Mushroom

Mushrooms are phenomenal for your tastebuds, gut, overall health and are the undervalued environmental hero we all need! The United Nation marks World Environment Day on 5 June to encourage “worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.” In light of the 2025 theme of Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience, how can each of us help promote food security and save the planet? Well, eating more cultivated fresh mushrooms is one possible route. The scope of the problem “There has never been a more pressing need for creative and sustainable alternatives to agricultural operations,” say the authors of a study by the Departments of Economics and Trade and Finance at Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, published earlier this year in the research journal, Frontiers. “Rapid urbanisation, coupled with the escalating challenges posed by traditional farming methods, necessitates a paradigm shift in how we cultivate and access food,” the study goes on to declare. But why look at the humble mushroom to help save the day? You are what you eat Mushrooms offer bountiful nutrition, while being low in calories, sodium and cholesterol. They also boost health in many surprising ways. According to 2022 research published in the US National Library of Medicine, the “beneficial effects of Agaricus bisporus, the world’s most consumed mushroom, have been seen in metabolic syndrome, immune function, gastrointestinal health, and cancer; with the strongest evidence for the improvement in vitamin D status in humans.” Agaricus bisporus is the scientific name for the strain of cultivated mushrooms we commonly find in supermarkets, including white button mushrooms, portabellinis and the larger portabellos. Eco-warrior on a mission “Benefits [of mushroom cultivation] include efficient use of space, reduced water consumption, minimal reliance on arable land, and the potential for year-round cultivation. Additionally, mushrooms possess a remarkable ability to recycle organic waste and convert it into nutritious food, thus contributing to waste reduction and resource efficiency,” notes the Czech researchers. Mushroom cultivation requires minimal arable land space In a world where land for cultivation is at a premium, the study also praised mushrooms as a crop ideal for urban spaces as “mushrooms are low maintenance, they do not require daylight or artificial light manipulations, and they can be grown all year round.” In South Africa, mushroom farming is a key component of the wider agriculture industry as much of the waste product generated in other sectors of the industry are composted into the substrate in which mushrooms are grown. According to the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA), “a big part of the mushroom composting process is the creation of a mushroom substrate that uses straw as a waste product from wheat farming as its base. The major benefit to the environment is that the thousands of kilos of straw used in the creation of the substrate were previously burnt, causing smoke and air pollution.” Additionally, nutrition scientist Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, writing for the US Mushroom Council, points out that “mushrooms need minimal resources to grow,” and that includes water and electricity. As a food crop, mushrooms are also one of the “few plants you can effortlessly eat whole. When preparing, you use the whole mushroom – no need to toss any seeds, stems, peels,” she says. As with the maxim reduce, reuse, recycle, which relies on individuals to select resources carefully, use them slowly and to their fullest and then dispose of them ethically for the good of all, benefitting from the mushroom crop requires consuming them often and in a way that reduces consumption of other, more environmentally stressful crops. For instance, stretching meat dishes to feed more people by adding whole mushrooms, not only to improve flavour and fibre in the meal, but to make sure more mouths are fed. And we’re not just talking low-cost meals here! Even at your fanciest dinner party, no-one is going to turn down the mushrooms in Button Mushroom Oxtail or pass on a luxe starter of Twice Baked Mushroom Soufflé. Look through our library of recipes on the official SAMFA website for mushroom meals that will both satisfy and contribute to saving the planet. The post Save the World One Mushroom at a Time appeared first on WomenStuff.

“Mushroom Choice” by StudioMootant Inspired by Mario as Neo offering you the choice of the red mushroom or the blue mushroom The post Mushroom Choice appeared first on Shirtoid.

