| FOOD
FOR THOUGHT |
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The Mushroom
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Did you know there are
over 2,500 mushroom varieties grown in the world today?
Did you know that the
truffle mushroom is a gastronomic delicacy? Therefore, as is the
case with all gastronomic delicacies, truffles are very difficult
to find. Since they are subterranean, truffles can not be found
by people, but thanks to their intense aroma, they can be found
by specially trained truffle dogs or, in some cases, by 'HungryPigs'. No,
it is not a mistake. Pigs possess an extraordinary sense of smell
and make no mistakes when looking for these sub-terranean delicacies.
Once you taste them you will be hooked! Even though gourmets disagree
whether it is a spice or food, they are unanimous about the truffle
being the best of all delicacies.
Portobellos, Shiitakes,
Criminis and White mushrooms are the most commonly used cultivated
varieties, but the more exotic mushrooms - Morels, Oyster mushrooms,
Beech mushrooms, Enokis and Maitakes - are becoming increasingly
popular.
|
Type
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DESCRIPTION
/ FLAVOR
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White
Mushrooms
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White
mushrooms vary in color from creamy white to light brown and
in sizes from small (button) to jumbo. They are pleasingly mild
and woodsy; their flavor intensifies when cooked. |
|
Portabella
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The
Portabella mushroom is a larger, hardier relative of the White
and Crimini and can range up to 6 inches in diameter. Has a
meat-like texture and flavor. |
|
Crimini
|
Crimini
mushrooms are similar in appearance to the Whites because they
come from the same family (Agaricus). Look for a naturally light
tan to rich brown cap and a very firm texture. Deeper, denser,
earthier flavor than White mushrooms. |
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Shiitake
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Shiitakes
range in color from tan to dark brown with broad, umbrella-shaped
caps, wide open veils and tan gills. Shiitake caps have a soft,
spongy texture. When cooked, Shiitake mushrooms are rich and
woodsy with a meaty texture. |
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Maitake
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Maitakes
are described by a cluster of dark fronds with firm and supple
texture at base, becoming slightly brittle and crumbly at the
edges. Maitake mushrooms have a distinctive aroma with a rich,
woodsy taste. |
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Oyster
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Fluted
and graceful, Oyster mushrooms range in color from soft brown
to gray. They are best if cooked. Oyster mushrooms have a delicate,
mild flavor and velvety texture. |
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Enoki
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Fragile,
flower-like with long, slender stems and tiny caps, Enoki mushrooms
grow in small clusters. They have a mild, light flavor with
a slight crunch. |
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Morel
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Morel
mushrooms have short, thick, hollow stems, topped with sponge-like
pointed caps, resembling honeycombs. Morels may be tan, yellow
or black in color and produce a rich, nut-like flavor and woodsy
fragrance. |
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Beech
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Beech
mushrooms are petite with either all white or light brown caps.
The Beech has a crunchy texture offering a delicately mild flavor
that is sweet and deliciously nutty. |
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