Mushroom Health Benefits & FAQs

Let’s cut the (mushroom) cap and get right to it: mushrooms are good for you! When you pile your plate high with this superfood, you support your health as much as your taste buds. That’s because mushrooms have many of the same health benefits as meats and vegetables. Pretty cool, right?

Depending on the type of fresh mushroom you eat, you’ll be consuming important vitamins and nutrients with benefits you might have to Google, but that we promise your body will thank you for introducing into your diet.

  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin D
  • Potassium
  • Beta-glucans
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Copper
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Selenium
  • Ergothioneine

Mushrooms are also fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, low in calories, and very low in sodium. Researchers have also found some evidence they can help people manage their weight and even suppress breast and prostate cancer cells.

Mushroom FAQs

Got mushroom questions for us? We were hoping you would! Sorry, but we really love talking about mushrooms.  

You can always contact us with specific questions, but as much as we’d love to chat with you about one of our favorite things in the world, we know you have better things to do than hear us wax poetic about mushrooms.

Please check the FAQs to see if you can get your answer in a snap.

Can I eat raw mushrooms?
  • White and baby bella (crimini) mushrooms can be served raw or cooked.
  • Portabella, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms should be cooked, mostly because they’re more palatable that way.
  • Enoki mushrooms are generally served raw or as a final stage to garnishing items being served hot.
How do I store fresh mushrooms to preserve their quality?
  • Refrigerate mushrooms immediately upon purchasing.
  • Store between 34°-38° F.
  • Keep in the original shipping container.
  • Do not store in non-porous plastic bags.
  • Do not store near pungent items as mushrooms absorb strong odors.
  • Do not rinse before storage.
  • Do not stack heavy items on top of mushrooms.
How long will mushrooms keep if refrigerated?
  • White, baby bellas (crimini), and oysters will remain fresh for 5-7 days.
  • Portabellas should hold their freshness for 7-10 days.
  • Shiitakes and enokis last up to 14 days.
How do you clean mushrooms?
  • Wipe mushrooms gently with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dirt and, if dry, trim stems.
  • When ready to use, mushrooms may be gently rinsed in cool water and drained.
  • Shake gently to remove excess water.
  • Do not soak mushrooms because they readily absorb water, which speeds up maturity.
How do I know if my mushrooms are safe to eat?

Cultivated fresh mushrooms purchased from reputable sources (hint: Buona Foods) can be considered safe.

What is the dirt on the mushroom, and is it safe?

Growing medium residue should be brushed off the mushrooms, but it’s free of potential pathogens because it’s pasteurized.