*Italian mushrooms, also called Italian brown mushrooms, are common mushrooms that are brown in color.

*These mushrooms are immature brown mushrooms with a more rounded cap and a short cylindrical stipe attached to the underside of the cap.

*The cap has a light brown to coffee brown color with brown colored gills on the underside.

*The gills present on the underside of the cap are narrow, crowded, free and brown in color.

*These mushrooms are more flavorful compared to the white varieties.

*Buying and storage: Select mushrooms that are firm, plump, and clean without any bruises, soft, or wet slimy spots. Store fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator, either in a loosely closed paper bag, wrapped in a damp cloth or laid out in a glass dish covered with a moist cloth to prevent them from losing moisture. Fresh mushrooms keep well for up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. Dried mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, where they will stay fresh for six months to one year.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, canned mushrooms at the supermarkets are processed and not raw.
Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Italian mushrooms are low in calories, carbohydrates, fats and provide good amount of dietary fiber and protein.

2. Good source of dietary fiber. Contrary to the popular notion, beans have more fiber than most fruits and vegetables. It is a good source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.

3. It has absolutely no cholesterol and saturated fats.

4. Excellent source of vitamins riboflavin and niacin, and a very good source of other B-vitamins. These play a significant role in various metabolic reactions.

5. Very good source of copper. It reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and enhances the activity of enzymes that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.

6. Very good source of selenium which has antioxidant properties and is effective in neutralizing the free radicals in our body.

7. Good source of manganese. It functions as a cofactor in various metabolic reactions involved in the efficient production of energy and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

8. Moderate source of zinc, which enhances the body's immune function and improves wound healing.

9. Mushrooms have a protective effect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimers’ and age-related decline in cognitive function.