Mushrooms commonly seen on the market today are called button mushrooms. Although, often associated with vegetables, mushrooms belong to the fungi group. This characteristic mushroom has grown wild since prehistoric time and the Egyptians thought mushrooms had special powers, which would grant immortality. In Rome, this food was referred as the "cibus diorum", which meant "food of the gods". Other countries including China, Mexico, and Russia believed that mushrooms could provide superhuman powers.
Mushrooms have been enjoyed for an extended period of time, but not until the 17th century they started to be cultivated. The first city to attempt cultivation was Paris, with long underground caves where mushrooms were grown. In the U.S. cultivation started in the 19 th century and today button mushrooms are grown primarily in Pennsylvania and throughout many countries in the northern areas .
Button mushrooms have dense caps attached to short, thick, or thin stems. The button mushrooms can be divided into three type- white mushrooms, Crimini mushrooms, and Portabello mushrooms. The most common mushroom on the market is the white mushroom, which can be found in many food dishes. The Crimini mushroom is coffee colored, and the Portabello mushroom, which is an overgrown Crimini mushroom, is darker and larger in size.
Nutrition
Nutrition analysis per 1/2 cup of mushrooms: calories: 9 kcal, carbohydrates: 2 g, protein: 1 g, fat: 0 g, cholesterol: 0 mg, fiber: 0 g, sodium: 1 mg
Mushrooms are very high in copper and the mineral selenium, which is an antioxidant. They are also high in the B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which are important for energy release.
Health Benefits
Mushrooms have shown to have an important role in preventing breast cancer by preventing circulation of excessive estrogen levels. Due to their high levels of selenium, which has an antioxidant effect, mushrooms have been the objects of anti-cancer research. In addition, high copper levels have shown to benefit rheumatoid arthritis.