Looking to add some new and exciting flavors to your cooking? look no further than functional mushrooms. Functional mushrooms are a group of mushrooms that are not only delicious but also packed with potential health benefits. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and have gained popularity in recent years for their unique flavors and potential health benefits. Additionally, mushrooms are a good sustainable alternative to meat and other animal products, as they require fewer resources to grow and produce.

In this post, we will be discussing three different functional mushrooms and providing some delicious viral recipes to incorporate them into your diet. We'll be covering Enoki, Lion's Mane, and Oyster mushrooms- exploring their unique culinary characteristics and potential health benefits. Whether you're a seasoned mushroom lover or new to the world of functional mushrooms, we're excited to share these recipes and insights with you!

 

 

 ENOKI MUSHROOMS

Enoki mushrooms are a nutritious and delicious addition to any dish. These long, thin mushrooms are commonly used in Asian cuisine and have gained popularity worldwide for their unique taste and texture. Enoki mushrooms are also a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Additionally, Enoki mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which may support overall health and wellbeing. While some studies have suggested that Enoki mushrooms may have potential health benefits, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Regardless, Enoki mushrooms are a great source of nutrition and can be a versatile addition to a healthy diet.

 

If you're looking to explore the unique flavor and texture of enoki mushrooms or try something new in your cooking, we've put together a list of our favorite recipes featuring this versatile ingredient. Discover them below!

 

CRISPY CRUNCHY ENOKI 

@rhi.scranthere is no mushroom better than enoki fight me x#enoki#mushrooms#friedenokimushroom#crunchasmr#foodasmr#vegan#foodtiktok♬ I Wish - Radio Edit - Skee-Lo

SPICY CHILLI ENOKI

@iankewksSpicy enoki mushrooms 🥵🍄#enokimushroom♬ Better Days - LAKEY INSPIRED

 

 

 

LION'S MANE 

 
Lion's Mane mushrooms are a unique and flavorful addition to any dish. These mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine and are now gaining popularity for their potential cognitive benefits. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that Lion's Mane mushrooms may have the potential to improve memory and focus. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. Regardless, Lion's Mane mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal and can be enjoyed for their culinary value alone.
 
If you're curious about Lion's Mane mushrooms or just looking to try something new, we've compiled a list of our top recipes featuring this versatile ingredient. Check them out below

PAN FRIED BUTTERY LION'S MANE

@edenvonweisstofu could never beat this texture#lionsmane#lionsmanemushroom#holistichealth#holistichealing#healthyliving#easyrecipe#brainhealth#energy♬ California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas

 

 

LION'S MANE GYRO WRAP

@turnipveganLion’s Mane Mushroom Wrap (Gyro Style)#ThrowbackThursdayThe best part about Thursday is taking a trip down memory lane. This recipe was one of my favorites from 2022. Recipe below 👇 Lions Mane Mushroom (about the size of cauliflower) Vegan Butter Salt & Pepper Marjoram Powder Dried Minced Onion Smoked Paprika Fresh Rosemary Tzatziki Sauce 2 tsp dried minced garlic 1 TBSP lemon juice 1 TBSP + 2 tsp dried dill 10-12 leaves fresh mint, chopped 1 cup vegan mayo 1 cup dairy-free plain yogurt 1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped 1 tsp lemon zest Salt & pepper to taste Other Ingredients/Toppings Soft Pita Bread or Lavash Vegan Feta Cheese Butter Lettuce Red Onion Kalamata Olives Step 1 Mix garlic, lemon juice, dill, mint, mayo, yogurt, cucumber, lemon zest, and salt & pepper in a bowl. Set aside. Step 2 Prepare your Lion’s Mane by cutting off any remaining substrate and cleaning with a soft brush or paper towel. Step 3 Add Lion’s Mane to a cast iron skillet with vegan butter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, marjoram, dried onions, and paprika. Place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary into the butter. Press the mushroom down with a flat surface until all liquid cooks out. Make sure to flip the mushroom in this process. I use a cast iron press for this. Step 4 Baste the mushroom with the hot rosemary butter and press it until it is well cooked on both sides and about 1/2 inch thick. Step 5 Build your Gyro, in your preferred bread/pita, the Lion’s Mane mushroom, feta cheese, butter lettuce, red onion, and kalamata olives. Top with Tzatziki Sauce. Enjoy the sun for the best vibes.#veganrecipes#lionsmanemushroom#howtocooklionsmanemushrooms#turnipvegan#checkthevibes#howtocooklionsmane♬ Blade Runner 2049 - Synthwave Goose

 

 

