Mushrooms are nutritious and delicious, but what are the benefits of each kind, and what's the best way to eat them? Let's take a look at the nutrition and uses of some affordable, common mushrooms.
"Natural Cancer-Fighting Agent" Shiitake Mushroom:
Known as the "King of Mushrooms," it has the best anti-cancer effects and a significantly higher vitamin D content than other varieties. For children, eating more can accelerate calcium absorption and promote bone development. Shiitake mushrooms have a strong flavor, making them suitable for braising, stewing in soy sauce, and in soups. Since the nutrients in dried shiitakes are easily extracted, they should be cleaned and soaked in a small amount of water. When cooking, you can also add the soaking water to the pot.
"Brain Gold" Enoki Mushroom:
It can promote brain development, so children should eat more of it. It's a top choice for cold salads and hot pot, but it's best to cook it for at least six to seven minutes to avoid food poisoning. If you buy enoki mushrooms that are unnaturally white, they may have been bleached with sulfur, so it's best to blanch them in salted boiling water. People with a weak digestive system or a "cold" spleen and stomach should not eat too many.
"Pain Reliever" Oyster Mushroom:
It contains oyster mushroom polysaccharide, and its taurine is a component of bile acid, which can dissolve cholesterol and aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. Therefore, it can relax muscles and activate collaterals, making it most suitable for the elderly with soreness in the waist and back. Stir-fried with meat, stewed with pork ribs, or scrambled with eggs, oyster mushrooms are suitable for all ages, helping to replenish energy and increase resistance.
"Detoxifier" Straw Mushroom:
It has a detoxifying effect, binding with lead, arsenic, and benzene that enter the body and expelling them through urine. Most straw mushrooms on the market are canned, so the cooking time should be longer to remove any off-flavors.
Hericium Erinus (Lion's Mane Mushroom):
It has excellent nourishing properties and promotes digestion. When simmered in a soup with chicken, it not only tastes delicious but also has anti-aging and longevity effects.
Boletus is generally used to stew with chicken or meat; Boletus and Chicken Soup has the effect of tonifying deficiency, refreshing the mind, and preventing colds. Tea Tree Mushrooms are suitable for stir-frying. King Oyster Mushrooms are best julienned and served cold, with a texture similar to abalone. Button Mushrooms are lighter in flavor and are excellent in soups. Matsutake and Bamboo Fungus have preservative effects; if you're worried about not finishing a stewed meat dish, adding some Bamboo Fungus can extend its shelf life.