Mushroom Season is Here!

"Mushrooms are a valuable health food--low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals."

Mid-August to mid-September is mushroom season in the Rocky Mountains. Why all the interest in mushrooms?  Mushrooms have been valued as both food and medicine throughout the world for thousands of years. Mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine promoting good health and vitality.  The ancient Egyptians considered mushrooms food for royalty. Mushrooms are a valuable health food.  They are low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

There are many edible mushrooms that grow right here in Vail Valley. Not only are mushrooms delicious cooked with a little olive oil, red wine and garlic but they also have many medicinal properties and are used to treat many diseases.  Please be advised that not all mushrooms are edible and many can be very toxic and poisonous. So do not pick and eat mushrooms if you do not know what you are doing. Check out the mushroom recipes below.

Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup With Crispy Shiitake Chips

Quick Wild Mushroom Couscous

Mushroom and Avocado Breakfast Burrito

Quinoa with Leeks and Shiitake Mushrooms

Creamy Mushroom Sauce