Mushrooms for Health

Mushrooms are having a moment and we are totally on board! You may be new here, so let’s start with this…Eat more veggies!!! It’s one of Rasberrys things and we not shy about it. If we all just ate more vegetables, there would be less ailments and doctor visits.

Why mushrooms? Mushrooms have been around since ancient times. They were known for well-being and longevity in Ancient China, in Ancient Eygpt they were the plants of immortality and the Greeks used them to make a drink concoction for their infamous ritual ceremonies.

Mushrooms contain macronutrients for a healthy immune system. According to the Mushroom Council your immune system will benefit from Selenium, which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage (choose cremini or portabella), Vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation (chose maitake mushrooms), Vitamin B6, which helps your body form red blood cells, proteins and DNA (choose shiitake.)

This diverse vegetable has accompanied many dishes traditionally alongside a meat. Fast forward to 2023 and the veggie movement with plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets and now mushrooms are the main event. Have you tried Miso Mushroom Risotto? Or Adobo Mushroom Tacos? Next time your dish calls for beef or chicken substitute mushrooms for that same meaty texture.

Don’t forget to ask Maeme about her mushroom coffee. Did you know we have a local mushroom grower Ironwood Mycology? Zach delivers beauties to us weekly!

Garden Green Pesto

We love a good classic basil pesto as the next person, but did you know a pesto can be any ingredients? That’s right, any fresh young green(s) can become a beautiful pesto - the combinations are endless really. So next time instead of just eating the vegetable and throwing the tops away, consider creating a small batch of your very own homemade pesto.

The basic proportions of pesto are nuts, greens, cheese and olive oil. You can go old-school and use a mortar and pestle, but a food processor works just as well. Add all ingredients to the bowl of the machine and puree until smooth; add more oil for consistency and season to taste with salt. Pesto can be used right away or stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Rasberrys Pesto Inspiration:

• Dill, Parsley, Lemon and Almonds

• Tarragon and Pistachios

• Cilantro with Peanuts and Sesame Oil

• Cilantro with Pecans and Jalapeno

• Basil with Lemon and Almonds

• Carrot Tops

• Spicy Mustard Greens

• Broccoli Leaf

• Beet Greens

Pro Tip: Use fresh grated cheese and toasted nuts, the flavor will be better.

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Pancakes

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1 egg, beaten

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

Butter or oil for the griddle

1/2 cup grated carrots ***make it Rasberrys-like by subbing sweet potato, parsnip or strained apple***

Maple syrup, butter, extra carrots and chopped nuts for topping (optional)

Grind oats in a blender for a few seconds, until they have a flour-like texture. Combine the oats, milk and egg; let sit for 10 minutes. Stir in baking powder, spices and vanilla.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium. Spray with oil or melt a pat of butter. For each pancake, drop and spread a scant 1/4 cup of batter into a 4-inch round. Sprinkle evenly with about 1 1/2 Tbsp grated carrots.

Cook pancakes, three at a time, until small bubbles form and pop on the top. Flip, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until golden on the other side. Serve warm with desired toppings. Makes 2 servings.

Source: April 2021 Costco Connection, recipe by Marisa Moore.