About Gourmet Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a kind of fungi that usually grows in damp, dark conditions. Mushrooms have become a common ingredient in many kinds of cooking. They come in many varieties and have steadily gained popularity. Although mushrooms are not as rare as they were previously, there are some things one should know to get the best value from this spongy, delicious food.

History

Portabello mushrooms

Mushrooms were once only food for the gods in the Roman Empire. In Ancient Egypt, only kings were allowed to eat mushrooms according to the laws of that time. They were used for both food and medicinal purposes in China several hundreds of years before Christ. Europe began growing mushrooms for food in the 1600s. By the 18th century the French had begun cultivating mushrooms outside Paris in limestone. The knowledge of growing mushrooms continued to expand until they started being grown in pots under tables at Kennett Square in Pennsylvania. Demand grew and special houses with precise growing conditions were created to accommodate consumers' desire to buy mushrooms. Over time air quality systems have been improved to the point that mushroom production takes place in any season and mushrooms are now available for purchase year-round.

Types

Enoki mushrooms

There are many varieties of gourmet mushrooms, and each can be a favorite according to individual taste. A few common kinds that are more popular include portabellos, shitakes, enoki and oyster mushrooms. Other kinds available are truffles, chanterelles and matsutake.

Function

Grilled portabella mushroom

Gourmet mushrooms are used in many recipes to add another layer of flavor. Some, such as the portabellos, are also grilled and served alone or in sandwiches. Eating mushrooms can provide healthy antioxidants and fiber. They are sources of vitamins such as B2 and potassium. All mushrooms are naturally low in fat and salt. Mushrooms can be used to dye natural fibers such as wool. Before synthetic dyes were created they were the main component used to dye textiles. Mushrooms offer medicinal qualities that are being expanded on with continuing research. For example, mushrooms have been found in initial research to offer relief for migraine or cluster headaches and some mental illnesses.

Considerations

Shitake mushroom log

Growing gourmet mushrooms can be challenging. They are often more fragile than vegetables. The first thing to consider is what to grow them in. Many mushroom growers prefer to use logs, as this is where they would grow in the wild. You can cut your own, but an easier route would be to order ready-made logs. These logs are sold with the spawn already planted in the log. Spawn refers to the fungi used to start the mushrooms' growth, the same as a seedling is used to start a vegetable plant. Another plus is that some logs have inoculated several varieties of gourmet mushrooms. Once you have the log with the spawn, it needs to be placed out in the elements. Rain, snow and other elemental conditions are needed by mushrooms to thrive. The one element that is not needed is direct sun, so it is important to keep them in a shaded area.
Mushroom gardens require patience, as you will not have a first harvest for a year. It takes that much time for the spawn to grow throughout the log before they begin to offer mushrooms for harvest. After that, the mushrooms can grow for years in the same log before the log breaks down and loses value in nourishing the mushrooms. The harvest times referred to as a flush come in the spring and fall usually. In addition, you are likely to get a good flush after a period of rain.
If a faster harvest is preferred then gourmet mushrooms can be grown indoors by purchasing a kit. These are blocks of sawdust that have the spawn already in place, like the outdoor logs. After soaking the block in chlorine-free water for a few hours, place it in a cool, dark spot. The gourmet mushrooms will be ready to harvest in a few days. You can repeat this process several times if you give the block a few weeks in between harvests, but each time the mushrooms will be smaller.

Identification

Chanterelle mushrooms

Each kind of mushroom has its own set of identifiers. However, they are all similar, so the best and safest way to identify them is to invest in a mushroom guide. These guides describe each family of mushrooms, individual types and characteristics. Colors can vary from white to black. Most mushrooms have larger tops then bottoms.The shitake, portabellos and chanterelles all have large heads and grow in loose groups as opposed to a tight cluster. Oyster and enoki mushrooms grow in tight clusters. The enoki mushrooms are taller than others but also smaller overall in spite of the longer stems.

Warning

Amanita mushroom, a type of poisonous mushroom

Only expert mushroom growers should gather spawn from wild mushrooms to grow in home gardens. There are several varieties of wild mushrooms that are poisonous and can cause illness, hallucinations or even death. Mushroom cultivating kits are the safest way to enjoy mushrooms. Never eat a mushroom unless you know it is from a safe source.

Resources

• Retail sources for mushroom gardeners
• Species for beginners