How to cook Mushrooms

Dry-fry them in a pan before adding to pasta, or slow roast and season with garlic and parsley for a tasty starter. Mushrooms are also delicious in risottos, stir-fries, sauces, casseroles and pies; or fried and served on toast for breakfast.

WATCH: Wild mushroom on toast with shaved truffle

READ: 10 reasons we love mushrooms

WHAT ARE MUSHROOMS?

Mushrooms are a fungus and there are thousands of (known!) varieties. Due to their meaty texture and super-umami flavour, they’re often used in veggie and vegan dishes as a tasty alternative to meat. Some farmers grow certain species of mushroom in caves because they’re dark and always cool – the ideal conditions for many mushroom varieties.

WHEN ARE MUSHROOMS IN SEASON?

Mushrooms are in season over the autumn, mainly from September to November.

HOW TO STORE MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms are often covered in soil. Use kitchen paper or a brush to get it off, but don’t wash them under the tap, as they will absorb the water and become soggy.

What are the health benefits?

Mushrooms are a great source of essential B vitamins, which help our metabolism function so we can utilise the energy and nutrients from the food we eat. Just 14 button mushrooms or 3-4 heaped tablespoons of mushrooms count as one of your 5-a-day (one portion of veg or fruit is 80g raw weight).