Many Minnesotans are new to gourmet mushrooms. We’re used to choosing between the three varieties of mushroom you’ll find at the average grocery store without being able to choose the nuanced flavor profile and texture that best suits our needs.
Now that R&R Cultivation’s locally grown gourmet mushrooms are available to residents of the Twin Cities metro area, many customers have had questions about the culinary and health benefits of these mushrooms. We’ll answer those questions from our perspective and give you some insight into the mushrooms growing and harvesting process.
How are gourmet mushrooms grown in the U.S.?
We love our gourmet mushrooms in the United States – over 1.5 million mushrooms are grown here each year! Gourmet mushrooms can easily be grown by professionals in a special hygienic facility. This ensures the mushrooms are safe to eat and are packaged at peak freshness.
What types of mushrooms are grown in Minnesota?
You can find many varieties of mushrooms growing naturally in Minnesota’s forests, but they are difficult to find and can be unsafe to eat if they are not properly identified. Luckily, Minnesota companies like R&R Cultivation grow numerous mushroom varieties that are safe to consume and taste great! At our grow rooms in New Hope, Minnesota, we grow oyster mushrooms, shiitakes, Chestnut mushrooms, and more to sell at local grocery stores, co-ops, and farmers markets.
Which wild mushrooms can I eat?
There are thousands of species of fungi in the world, but only a few are edible. Take caution when handling wild mushrooms, as they may be poisonous.
The great thing about buying gourmet mushrooms is that you can be sure they’re safe to eat! There are so many types of wild mushrooms, and many look alike. It can be difficult to know whether a mushroom is edible or poisonous without getting it from a trusted source.
How should I store gourmet mushrooms?
Store your mushrooms in the refrigerator in a paper bag until you’re ready to eat them. This keeps them from getting soggy from the moisture in your fridge. When you’re ready to prepare your mushrooms, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Wait until right before you use the mushrooms to wash them; moisture is the enemy of fresh gourmet mushrooms!
Are mushrooms a fruit or vegetable?
Actually, they’re neither. Mushrooms are fungi, which are so distinct in nature they are classified as their own kingdom – separate from plants or animals. However, mushrooms are often called a vegetable for dietary purposes since they provide many of the same vitamins and minerals as certain vegetables.
What are mushrooms’ health benefits?
All varieties of mushrooms are fat-free, low-calorie, nutrient-dense, low in sodium and contain natural antioxidants. But their health benefits don’t stop there. Many mushrooms have also been purported to have medicinal benefits; some (such as Lion’s Mane) are said to improve cognitive health, while others support a healthy immune system. Any way you slice it, fresh mushrooms are a healthy addition to your plate!
How should I prepare my gourmet mushrooms?
However you’d like! Treat your gourmet mushrooms like you would normally treat mushrooms in your favorite dishes. Since gourmet mushrooms sometimes have a delicate flavor profile, the best way to truly experience their uniqueness is to gently sauté them in butter or oil until tender.
Are you ready to give gourmet mushrooms a try? R&R Cultivation offers a variety of options to suit your tastes. From the delicate oyster mushroom to the earthy Pioppino, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes and take your dinner to the next level!
Our Minnesota mushrooms are available at co-ops, Lunds & Byerlys, Hy-Vee, and farmers markets in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. We also deliver our products locally!