Functional Food: Mushrooms
Ever heard of functional foods? Functional foods contain components, other than calories, fat, and protein, that might be beneficial for health. This month our functional food focus is mushrooms. Mushrooms tend to be categorized as vegetables, but they are actually fungi – a distinct kingdom separate from plants or animals! Mushrooms provide nutritional benefits like vegetables, while lending a hearty, umami flavor to dishes similar to meat. There are thousands of different mushroom varietals, each with different flavor profiles, shapes, and sizes. The most popular variety of mushroom in the U.S. is the button mushroom, which can be eaten raw or cooked.
Power Up with Plant Protein
Mushrooms are renowned for being the only rich source of vitamin D in the produce aisle. Mushrooms make a great addition to the plate, especially during winter when most people in the US tend to experience low levels of vitamin D. Some varieties, like cremini and Portobello, contain more vitamin D than others. They are also high in B vitamins and selenium, powerful antioxidants that help support immunity, boost energy, and enhance cognition. Cremini and Portobello mushrooms are two varieties highest in selenium. Because mushrooms do not require sunlight to grow, they can be grown indoors, making them a great option all year round!
Need some inspiration? Check out these FLIK mushroom forward recipes:
Mushroom Matar (Indian Mushroom and Pea Curry)
Shrimp, Mushroom and Butternut Barley Risotto
Mushroom "Bulgogi" Lettuce Wraps
Grilled Portobello "Barbacoa" Taco Filling
Vegan Portobello Mushroom Chili
Going Green
Mushrooms are a healthy addition both to our plates and the planet. They require less land and water than animal protein sources, as 1 million pounds of mushrooms can be produced on just one acre of land. Producing 1 pound of mushrooms requires 1.8 gallons of water, compared to 1600 gallons to yield 1 pound of beef. Additionally, the soil used to produce mushrooms is often made of composted materials and can be recycled for multiple uses after mushrooms are harvested. Swapping out meat for mushrooms in recipes is a great way to add a burst of flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits while reducing the environmental impact associated with meat.
Check out our Buyer's Guide for the most commonly found mushrooms and how to use them!
Mushroom Coffee
You may also be curious about incorporating mushrooms into your morning routine. Mushroom coffee has been growing in popularity over the last few years. You can check out our article on Mushroom Coffee to learn more. Take a look at the image for a quick review of different mushrooms and their proposed health benefits.
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At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.
Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish. Check out our current openings here:
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Have feedback or questions for our team? Email us at flikblog@compass-usa.com.