Mushrooms, a type of edible fungus, are consumed worldwide and often described as the “meat” of the vegetable kingdom.

With thousands of varieties, these fleshy fungi range in color, shape and taste. They are rich in B vitamins and also provide a good source of selenium, copper, potassium and niacin. But mushrooms real healing power comes from potent phytonutrients including lentinan and terpenoids - found in shiitakes.

Common culinary varities to enjoy include button, shiitake, oyster, portabello, wood ear, porcini,cremnini, chanterelles, cepe, morels and enoki mushrooms.

Choose plump, clean mushrooms that are firm and evenly colored with caps that are tightly closed. Avoid those that are broken or appear slimy. Store fresh mushrooms with cool air circulating around them.