Don’t be in the dark about the power of mushrooms

Me and the Mighty Mushroom

Michelle Bridges’ 12 week body transformation had a lot of mushroom recipes. It’s where I got my taste for them actually. They are super low in calories and have virtually no fat so they’re a weight-loss super food.

What I learned this week, is that they’re also a super food for a lot of other reasons. You’re probably as sick as I am of hearing about the latest wonder super food but unlike most claims, all the amazing facts about mushrooms are backed up with seven years of scientific research.

The man who developed the breast cancer drug has discovered that mushrooms can reduce the risk of breast cancer. They can also reduce the risk of prostate and some other cancers.

Don't be in the dark about the power of mushrooms

What the Thai people told me about mushrooms making you look younger are true. They’re packed full of antioxidants so they really do help keep you looking young. They’re also the only non-meat, natural source of vitamin D (that’s the one we get from the sun and about 60% of us are lacking in) and they can prevent the risk of dementia.

It’s not like those Omega 3 ads where you have to eat a few kilograms of sardines to get the benefits though. All you have to do is eat three bit button mushrooms a day. Pretty simple isn’t it? That’s about 100g of mushrooms so for us dollar nerd like me that’s about $1 a day. It sounds like a pretty cheap way to stay healthy.

Popcorn with mushroom and truffle butter

I’m assuming that after reading all those mind-boggling facts about mushrooms I’m sure you’re back from the shops with a brown paper bag full of them so now I’m going to tell you about how versatile they are too.

On Monday I was lucky enough to attend the launch of their new campaign to enlighten us about the benefits of mushrooms. The event was catered by Deer Duck Bistro and consisted of appetisers, entree, main and dessert all full of mushrooms. Yes even dessert!

The first appetiser was popcorn (the event was held at the cinema). After Fast Ed, the emcee, told me that there are no truffles in truffle oil, I wasn’t as keen on the popcorn. Before then though I thought it was quite tasty. Definitely a creative use of mushrooms.

Mushroom and duck liver parfait on brioche

This one was very but very strong. You couldn’t eat two that’s for sure.

Mushroom tortellini with white wine and cep cream

I think the tortellini was my favourite of the starters. I can always be won over with pasta.

The mushroom lab

After the canapes and mingling, we were ushered through to the cinema. A laboratory of mushrooms in the entry way gave me a little bit of a hint as to why I’d been dubbed PROF Claire for the day (that’s what it said on my name tag).

The power of mushrooms media launch lunch

Not what you’d expect in a cinema is it? The set up was quite amazing and reminded me a bit of our wedding. You really can fit tables in the smallest of spaces!

Entree - Mushroom custard with dried mushroom broth

Our entrees were ready and waiting for us when we were seated. Another thing I love about mushrooms is the variety. They’re almost a work of are in themselves. The custard reminded me a bit of silken tofu but combined with all the other textures it was quite tasty.

Fast Ed

Then it was over to Professor Ed to welcome and enlighten us. He introduced a movie showcasing the results of the vast research they have conducted in the last few years. It was really fascinating!

Deer in the forest - venison and mushroom crepinette, spinach, pine nuts, chocolate soil, growing mushrooms, game chips

I’ve never eaten venison before but this won’t be the last time. It was cooked ‘sous vide’ style and was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth amazing. I loved everything about this dish.

Mushroom ice-cream

This looks like a regular little mini ice-cream doesn’t it?

The inside

It was in fact, mushroom ice cream. Sounds rather odd doesn’t it. Although the flavour was quite unusual I found room for it and gobbled it down. Mushrooms really are versatile aren’t they?

What’s your favourite way to eat mushrooms?

Here are some of my favourites:

• mushroom risotto
• mince wellington
• mushroom and soba noodle salad
• stuffed mushrooms
• steak with mushroom sauce

The power of mushrooms

Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a 4-layer stacking garden from Productive Gardens.

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