Edible Mushrooms

fungi · food · nature · gardening

Fungi, not plants. Mushrooms aren't actually plants, even though they grow from the ground. They're fungi, which means they're living things in their own special category, kind of like nature's own unique kingdom.

Grown everywhere. Some mushrooms are super easy to grow, so farmers cultivate them in greenhouses and farms all over the world. Other delicious varieties grow wild in forests and fields, and people hunt for them as a fun outdoor adventure.

Nutrition powerhouse. Edible mushrooms give your body vitamins, minerals, and other healthy stuff your body needs. They're one of nature's healthiest foods and can be cooked into soups, pizzas, pastas, and so much more.

Must be properly identified. Not all mushrooms are safe to eat, so people who pick wild mushrooms need to be really careful and know exactly what they're collecting. The edible ones have no dangerous toxins and taste great when prepared correctly.

In markets and stores. The most common edible mushrooms like button mushrooms, portabellos, and shiitakes are easy to find at grocery stores year-round. Rarer special varieties might only show up at fancy markets or specialty shops.