Page 18 - Boca Club News - November '24
P. 18
Page 18, Boca Club News
Get Fresh! Tips from The Produce Maven:
1 Billion-Year-Old Fossilized Fungi
Found in Canada’s Arctic
Irving Swedko and his wife, Beverly, them in a paper towel or to ergothioneine, which helps reduce oxidative stress and, in
are members of Broken Sound Club. storing them in a paper bag turn, alleviates symptoms of depression. Additionally, button
He hails from Ottawa, the capital of helps absorb moisture and mushrooms contain potassium, which may reduce anxiety.
Canada, where he spent more than prevent sliminess. A study by the National University of Singapore found
50 years in the produce business When cooking that consuming two servings of cooked mushrooms weekly
that included taking a small fruit and mushrooms timing matters with seasoning. Adding salt could reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment, further
vegetable retail store and expanding before or immediately after tossing mushrooms in the pan highlighting the mental health benefits.
it across the city and into other areas will draw out their water, causing them to simmer in their In addition to these cognitive and mood-boosting
to include wholesale, food service own liquids. This can make them rubbery and tough, with effects, mushrooms are heart-healthy. They provide a rich
and importing, bringing trucks of fresh produce from across diminished flavor. For the best results, wait to add salt umami flavor due to glutamate ribonucleotides, which
the U.S. directly into Ottawa. His experience made him an until after the mushrooms have released and evaporated allows them to replace salt in recipes without affecting
expert on all things produce-related, from how to select the their moisture. blood pressure. A cup of mushrooms contains just 5 mg of
perfect melon to the best way to store fruits and veggies. After Nutritionally, mushrooms are low in calories, fat, and sodium, making them an excellent substitute for red meat
retiring, Irving and his wife Beverly became snowbirds and are cholesterol-free. They provide a modest amount of fiber in any dish, reducing calories, fat and cholesterol.
have been enjoying life at Broken Sound for 20 seasons. He and contain over a dozen essential vitamins and minerals, The wild “chicken of the woods” mushroom is famous
is the proud father of three daughters and looks forward to including copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins for its striking resemblance to the taste and texture of
family time with his seven grandchildren. such as folate. These nutrients make mushrooms a valuable fried chicken. Found on oak, cherry and chestnut trees
In a remarkable discovery, scientists uncovered a billion- addition to any diet. across Europe and North America, this bright-colored
year-old fossilized fungus in Canada’s Arctic, offering a Beyond their culinary versatility, mushrooms boast several soft mushroom is a favorite among foragers. However, it
glimpse into the ancient origins of fungi. The word “fungus” health benefits. According to a 2017 study by Penn State, closely resembles toxic species, so it’s best left to expert
(plural, fungi) is Latin for “mushroom” and mushrooms remain mushrooms are rich in such antioxidants as ergothioneine foragers.
the most recognizable and commonly consumed fungi. and glutathione. These antioxidants work together to protect If you’re feeling adventurous and curious about
Culinary enthusiasts will recognize that button, cremini the body from oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging legal psychedelic experiences, there’s a shop in Ybor,
(white), and portobello mushrooms are actually the same and conditions like wrinkles. Florida, that sells magic mushrooms, or “shrooms.” These
species–just at different stages of maturity. Button mushrooms Mushrooms may also help protect the brain as we age. A products are legal because they don’t contain the mind-
are the youngest, cremini are more mature, and the large, 2021 study from Spain found that food polyphenols, including altering compound psilocybin. Instead, they contain other
flavorful portobello is the fully grown version. those found in mushrooms, may protect against cognitive compounds that can have similar effects. Psychedelics
As they mature mushrooms lose water, with the portobello decline in older adults. The antioxidants ergothioneine and are increasingly recognized for their potential benefits
being the most robust in flavor. When selecting mushrooms glutathione are also linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s in treating trauma, PTSD and anxiety. Even microdosing
look for firm ones with smooth, dry surfaces that aren’t dried and Alzheimer’s diseases. Researchers suggest eating these compounds can help the average person manage
out. A plump, closed veil under the cap indicates a delicate at least five button mushrooms a day to help lower your stress and enhance their daily routine.
taste, while an open veil and exposed gills promise a richer, chances of developing these neurological conditions. For From ancient discoveries in the Arctic to modern
earthier flavor. the best nutritional retention, microwaving or grilling is scientific research, mushrooms continue to captivate us
For optimal storage keep mushrooms in the fridge and recommended. with their versatility and health benefits. Whether in the
avoid washing them until you’re ready to cook. Wrapping Mushrooms can also improve mood. In 2021, Penn State kitchen, as a therapeutic tool, or even as part of legal
researchers found that individuals who regularly consumed psychedelics, mushrooms are a timeless and fascinating
mushrooms had a lower risk of depression. This is likely due part of our world.
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