Mushrooms

Mushrooms

History

History

According to hieroglyphics from 4600 years ago, ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms were the plant of immortality. Egyptian pharaohs decreed mushrooms food for royalty, and no commoner was allowed to touch them. Mushroom rituals were practiced by civilizations in other countries including Mexico, China, Latin America, Russia, and Greece. Some believed mushrooms could produce super-human strength, in leading the soul to the realm of gods, and help in finding lost objects.

Source: Mushroom Council

Mushrooms Farmers

Fitz Fresh

From farm to table, Fitz Fresh produces the highest quality mushrooms, a healthy food you can feel good about enjoying. White button, crimini and portabella mushrooms in particular are ideal for healthy diets, vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and “low-carb” dieters alike.

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Season, Ripeness and Storage

State Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Arizona            
California            
In-Season  

Season

Mushrooms are available for purchase all year long.


Ripeness

Look for moisture-free (not dry), firm, unblemished caps, and mold-free mushrooms.


Storage

Store mushrooms loosely in a paper bag and place in the refrigerator. Spoilage will accelerate if placed in airtight plastic bags, because they retain moisture. If mushrooms are stored properly, they will last approximately five days.

Nutrition Facts White, raw
Serving Size: 1/2 cup (whole)
Amount Per Serving  
Calories: 11  
  % Daily Value*
Total Fat: 0.16g 0%
Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
Sodium: 2mg 0.08%
Total Carbohydrate: 1.57g 0.52%
     Dietary Fiber: 0.5 0% 
     Sugars: 0.79g  
Protein: 1.48g  
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 1.67%
Calcium 0.1% Iron 1.33%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

  • Mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium.

  • Protein rich, mushrooms are a great low calorie alternative.

  • Mushrooms contain significant amounts of the essential B-complex vitamins riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.

  • Mushrooms are also virtually free of fat and sodium, and contain zero cholesterol.

  • Recent studies indicate that mushrooms contain essential minerals and substances like selenium, which may play a significant role in reducing or preventing a number of disease risks.

  • Several types of mushrooms have been studied adn found to boost the immune system's cancer-fighting properties.

    Source: FitzFresh

    Fun Facts

  • Mushrooms are very difficult to grow. Intensive labor is needed to produce a high-quality, consistent crop.
  • Today mushroom farms are highly technical operations, they use extensive computerized systems to monitor each point in production.
  • Over 38,000 mushroom varieties exist. Some are highly toxic and some are edible.
  • Popular edible varieties include: White Button, Portabella, Oyster, Enoki, Shitake, Crimini, Lobster, Porcini, and Morels.

    Source: American Mushroom

    Helpful Links

  • Mushroom Council
  • American Mushroom
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