by Getty Stewart, Professional Home Economist
What’s the most exotic mushroom you’ve ever cooked with?
For years, I mostly cooked with white button or cremini mushrooms — until last spring, when I found and cooked my first wild morels. Rich, nutty, and absolutely delicious, they piqued my curiosity about mushrooms. So, when I spotted a Lion’s Mane latte on the menu at a small café, I was eager to try it. Did it sharpen my focus as promised? I can’t say for sure — but it definitely made me even more curious about the incredible world of mushrooms.
Lucky for me, mushrooms are trending in a big way, and it’s never been easier to discover new varieties — many grown right here in Canada. From hearty classics to wellness-inspired newcomers, mushrooms are finding their way into more kitchens, markets, and coffee cups than ever before.
Here’s a closer look at how mushrooms are grown, the types available in Canada, why they’re a great addition to your diet, and some exciting new varieties to watch for.
How Mushrooms Are Grown
Unlike fruits and vegetables that grow under the sun, mushrooms are grown indoors in carefully controlled environments with cool temperatures, high humidity, and just the right amount of darkness. The entire mushroom growing cycle, from planting spores to harvesting full-sized mushrooms, takes about 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the variety and conditions.
Here’s a quick run down of the process:
- Preparing the Growing Medium: Growers prepare a special bed of compost made from natural materials like straw and pasteurized manure.
- Spawning (Planting): Mushroom spores (the “seeds” of mushrooms) are spread into the compost.
- Growing: Over several weeks, tiny mushroom “pins” form. Within just 5–7 days, these pins develop into the full-sized mushrooms we know and love.
- Harvesting: Mushrooms are hand-picked to ensure the best quality. Because they grow so quickly, they’re harvested daily.
Thanks to Canadian mushroom growers, you can find fresh, locally grown mushrooms in your grocery store 365 days a year.
The Most Common Mushrooms in Canada
You’re probably familiar with white button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms — the classic trio found in most grocery stores. But did you know these three mushrooms are actually the same species (Agaricus bisporus), just harvested at different stages? As white button mushrooms mature, they get bigger and darker with a more pronounced flavour — giving us three different mushrooms to enjoy!
Other mushrooms found in large or specialty grocery stores include:
Oyster Mushrooms
Delicate, mild, and super versatile. Whether you separate the clusters or keep them grouped, enjoy the entire mushroom from cap to stem. They cook quickly and absorb flavours beautifully, making them ideal for stir-fries, soups, or roasting until crispy.
Shiitake Mushrooms:
Rich, earthy, and an umami superstar that shines in pizza, pasta, and many Asian-inspired dishes. Remove the tough stems before cooking—but don’t toss them! They’re perfect for simmering into flavourful stock.
Enoki Mushrooms:
These clusters of long, white stems with tiny caps have a mild flavour and a slight crunch. Use them to add texture and whimsy to soups, salads, ramen, stir-fries, hot pots, or even sandwiches.
King Oyster Mushrooms:
The largest of the oyster family, with thick white stems and light brown caps. Slice lengthwise for grilling, sautéing, or roasting—or cut the stems into rounds to make convincing vegan “scallops.”
Lion’s Mane:
This bright white mushroom has a firm, dense interior with a unique shaggy outer surface. Simply brush off any debris, slice, and sauté in a hot skillet. Enjoy the seafood-like flavour and texture—it’s a great replacement for lobster or crab.
These seven varieties offer home cooks plenty of options and help make Canada a global leader in mushroom farming, producing over 120,000 metric tonnes of mushrooms annually! Read more in All About Mushrooms.
Why Mushrooms Are a Great Addition to Your Diet
Mushrooms aren’t just tasty — they’re packed with nutrition too. In addition to their satisfying umami flavour, they’re:
- Low in calories and fat
- A source of potassium
- A source of B vitamins
- A natural source of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV light
But that’s not all. The US National Library of Medicine lists several articles showing ongoing research into the functional or medicinal properties of mushrooms in relation to immune function, gut health, stress response, and even cognitive function. However, at this point, there have been limited clinical studies carried out on humans, so limited peer-reviewed research is available to provide scientific evidence.
If you’re hungry for mushrooms, try these recipes:
- Stuffed Mushroom with Poached Egg and Arugula
- Honourable Yasir Naqvi’s Famous Mushroom Oregano Soup
- Mushroom and Spinach Braid
- Lentil Mushroom Spinach Stuffed Peppers
- Mushroom and Roasted Squash Soup
- Asian Greens and Mushroom Soup
New Mushrooms to Watch For
Beyond the grocery store basics, new mushroom varieties are starting to pop up at specialty shops, coffee shops, and health food stores. Most commonly, you’ll find varieties like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail as powders, tea blends, or supplements. Enjoying an occasional mushroom latte or tea at a café is a great way to explore these mushrooms. But if you’re considering them for medicinal purposes, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first.
Mushrooms bring incredible flavours, impressive nutrients, and just the right touch of adventure to your plate. Whether you’re stirring them into risotto or adding to soup, there’s never been a better time to explore the magic of mushrooms!
About the Author
Getty Stewart is a professional home economist sharing tips and recipes for enjoying local, seasonal homemade food at www.gettystewart.com.
