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SENIOR LIFE ODYSSEY: What a mess!
What a mess of mushrooms! If you have lived in Indiana for any time at all, you understand the excitement of morel mushroom season. You’ve probably heard stories about the great finds, first mushroom, largest mushroom, largest patch. Or maybe you have experienced it yourself.
My husband tells the story of his dad walking through familiar woods, pointing out specific places with his walking stick, and the kids scampering up the hill to retrieve the treasured mushrooms exactly where he pointed. Picking mushrooms is a delight and a joy. Indeed, a treasure!
Every family has their favorite way to fix them. Just ask. Our family fries them in butter and eats them with scrambled eggs. Ahh, delicious memories...
Morels are highly prized edible wild mushrooms because they are only available from April to June and quickly perish unless dried or frozen. If you are an amateur “mushroom hunter,” please accompany an experienced forager as there are many mushrooms that are toxic. It is best to store your freshly harvested mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
“It is essential to always cook morels before consumption, as eating them raw could lead to stomach upset. Since they are field mushrooms, morels tend to collect sand and grit in their crevices and require cleaning. Soak them in cold salted water for a few minutes, then strain and rinse them again in cold water for a few seconds to eliminate any salty taste,” advises an online article, “Morel mushroom Nutrition facts,” nutritionandyou.com.
You may be surprised to learn that this fun tradition of hunting and eating morels also has health benefits. The same article states that morel mushrooms “are endowed with superb levels of health-benefiting antioxidants, essential minerals and vitamins.”
Don’t despair when the morel season ends, as there are a variety of mushrooms available year ’round in our grocery stores. The more common mushrooms are portobello, shiitake and white button mushrooms. To wash these mushrooms, don’t submerge them in water because they absorb water easily. Just a quick rinse to get the dirt off or wiping it down with a clean, damp cloth is sufficient.
Although species of mushrooms may vary in their nutritional value, all edible mushrooms are a type of beneficial fungi that adds flavor and amazing health benefits. Consider these highlights from the online article by Dr. Axe, “Mushroom Nutrition Benefits: Cancer Fighters and Cell Renewers.”
Health Benefits
1. Fights Cancer Cell Growth
2. Boosts Immune Function
3. Protects Heart Health
4. Enhances Energy Levels
5. Supports Weight Management
6. Provides Vitamin D
7. Promotes Better Brain Function
8. Can Help Strengthen Bones
9. May Support Reproductive Health and Fertility
This impressive list of benefits is a great reason to add mushrooms into your weekly meals. My husband and I like to sauté mushrooms and onions in butter with garlic for steaks, like our favorite restaurant. That combo also elevates the simple beef or turkey burger. Mushrooms are so versatile they can be added to any stir fry, scrambled eggs, or soup.
This spring, go outside to enjoy a walk in the woods and the delight of finding a treasure for your health, a mess of mushrooms!
Jeanna Anglin is a health coach residing in Putnam County who supports individuals and small groups in making lifestyle changes to improve their health. Jeannaanglin.com