EXTRA CRISPY CAJUN LION'S MANE SANDWICH

@turnipveganExtra Crispy Cajun Double Lion’s Mane Mushroom Sandwich This recipe will blow your mind!! For real! I break this entire recipe down in an in-depth video dropping today on YouTube. I can not believe it has been almost a year since I completed a full video. This is changing starting with this new series called “This Recipe Reminds Me Of.” For each episode, I will pick an image, item, or person to take us down memory lane. You never know where this may go. I have many stories to share and hope to bring others on the show to share their story while we whip up some vegan recipes. In this episode, we are bringing the Lion’s Manes mushroom recipes to the channel by showing you how to make a fire vegan Extra Crispy Cajun Double Lion’s Mane Sandwich. The inspiration came from a photo of a stranger at a party in Palm Springs, CA, and me at Ace Hotel. Thank God I dont party like that anymore, but I had some good memories. After getting drunk and partying, we would hit Jack In The Box and get their Big Chicken Sandwich. That is another thing I am glad I dont do anymore. I wanted to remake that sandwich, but vegan and even better! Check out the full recipe and directions on my YouTube. Check the bio up north. Shout out to Max from @goldenmushroomco for the cameo 😀#lionsmanemushroom#lionsmanemushroomrecipes♬ TOP MAMA - SPINALL & Reekado Banks & Phyno & Ntosh Gazi

 

 

OYSTER MUSHROOMS

Oyster mushrooms are a tasty and versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. These mushrooms are packed with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and a range of vitamins and minerals. Some studies suggest that Oyster mushrooms may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help support overall health and wellbeing. In addition, Oyster mushrooms are a great source of dietary beta-glucans, which have been shown to support immune function in some studies. While further research is needed to confirm any potential health benefits of Oyster mushrooms, they are a nutritious and delicious ingredient to incorporate into your meals.

 

It's also worth noting that there are many different types of Oyster mushrooms, each with their own unique flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the delicate sweetness of the Pink Oyster mushroom or the meaty texture of the King Oyster mushroom, there's an Oyster mushroom variety to suit any palate.

 

So, what are the best oyster mushroom recipes? Below you'll find our go to recipes, whether it's vegan scallops or pink oyster bacon, there is no end to their tastiness.

 

VEGAN SCALLOPS - KING OYSTER MUSHROOMS

 

PINK OYSTER MUSHROOM BACON 

@jess.flowersPink oyster mushrooms after 10 days! Its so easy to grow- just cut it and spray it! Or you could set up a humidifier next to to it like me! I like using a humidifier next to my grow kits because it prevents them from drying out and creates really happy mushrooms#mushroom#growingmushrooms#oystermushroom#northspore#fungilovers#growingfood#veganbacon#plantbasedbacon♬ Sunshine - WIRA

 

DREAMY BUTTERY PAN FRIED OYSTER MUSHROOMS

@lahbcoReply to @alli.sl make love to some mushrooms tonight 🍄#mushrooms#foodtiktok#datenight♬ Hrs and Hrs - Muni Long

 

  

 BIOAVAILABILITY OF FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS

Functional mushrooms, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have a range of health benefits. However, not all of these beneficial compounds may be readily available to the body after consumption. The concept of bioavailability is an important term to be aware of. Lets break it down.

Bioavailability is a fancy word that refers to how much of a substance your body can actually use after you eat or drink it. When it comes to functional mushrooms, which are known for their health benefits, the level of bioavailability can affect how much of the good stuff your body gets.

Functional mushrooms contain natural compounds that have been shown to improve the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain function. But, simply eating mushrooms might not give you all the benefits you're hoping for. Cooking, digestion, and individual differences in metabolism can all impact the amount of these beneficial compounds that your body actually absorbs.

That's where supplements come in! Supplements, like mushroom extracts or powders, are specifically designed to increase bioavailability and provide higher concentrations of the beneficial compounds found in functional mushrooms. This means that by taking supplements, you can get more of the good stuff and make the most out of the health benefits that functional mushrooms have to offer. Check out our full range of functional mushrooms here.

THE CONCLUSION

Incorporating functional mushrooms into your cooking is not only an exciting way to add unique flavors to your meals but also a great way to receive potential health benefits. The five functional mushrooms discussed in this article; Enoki, Lion's Mane, Oyster, Chaga, and Shiitake mushrooms, all have their unique culinary characteristics and potential health benefits. Although further research is needed to confirm the potential health benefits of functional mushrooms, they are still a great source of nutrition and can be a versatile addition to a healthy diet. With the recipes provided, you can easily incorporate these mushrooms into your meals and explore their culinary potential. Functional mushrooms are also a sustainable alternative to meat and other animal products, which require more resources to produce. Overall, incorporating functional mushrooms into your diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support your health and wellbeing.