Mushrooms are great for you! Super low in calories (20 calories per ½ cup), but high in key nutrients including B vitamins, copper, potassium, and selenium — it’s wise to get into the habit of including them regularly in your diet.  A little known fact is that mushrooms are particularly high in antioxidants.

According to Penn State food scientist, Jay Dubost, the common mushrooms found on produce shelves at the grocery, like white buttons, criminis, and portabellas, provide more antioxidant power than most vegetables.  As an added bonus, mushrooms, especially the Asian varieties, are uniquely high in a class of beneficial polysaccharides that enhance immune function.

Cooked mushrooms maintain their antioxidant capacity and make an excellent substitute for meat because of their savory flavor and meaty texture.  I throw mushrooms into most of my soups, stews, spaghetti, and sauces as a quick and simple way to jack up nutritional value and flavor.

Asparagus, Mushroom, and Scallion Sauté

Serves 4-6

This is an easy and scrumptious side dish that is filled with nutritional zip.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut crosswise in half
• 5 scallions, white and green parts, sliced into one inch pieces
• 1 eight oz. container of mushrooms of choice, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

Directions

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Add asparagus, onions, mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and sauté stirring often to prevent burning but allowing the vegetables to develop browned, roasted spots. When the asparagus begin to release moisture, about 3-4 minutes, add garlic, reduce heat to low, and cover with a lid so they can steam in their own moisture until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, more pepper, and serve.

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