THE SECRET SUPERPOWERS OF MUSHROOMS FABULOUS FORAGEABLE FUNGI
They’re the architects of the underground freeways that allow trees to communicate. A few have psychedelic properties. Some varieties contain enough toxins to kill you if consumed. Depending on the type, mushrooms can be amazing, trippy, dangerous, and delicious. But most importantly, the ones that are safe to eat have a lot of nutritional value. An ancient organism, fungi are closely related to animals. In fact, even though they’re often called vegetables, they share some characteristics with humans. Like people, a mushroom’s vitamin D content increases when exposed to light. Fungi also contain chitin, a carbohydrate that’s found in shrimp and crab shells. Mushrooms pack a nutritious punch. They boast several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D and B, and they contain no fat or cholesterol. They even have 2 grams of protein per cup, which is more than most vegetables. Studies also reveal that mushrooms might be the best dietary source of an amino acid called ergothioneine. When tested during one study, ergothioneine was shown to serve as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Ergothioneine is not produced by the human body, so the only way to get it is through your diet.
If you’re ready to make a meal of it, the porous structure of mushrooms makes them ideal ingredients to marinate, sauté, or throw on the grill. While they have a faint earthy taste when left unseasoned, they take on a lot of flavor when combined with savory ingredients like garlic, butter, and salt. Shiitake, oyster, and portobello are a few varieties to try for a nutritious and tasty addition to stir-fries, scrambles, pizzas, and fajitas. Did you know you can also forage for mushrooms? They grow in many parts of the U.S. and can be found in forested areas. Use a guide, like the “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms,” to help you identify which mushrooms are okay to eat and which are harmful. Some cities even have mushroom-foraging groups you can join. Happy hunting!
BRAIN WORK
SPICY CHIMICHURRI GRILLED CHEESE
INGREDIENTS
For chimichurri: • 2 jalapeños •
For sandwiches: •
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 green onions 1/2 cup cilantro
• • •
1 ripe avocado, cut into slices 2–4 ounces fresh mozzarella 4 slices whole-wheat bread
• • • • •
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 teaspoons honey
DIRECTIONS
1. Pulse chimichurri ingredients in a food processor or blender until combined but not pureed. Add extra olive oil as needed. 2. Heat grill or skillet to medium-low. Brush outsides of bread with olive oil. Smear 1 tablespoon chimichurri on each slice of bread. Place a layer of avocado and cheese between slices. 3. Cook gently until bread is crisp and cheese is melted. 4. Slice and serve.
CAMPING FLIPFLOPS HAMBURGER JUNE
LEMONADE PICNIC POOL SMORES
SUNSCREEN SUNSHINE SWIMMING VACATION
inspired by naturallyella.com
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