September is National Mushroom Month, so let’s have some fun with one of our favorite foods:
• Agaricus bisporus are the most common edible mushrooms in North America and Europe. In their youngest forms, they are known as “button mushrooms”. When they are fully matured, they are called “portobello” mushrooms. Semi-mature mushrooms are known as “Cremini” or “Baby-bella”. 
• Did you know that ten small mushrooms have more potassium than a banana?
• China produces about 40 million tons of mushrooms and truffles per year. Japan is second with 472,000 tons, and the US is third with 370,000 tons.
• There is a mushroom known as “Chicken of the Woods”, and it taste like fried chicken. They are found in Europe and North America, and mostly grows on oak, yew, cherry and sweet chestnut trees.
• Mushrooms are unique because they are the only type of produce that is a source of vitamin D. Some sun grown mushrooms contain more than the daily recommended allowance of vitamin D.
• A 2017 Penn State study showed that mushrooms contain super-high concentrations of ergothioneine and glutathione. These antioxidants work to protect the body from physiological stress that causes visible signs of aging.
• Penn State researchers later found that people who regularly ate button mushrooms had a lower rate of depression.
• Mushrooms are incredibly low in calories, and have virtually no fat. So, with all their fiber, vitamins and minerals, why not add an extra scoop of them to your dinner tonight?
