Field mushroom( botanical name: nmagaricus campestris) also called as meadow mushroom in North America is the most commonly eaten gilled mushroom variety. They are neither plants nor animals and belong to the fungi category. It is very similar to button mushroom. It is white to brown in color and has scales beneath ranging from pink to brown color. It has a bland flavor. They grow in gardens and lawns after rainfall. They are used to make pies and grills. It is one of the most commonly cultivated mushroom in United States.
History
This variety was first observed in 1753 by Carolus Linnaeus.
Culinary uses
Field mushrooms are excellent for use both raw and cooked. The advantage of using mushroom is that absorbs the flavor of the other ingredients quickly and tastes uniform.
· They can be used raw for salads like mushroom lemon parsley salad.
· It can be used as filling in Italian dishes like lasagna, cannelloni and ravioli.
· It can also be used as a filling is pastry puffs, pies and bakes.
· It can be stir-fried for oriental cooking.
· They can be slicked and used as toppings in pizza, crostini and bruschetta.
· The can be marinated and used in grills and kebabs like tikkas and yakitori.
· It can be sliced, diced or pureed for use in soups.
Popular recipes
Grilled field mushrooms with garlic parmesan filling – The mushrooms are either grilled in the oven or a grill plate.
Field mushroom pie with tarragon – sliced mushrooms are used to make this recipe. A shortcrust pie is lined in a pie dish and filled with the mushroom filling.
Preferable cooking methods
· Stir fying
· Baking
· Grilling
· Barbeque
· Roast
· Stewing
Health and Nutrition facts
· Studies show that field mushrooms have potential cancer fighting nutrients
· Mushrooms have lean proteins, very less carbohydrates, fiber which help to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body.
· Ergothioneine, an anti-oxidant present in mushrooms protect the body from free radical damage and help in boosting immunity.
· They are excellent sources of potassium and help to maintain the sodium – potassium balance in the body.
Buying and storing tips
· Only those mushrooms, which have a firm texture and a clean surface should be bought.
· They should be stored in the refrigerator in refrigerator vegetable bags. They can also be stored in a container partially covered to prevent drying.
· They can also be canned or frozen for future use.
Trivia
· A mycophile is a person whose hobby is to hunt for mushrooms.
· Mycophobia is the term for fear of mushrooms.