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Even those who like mushrooms don't often stop to think about them. I mean REALLY think about them. Mushrooms, as we all know, are fungus, and fungus describes a large group of growths. This explains the wide variety of shapes, textures and flavors. Mushrooms can be found all around the globe where the climate includes a damp mild season which is ideal for their growth. They can be fried, stuffed, baked, stir fried and grilled (just to name a few!). We can buy them fresh or dried so that they're always available. Truly, mushrooms must be one of the most versatile items in a cooks pantry. Most of us grew up knowing the button mushroom. In fact, the word mushroom conjures up a picture of the button mushroom in my mind. This is what a mushroom looks like right? Not always! Mushrooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes from the tinniest enoki to the large portabella. If you haven't explored the choices available, you can't consider yourself a mushroom lover. Certain mushrooms have enjoyed tremendous popularity over the past decade. Oyster, shitake and straw mushrooms are commonplace in most Chinese cuisines. The Italians have introduced us to the Crimini (Italian Brown) and the Morel. The French are fond of the Chantrelle. The current rage in America is for Portabellas, which are not their own variety at all but Crimini left to grow extra large. If you're interested in learning more about mushrooms look at this selection of mushroom books for reference material. They have books on cooking, growing and mushroom folklore. You can also order kits for growing your own. John's Mushroom Page also has information about mushroom hunting and growing kits. If you're already a fan and want to become a fanatic, consider the FUNGUS weekly e-mail newsletter on specialty mushroom cultivation. Although this web site no longer has an active editor, it remains a good resource on joining the FUNGUS group and also contains links to other resources. If recipes are what you're after, check out the Wild Mushroom site. Not only does it have repines, it also offers information on wild mushroom cultivation and warns against the types which are best left alone! But if you really want to peruse a huge list of choices, search for mushroom in the recipe area at Epicurious. I found 20 pages of recipes! Enjoy!
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