Exotic Mushrooms On The Menu: Discover Their Culinary And Medicinal Uses (2024)

There are roughly 2000 mushrooms in the wild that are edible, that's quite a lot to cover! These 7 exotic mushrooms are some of the more known and used ones in culinary dishes, herbal teas, and supplements.

Oyster Mushroom

The Oyster mushroom is a culinary delight known for its tender texture and mild flavor. It earned its name due to its resemblance to an oyster shell. Oyster mushrooms are commonly found in various colors, such as white, yellow, and pink. They are often used in stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes. Oyster mushrooms are low in calories and a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins (B-complex vitamins), and minerals (such as potassium, phosphorus, and selenium). They are also known for their immune-boosting properties.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushrooms are a staple in Asian cuisine, prized for their rich umami flavor and meaty texture. They have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential health benefits. Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds like lentinan, which may be immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory. These mushrooms are a good source of B-vitamins, as well as minerals like copper, zinc, and manganese. Shiitake mushrooms can be sautéed, added to soups, stir-fries, and even used as a meat substitute in various dishes.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

With its unique appearance resembling a lion's mane, this mushroom stands out from the rest. Lion's Mane mushrooms have a subtle seafood-like flavor and a tender texture. Recent studies suggest they may have cognitive benefits, potentially aiding memory, focus, and nerve health. They contain compounds that support nerve growth and brain health. In culinary applications, Lion's Mane mushrooms can be sliced and cooked like scallops or shredded and used in vegetarian "pulled pork" dishes.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms are a woody and bitter-tasting variety known for their medicinal properties. Often referred to as the "Mushroom of Immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi has been used for centuries to support overall health and vitality. These mushrooms contain triterpenoids and beta-glucans, believed to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Reishi mushrooms are not commonly eaten due to their tough texture, but they are often consumed as teas, tinctures, or supplements.

Porcini Mushroom

Porcini mushrooms, or Cep mushrooms, are highly prized in European cuisine for their intense nutty flavor and meaty texture. These mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D, which is relatively rare in plant-based foods. Porcini mushrooms are often used in risottos, pasta dishes, and soups, where their earthy flavor can shine.

Maitake Mushroom

The Maitake mushroom, also known as "Hen of the Woods," is a cluster of frilly, fan-like caps. It has a robust and earthy flavor, making it a popular addition to various dishes. Maitake mushrooms are believed to have immune-modulating properties, and they contain compounds that may support overall well-being. These mushrooms can be roasted, grilled, or added to stir-fries and soups.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey Tail mushrooms are named for their striking resemblance to the tail feathers of a wild turkey. They have a tough and chewy texture, making them unsuitable for direct consumption, but they are commonly used to make medicinal teas and supplements. Turkey Tail mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides like beta-glucans, which can enhance the immune system and support gut health.

Exotic Mushrooms On The Menu: Discover Their Culinary And Medicinal Uses (2024)

FAQs

What are exotic mushrooms for cooking? ›

Oyster, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms are excellent when sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a splash of soy sauce. Serve them as a delectable side dish, or generously heap them atop a steaming bed of fluffy rice. Or how about using them as the main filling for tacos, like these vegan mushroom tacos.

What is the culinary use of mushrooms? ›

Mushrooms are the ultimate stir-fry add in. They soak up dressings like soy sauce for an extra pop of flavor. Plus, they make a great filling ingredient for dumplings and mix-in for fried rice.

What edible mushrooms have medicinal properties? ›

Medicinal mushroom types. Often considered vegetables, mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. They belong to a unique kingdom of fungi. Some of the mushrooms considered best for human health include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, cordyceps and maitake.

Are exotic mushrooms healthy? ›

The fiber and special enzymes in mushrooms also help lower cholesterol levels too! In fact, exotic mushrooms are a great source of iron with over 90% of the iron value able to be absorbed by the body. This keeps your red blood cells happy, healthy and also combats fatigue.

What are rare mushrooms used for? ›

Rare Mushrooms are required to craft Re-Fertilizer, Lesser Antidote and to cook the Superior Kibble, Shadow Steak Saute and Mindwipe Tonic dishes.

Can you eat mushrooms raw or cooked? ›

There are few “vegetables” as versatile as the mushroom. Mushrooms adapt well to many cuisine types and recipes, they can be eaten raw or cooked, and they pack a savory umami flavor. And while mushrooms are technically fungi, nutritionally they are similar to a vegetable.

How to cook mushrooms for health? ›

The researchers concluded that the best way to cook mushrooms while still preserving their nutritional properties is to grill or microwave them, as the fried and boiled mushrooms showed significantly less antioxidant activity.

What is the king of medicinal mushrooms? ›

Chaga is often referred to as “the king of mushrooms”, and has been consumed in the East for many years because it is loaded with amazing health benefits.

What is the queen of medicinal mushrooms? ›

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is sometimes called the queen of mushrooms because of its broad spectrum of health benefits. Evidence suggests it may boost immunity, mood, heart health, and overall energy.

What is the best medicinal mushroom? ›

Top 7 Medicinal Mushrooms + Their Benefits
  • Reishi. ...
  • Cordyceps. ...
  • Chaga. ...
  • Turkey Tail. ...
  • Shiitake. ...
  • Maitake. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is commonly known as Hen of the Woods or the Dancing Mushroom. ...
  • Vitamin D. Mushrooms can also be a great source of Vitamin D. ...
  • References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18758067/
Dec 28, 2020

Does cooking medicinal mushrooms destroy nutrients? ›

Cooking mushrooms in high-temperature water such as boiling and microwaving may cause its water-soluble nutrients (B vitamins, potassium) to escape in the cooking water. Sautéing quickly over high heat, or simmering over low heat, such as in soups, are ideal cooking methods for preserving nutrients.

What is the most exotic mushroom? ›

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

This mushroom goes by many names—lion's mane, bearded tooth, hedgehog, bearded hedgehog, Satyr's beard, or pom pom mushroom—and is known for its strange, stringy appearance.

What is the most expensive mushroom for cooking? ›

7 Expensive Types Of Mushrooms To Know About
  1. Chanterelle. Chanterelles are one of the most expensive mushroom varieties, also known as Girolles, and are popular and delicious types of food mushrooms. ...
  2. Morel. ...
  3. Porcini. ...
  4. French black truffles. ...
  5. Matsutake mushrooms. ...
  6. White truffles. ...
  7. Yartsa Gunbu.
Feb 17, 2024

What are the rarest culinary mushrooms? ›

What Is the Rarest Mushroom? The yartsa gunbu also wins the prize for rarest mushroom. It's not just that these mushrooms are only found in the wild growing out of caterpillars. They also only grow in a specific area as well.

What is the most edible wild mushroom? ›

Hen-of-the-woods, oyster, and sulphur shelf mushrooms are safe, delicious, and nutritious wild varieties prized by mushroom hunters. While these and many other mushrooms are safe to consume, eating varieties like the death cap, false morels, and Conocybe filaris can cause serious adverse health effects and even death.

Where do exotic mushrooms grow? ›

How Do Mushrooms Grow? Far West Fungi is located in Moss Landing, California on a bluff above the Pajaro River. The cool, moist seaside climate is perfect for growing mushrooms. They grow about 52 different varieties of exotic mushrooms which are offered throughout the year.

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