Common Use of Fresh Mushrooms

Food

• Thousands of varieties of edible mushrooms, each with their own texture and flavor, are used to flavor food. Saute mushrooms in butter and wine, add them to soups and stews, grill them or dry them. Mushrooms are low in calories and low-fat alternatives to meats and other proteins. They are high in dietary fiber and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Medicinal

• Fresh mushrooms are highly valued for their medicinal properties. Cultures in Japan and China frequently use fresh mushrooms in tea and mixed with food to alleviate medical problems. Mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which help to strengthen the immune system. Several species of mushroom have been shown to prevent many of the causes of cardiovascular disease.

Growth

• Grow mushrooms in an indoor garden for a regular supply of your favorite varieties. This is an affordable and convenient alternative to buying them at grocery stores, especially if you enjoy gourmet types. A home garden also ensures that you eat only safe-to-eat mushrooms; many species you may encounter in the wild are highly toxic.

Dyes

• A lesser-known quality of mushrooms is their ability to produce color dyes for natural fibers. When exposed to activating solutions, or mordants, mushrooms will react and release a dye. The color of the dye depends on the mordant used and the species of mushroom. Common mordants include ammonia, vinegar and salt. You can produce nearly any color with mushrooms, from pale yellow to bright red and green.