COURTESY OF THE MUSHROOM COUNCIL
Known for being as versatile as they are delicious , mushrooms have long been the go-to ingredient for chefs who want to bring a certain complexity to their dishes . With an earthy , umami flavor , mushrooms are often braised , added to sauces or even used as stand-ins for meat .
Aside from taste , mushrooms boast a menu of health benefits . Rich in vitamin D , mushrooms show promise when it comes to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure , while boosting the body ’ s circulation and immune systems .
William Li , a doctor , researcher and New York Times bestselling author , says that mushrooms contain compounds called “ bioactives ,” a type of fiber that lowers inflammation in the body to fight disease . “ These compounds boost your immune system ’ s ability to thwart infection ,” Li says . “ By amplifying the body ’ s natural responses , mushrooms raise your health shields to help you avoid disease .”
For all these reasons , mushrooms have long been a supermarket staple . But now they ’ re hopping off the plate and gaining popularity in some unexpected places — including in coffee , wine , skin care and fashion .
SPRING / SUMMER 2023 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 61