Mushrooms have been eaten for centuries and used for their medicinal properties around the world.
No wonder, mushrooms were reserved for royalty in ancient Egypt and legend has it that pharaohs loved them so much that they forbid commoners from touching it.
Mushrooms, called “The Plant of Immortality” by the ancient Egyptians.
Though most people think of mushrooms as vegetables, however, these earthy nutritional powerhouses are neither a vegetable nor meat. In fact, they are a kind of beneficial fungus.
Mushrooms are so distinct that they have created their own kingdom. It is estimated that there are between 300 to 2000 edible varieties of mushrooms.
With just 10 varieties of mushrooms being grown commercially, over 100 mushroom species are being studied for their health-promoting benefits. In
In fact, there are at least 140000 mushroom species on earth and just 10% of it is known by the scientists.
Let us explore the magical, healing, and the immortal world of mushrooms:
Best Mushrooms To Eat & Their Health Benefits
Mushrooms Nutritional Facts
How Mushrooms Aid Weight loss & Help In Weight Management
Tips On How to Cook Mushrooms
Tips On How To Select & Buy Mushrooms
14 Best Mushrooms To Eat & Their Health Benefits
1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Also known as “king of mushrooms”, reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties.
Very popular in Japan and known as Ling Zhi in Chinese, these mushrooms are extremely potent in many organic compounds such as:
Alkaloids
Triterpenes which turn off body’s response to allergies.
Sterols which act as precursors to hormones in the body.
Various essential polysaccharides which fight cancer cell development.
These mushrooms are mainly used for purely medicinal purposes and taste extremely bitter and have a tough texture.
You are unlikely to find them fresh in your local stores and mostly available as supplements pills, capsules or powdered.
If you love eating mushrooms, you might not be able to enjoy reishi in your favorite mushroom recipe.
However, you can unleash the medicinal health benefits of reishi mushroom in a cup of tea or soup.
2. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) commonly called “hen of the woods”
These mushrooms are native to the mountains of northeastern Japan and mitake means “the dancing mushroom” by the Japanese.
Mitake mushrooms grow in clusters at the bottom of trees.
They are appetizing, delicious and known in Japanese herbology to balance complete body systems.
3. Buna Shimeji Mushrooms (Hypsizygus essellatus)
Another mushroom which has its origin from Japan, shimeji mushrooms are now being cultivated in the US and Europe and can be bought in dried form.
Since is commonly found on beach trees, it is called “Beech Mushroom.”
4. Chanterelles Mushrooms (Cantharellus cibarius)
One of the most delicious and sought after mushrooms, chanterelles offer a delicate taste with hearty texture.
Chanterelles became popular in France in the 18th century where they were served to the royals and ruling classes in Europe.
5. Chaga Mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus)
One of the most potent antioxidant sources on planet earth, Chaga mushrooms grows on birch trees in cold climates.
Chaga does not look like mushrooms and technically speaking, it is a highly concentrated mass of mycelium and looks like dark and hard burnt charcoal.
6. King Trumpet Mushroom (Pleurotus Eryngii)
Also known as king oyster mushroom, king trumpet mushroom is the largest species of the oyster mushroom family.
Known for its robust earthy flavor, meaty texture and aroma, this mushroom does not go bad easily.
7. Turkey Tail Mushrooms (Trametes Versicolor)
This colorful, tenacious mushroom with colorful fall like a palette of stripes resembles the tail of the turkey.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and this mushroom’s extract known as PSK (protein-bound Polysaccharide Krestin) is widely used in Japan to treat various cancers.
8. Crimini (Button) Mushrooms
Button shaped, small, rich brown earthy tasting crimini mushrooms are mini portabellas.
Extremely nutritious, crimini mushrooms contain several antioxidants such as ergothioneine, riboflavin, selenium.
9. Morels (Morchella esculenta)
Morels are wild mushrooms and belong to the same species as the exotic truffle.
This spongy, cone-shaped, honeycomb textured mushroom is unique with nutty and earthy taste.
Many types of research suggest that morels promote healthy liver and reduce risks of many cancers.
10. Portobello Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
A button mushroom, portobello is nothing but mature or overgrown crimini mushrooms.
Their meaty texture and intense flavors are low-calorie, a good source of protein, fiber and contain a lot of water which makes them low energy density food.