Similar to pollen or seeds, all mushrooms are fungi and they produce spores, which allows them to spread or travel by the wind. The rest of the mushroom then matures, living in soil or wood.
Not all mushroom types are edible, there are some species that cause stomach pains or vomiting if eaten, and in some cases could be fatal, such as the common death cap mushroom but there are well-known species such as button, oyster, porcini and chanterelles that you can safely eat.
Benefits for your health
All types of edible mushrooms contain varying degrees of protein and fiber. You should eat the mushroom to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues. They are rich in Vitamin B and selenium.
In particular, white button mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. When they are grown, whether indoor or outdoor, they are exposed to UV light which increases their concentration of vitamin D.
Mushrooms are being increasingly researched and used for their important health benefits with different varieties having different medicinal properties.
Due to their benefits, we propose you a delicious recipe with mushrooms and gnocchi.
Roasted Mushroom Gnocchi
Ingredients:
- 250g mushrooms
- 500g fresh gnocchi
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 160g bag spinach
- 100g blue cheese
Preparation:
- Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Slice the mushrooms and put in a roasting tin with the gnocchi, then drizzle over 3 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 25-30 mins or until the gnocchi is golden, stirring occasionally to stop them sticking.
- Once the gnocchi is ready, stir half the spinach into the tin to wilt it, then crumble the blue cheese over the top. Put it back in the oven just to melt the cheese, then serve with the remaining spinach, drizzled with a little olive oil.
Enjoy!