If you’re looking for a comforting hug in a bowl, then you should try making this delicious Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe.   Table of Contents Toggle Is Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Healthy? What Other Proteins Besides Beef Can I Use?  FAQs & Tips Serving Suggestions Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Nothing makes the workday go by faster than knowing there’s a bubbling pot of beef stroganoff waiting for you at home. This recipe is hearty, rich in flavor, and absolutely filled with delicious ingredients that will satisfy any craving. Thankfully, it doesn’t require endless stirring and attention on the stovetop since it’s made entirely in the Instant Pot!   I remember when the cold winter months arrived, and my mother would always prepare her famous beef stroganoff recipe. Back then, she didn’t use an Instant Pot. Instead, she relied on a massive Dutch oven to create large batches of stroganoff to store in the freezer. After it simmered away for hours, she would place a crusty baguette on the table for dipping into the luscious broth, then garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a handful of chopped dill. My siblings and I would happily devour our bowls in just seconds.   Everything in this recipe, from the savory beef broth to the tender mushrooms, reminds me of my mother’s cooking. Whenever I’m feeling homesick, I gravitate towards this recipe for comfort while I’m away from home. Luckily, I don’t have to stand over the stove the entire time; I can easily make this dish after a long day at the office. Try this recipe if you’re looking for a quick and easy, delicious meal that feels like a comforting hug.  Is Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Healthy? This beef stroganoff recipe definitely fits into the comfort food category. While it offers a bit of healthy nutrients from the spinach and mushrooms, it’s quite rich, hearty, and indulgent. It’s perfect for an occasional treat, especially on a chilly autumn evening or a snowy winter night. To make it healthier, you can increase the amount of mushrooms and add more veggies. You can also swap the egg noodles for whole wheat options to boost the fiber content. Plus, if you want to make it gluten-free, just replace the all-purpose flour with a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca starch and use gluten-free noodles, gluten-free broth and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce!  What Other Proteins Besides Beef Can I Use?  While it might not be considered beef stroganoff if you skip the beef, you can still create this delicious meal with other proteins. If you choose chicken, I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs since they won’t dry out and will remain tender and flavorful compared to breasts during cooking. You can cut them into 1-inch cubes, similar to beef. If you want to skip meat altogether, you can increase the mushrooms and use a mix of varieties like cremini, shiitake, oyster, and portobello! Slice them into larger pieces (1/2-inch to 1-inch thick) to give them more chew. Make sure to switch the beef broth to a vegetable-based one for a fully vegetarian version. FAQs & Tips HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS? Once it’s fully cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you leave the egg noodles to the side, you can totally freeze this recipe. Simply store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. HOW CAN I INCORPORATE MORE VEGGIES? If you would like to include more veggies in the mix, I would add some chopped bell pepper, cubed potatoes, and broccoli. You can also add a handful of spinach or Tuscan kale when you cook the egg noodles. DO I NEED AN INSTANT POT? No, you can easily make this beef stroganoff recipe on the stovetop. After sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef, bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork tender. Serving Suggestions While this beef stroganoff is delicious on its own, it tastes even better when it’s paired with a side of veggies. I recommend making a side of either Roasted Zucchini, Sautéed Spinach, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, or this delightful Spring Salad! Looking for a carb to soak up that delicious beef broth? Try making this delicious Garlic Bread or a loaf of this fluffy Potato Bread. Print Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff If you’re looking for a comforting hug in a bowl, then you should try making this delicious Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Course Main CourseCuisine American Prep Time 15 minutes minutesCook Time 20 minutes minutesTotal Time 35 minutes minutes Servings 6 Calories 566kcal Author Tysen Ling Ingredients 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 small onion diced 3 cloves garlic minced 6 ounces mushrooms sliced 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes Salt and pepper to taste 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups low-sodium beef broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 12 ounces wide egg noodles 3/4 cup sour cream plus more to taste Chopped fresh parsley optional Instructions Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens, then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and sear on all sides until browned. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring for 1 minute to coat them lightly. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 14 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure. Add the egg noodles, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. Reseal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes, then manually release the pressure. Stir in the sour cream, adding more if you prefer a creamier texture, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Nutrition Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 448mg | Potassium: 1164mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 5mg The post Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.

