The Magic of Mushrooms.

Mushrooms are currently popular and versatile ingredients in cooking, with their sales increasing by 20% in the past decade. They offer deep umami flavors that are hard to replicate with other meat-free ingredients, making them appealing to both vegetarians and carnivores. When buying fresh mushrooms, it is important to choose plump ones with a smooth surface and store them in a paper bag in the fridge. Dried mushrooms are also valuable pantry staples that can be ground into seasonings or rehydrated for soups and sauces. In addition to their nutritional benefits, mushrooms may also have positive effects on brain health, potentially reducing the risk of early dementia. When cooking with mushrooms, it is recommended to avoid overcrowding the pan and to season them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy. [Extracted from the article]