Whether you eat them for their unique flavor or distinct texture, there are plenty of reasons why you should try mushrooms during National Mushroom Month. One thing is certain – you could spend the entire month of September finding different ways to enjoy mushrooms.
Truly versatile, each mushroom variety has a unique appearance and texture and offers a distinct taste. This uniqueness enables them to be served as a main dish, a side or even to enhance the flavor of other foods.
White button mushrooms, the variety most Americans are familiar with, are usually sautéed or cooked in some other fashion, even though they can also be eaten raw. This is our go-to topping whenever we order pizza. Another one of our favorites is the portabella mushroom. This variety is often grilled, making delicious vegetarian burgers and other main dishes. The shiitake is another variety that adds a meaty flavor to whatever foods it is added to. You can find them in stir-fry meals and soups.
Last year, more than 900 million pounds of mushrooms were grown in the United States, with sales exceeding $1 billion. Here at the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), we support the mushroom industry through oversight of the Mushroom Council, as they develop marketing and educational projects.
A great way to learn more about one of our favorite foods is to check out the Mushroom Council’s fresh mushroom website. There you can become more informed about mushrooms and get some great mushroom recipes! One of our favorite recipes from this site is one for stuffed mushrooms with breadcrumbs and cheese. This easy recipe offers a unique appetizer that really packs a punch.
Because there are thousands of varieties of poisonous mushrooms, the website warns against eating wild mushrooms before consulting a mushroom expert. Poisonous mushrooms can be deadly, so to be safe, only eat mushrooms grown commercially, purchased from a trusted retailer, or in a health-inspected restaurant.
Enjoy mushroom month!