or frozen mushrooms can also be used in recipes that call for mushrooms.

Where can I find mushrooms near me?

Finding a wide variety of mushrooms is as simple as visiting Instacart and arranging 2-hour delivery or pick-up. Whether you’re shopping for mushrooms as a side dish or main meal, finding the right type is simple and convenient.

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