September is National Mushroom Month, but if were up to Editor Courtney, we’d be celebrating these fantastic fungi much more often than once a year!
With nutrition top of mind, the National Mushroom Council wanted to take the time to share the ways mushroom nutrition can help us feel good.
When you fuel your body with key nutrients, it can benefit your holistic well-being. This month, add mushrooms to your plate alongside other nutritious ingredients like red bell peppers, kale or chicken. From vitamin D and selenium to copper and riboflavin, mushrooms have the nutrients you need to help you feel good.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps your body build and maintain strong bones so you can feel good the next time you head to the gym. One serving of UV-light exposed crimini mushrooms delivers 128% DV of vitamin D. Try out this hearty crimini mushroom pasta recipe with peas, walnuts and pesto.
Selenium – This nutrient works as an antioxidant to protect the body from heart disease, cancer and aging so you can feel good at your next checkup. One serving of portabella mushrooms delivers 28% DV of selenium. These Mexican-inspired stuffed portabellas are filled with black beans, quinoa, spicy peppers and onions for a flavorful and veggie-friendly meal.
Copper – Copper keeps your bones and nerves healthy so you can feel good and worry less about achy joints. One serving of white button mushrooms delivers 30% DV of copper. Slice up some white buttons for this Asian BBQ sesame salmon with noodles and veggies and feel good with flavor.
Riboflavin – Riboflavin helps with the production of hormones and plays an important role in the nervous system so you can feel good and function at your best all day long. One serving of oyster mushrooms delivers 24% DV of riboflavin i.e., vitamin B2. Get your feel-good fix with this roasted oyster mushroom salad.
The best part about all of these great benefits is that it’s never been easier to grow your own mushrooms. Many farmers markets now have vendors who offer boxes or inoculated logs so you can grow your own fungi at home.
Want to learn more? Cornell’s Small Farms Program offers online courses to show you how to grow mushrooms both indoors and outside.
