Most people are only familiar with only a few types of mushrooms, such as white button, portabella and cremini (a smaller stage of portabella).

Gourmet mushrooms are easy to grow. The huge variety can expand your palate. Each type of mushroom has its own taste, texture and smell. These can be accentuated by proper cooking methods.  Mushrooms can contribute to sustainable food production. There are indigenous fungi in every environment, so they are suitable for diverse growing conditions.  Some are heat tolerant, while others even require low temperatures to fruit. In addition to their great taste, there are many health benefits to mushrooms. Heavy metals can be absorbed by growing mushrooms, so it is important to obtain them from a reliable source. Nutritional benefits of mushrooms include low calories (Mushrooms: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More), a good source of protein, minerals and antioxidants.

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