When you scroll through your favourite health and fitness influencers’ feeds, you may have noticed a mysterious, tar-like substance making waves: Shilajit. This ancient, powerful resin has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it’s now experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity in the Western health and wellness industry. But what exactly is Shilajit, and why is everyone suddenly talking about this “conqueror of mountains”? Let’s find out… What Is Shilajit? Imagine a substance formed over thousands of years from the decomposition of plant matter and minerals, seeping out of the cracks of rocks in high mountain ranges like the Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus, and Gilgit. That’s Shilajit. It’s not a herb, but rather a sticky, blackish-brown exudate, ranging in consistency from a thick paste to a hard resin. The name “Shilajit” itself is Sanskrit, roughly translating to “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” This gives you a hint at the reverence that it holds in traditional medicine systems. Its unique composition is what makes it so powerful. Shilajit is incredibly rich in fulvic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, along with humic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and over 80 different minerals in their ionic form – meaning they are easily absorbed by the body. These minerals include iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, and many more trace elements that are essential for good human health. But Why Is Shilajit Gaining Such Popularity Now? The recent surge in Shilajit’s popularity isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s driven by a growing body of anecdotal evidence and emerging scientific research supporting its traditional uses. Here’s why it’s becoming a go-to for health and fitness enthusiasts globally… Energy and Stamina Boost: This is perhaps the most celebrated benefit, especially among athletes and those looking to combat fatigue. Shilajit is believed to enhance cellular energy production by improving mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of our cells, and by optimising their efficiency, Shilajit can help reduce fatigue and improve overall energy levels and endurance during physical activity. Cognitive Enhancement: The fulvic acid in Shilajit acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting brain cells from damage. Some studies suggest it may support cognitive function, memory, and even offer neuroprotective benefits, making it appealing to those looking for a natural “brain boost.” Hormonal Balance (Especially Testosterone): For men, Shilajit is gaining significant traction due to its potential to naturally increase testosterone levels. Studies have shown that supplementation with purified Shilajit can significantly elevate total and free testosterone, leading to improved strength, libido, and overall vitality. Nutrient Absorption: Thanks to its high fulvic acid content, Shilajit is thought to enhance the absorption of other nutrients from food and supplements. Fulvic acid acts as a carrier molecule, helping to transport minerals and other compounds into cells more efficiently. This means your body can make better use of the nutrients you consume. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Power: The rich array of minerals and organic compounds, particularly fulvic acid, gives Shilajit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and support overall cellular health – crucial for recovery after intense workouts. Immune System Support: A well-functioning immune system is vital for consistent training and general well-being. Shilajit’s mineral content and antioxidant properties contribute to strengthening the body’s natural defenses. Adaptogenic Properties: Shilajit is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress, whether physical, chemical, or biological. This can translate to better stress management, improved mood, and enhanced resilience, which are all beneficial for maintaining a consistent fitness routine. How To Use Shilajit & What To Look Out For Shilajit typically comes in resin or powder form. It has a distinctive, earthy, and sometimes smoky taste. It’s usually dissolved in warm water or milk and consumed on an empty stomach. Crucially, quality matters immensely. Due to its natural origin and the potential for impurities, it’s vital to choose purified and lab-tested Shilajit from reputable sources. Try to look for products that provide third-party lab reports confirming their purity with an absence of heavy metals and contaminants, and potency high fulvic acid content. Gold Seal Natural Supplements A brand that I personally love is Gold Seal and their wide range of natural supplements which include Shilajit and adaptogens alike. Whilst running my monthly inventory of supplements, this month I added their Shilajit & Ashwagandha KSM-66 Blend, Energise Adaptogen Coffee and Premium Anti-Aging Formula NMN. The Shilajit & Ashwagandha KSM-66 Blend contains 90 capsules which naturally restore the delicate balance between mind and body. You simply take two capsules daily, in the morning on an empty stomach, to naturally boost energy levels, improve immune function and enhance overall wellness. The ashwagandha plant, commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, promotes vitality and longevity as it powerfully reduces stress and anxiety, improves cognitive function, and boosts immune function. Shilajit powder enhances nutrient absorption, helping the body to absorb other nutrients in the diet more efficiently, making this a potent combination of natural ingredients to help you to feel your best and perform at your highest level each day. Their Energise Adaptogen Coffee is also a firm staple in my kitchen as I switched out my regular coffee machine for adaptogen blends at the start of this year and feel so much better for it. Combining award winning Arabica coffee with lions nane and cordyceps functional mushroom extracts, rhodiola rosea and L-theanine, this blend enhances energy levels whilst bolstering brain function, sharpening focus and elevating performance. With the absence of coffee jitters and energy dips, common with conventional coffee, only the highest quality and most potent extracts available on the market are used. I stir one heaped teaspoon of Energise coffee into hot water and prefer to drink it black, but you can add milk and sugar if you wish. With a maximum of two cups per day recommended, I’ve gone from six cups of traditional coffee, shakes and insomnia, to two cups of Energise with a clear mind and consistent energy which has been an absolute game changer for rest, recovery and productivity. Finally, their NMN Ageless Anti-Aging capsules complete my daily supplement routine, as I take two per day on an empty stomach in the morning. Scientifically crafted, these anti-aging supplements have been expertly designed to promote cellular health and energy, antioxidant protection, detoxification, longevity and long-term vitality with three powerful ingredients—NMN, Glutathione and Pterostilbene. This advanced blend combats the effects of ageing at a cellular level to help maintain energy, improve skin health and support overall wellness. Promoting youthful vitality, Glutathione and NMN work synergistically to remove toxins and repair cellular damage so that you can glow with good health from the inside and out. What supplements do you include in your daily routine that have had the biggest impact on your health and wellbeing? www.goldsealshilajit.com Facebook: /goldsealshilajituk Instagram: @goldseal_shilajit The post Shilajit: The Ancient “Conqueror of Mountains” Taking The Health World By Storm appeared first on Tracy Kiss.

I still remember tasting Mushroom Salt and Pepper for the... The post Restaurant Style Mushroom Salt and Pepper Recipe | Mushroom Pepper Fry appeared first on Jinoo's Kitchen.