Greetings seasoned readers! In this issue:

• All about the fascinating mushroom

• Healthy mushroom recipes that will leave you full

• Three fascinating facts about mushrooms

• The little-known connection between mushrooms and… Star Trek?

The Hidden Power of Mushrooms

Just beneath the forest floor is a miraculous ecosystem that has sustained our planet for nearly a billion years. It's the humble mushroom (fungi). From Earth's dawning, fungi helped form our breathable atmosphere and still use their remarkable powers to create, sustain, and regenerate life. 

Fungi are food for our planet 

Did you know that mushrooms aren’t plants? They belong to the third kingdom of food, preceded by plants and animals.

Fungi offer hope for greater sustainability on a level that could end world hunger and help the environment. There are more than 14,000 known species of mushrooms alone, with about 2,200 types that are safe to eat. These amazing organisms require little or no water, nutrients, or sunlight to grow, can thrive on waste products, and can produce nutrient-dense food in small spaces. 

As we continue to uncover mushrooms' secrets, one thing becomes clear: fungi are not just a part of our past—they're a key to a better future. 

Mushrooming trends in cooking

Beyond their alluring umami flavor, mushrooms are packed with vitamin D and antioxidants. They’re also one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin B12, making them essential for those on plant-based diets or concerned about nutrition. In addition, mushrooms:

• Provide 19–35% protein, higher than most vegetables and similar to or higher than pork and beef.

• Offer complete proteins.

• Are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Contain all nine essential amino acids.

• Decompose organic matter and create nutrient-rich soil for food crops.

• Capture climate-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• Allow mother trees to feed carbon to their saplings to promote growth.

It’s no wonder why these nutritional powerhouses are appearing more often in recipes in place of meat. You can enjoy sophisticated entrees like mushroom bourguignon (divine!), and simple, soul-warming stews and sides. 

There are also new products appearing on grocers’ shelves that use fungi to create delicious yogurt, cream cheese, and sausages. There’s even coffee that’s nutrient-packed and tastes much like the real thing but without a harsh caffeine jolt.

Other mushroom miracles

• Several mushroom varieties are being studied for their potential to help with memory and focus, anxiety, and mood regulation. 

• Some fungi are used to break down plastics and oil spills, offering innovative environmental cleanup solutions.

• Architects and designers are now growing fungal bricks that are sustainable, naturally fire-resistant, and incredibly strong. 

Three Bonus Facts Today!

Mushrooms are so incredibly fascinating that we couldn’t decide which of these three bonus facts to share this week. So here they all are!

Fact #1: Mushrooms are genetically more similar to humans than plants

And some believe that explains the meaty texture. Check out Neil deGrasse Tyson describing this in the video below.

Fact #2: Some cities have whole celebrations dedicated to them

Atlanta, GA, the “City in the Forest,” holds a quarterly mushroom festival (yes, that’s four times per year). Local artisans sell mushroom crafts and live gardens, scientists give academic lectures about them, and experts teach about foraging for them yourself.

Fact #3: Mushrooms are finicky, but not that finicky

Mushrooms are best stored in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator, not in plastic wrap. And despite the rumors, it's fine to wash mushrooms! Just wait until you're ready to use them in a recipe.

Become a mushroom nerd!

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_{Okay, here’s a 4th fun fact BECAUSE WE JUST CAN’T HELP OURSELVES WITH THIS TOPIC}

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