Tag: mushrooms

  • Noble Mushrooms are here!

    Noble Mushrooms are here!

    It may be gray outside but things are looking very colorful in our produce section thanks to our new local supplier Noble Mushrooms, based in Hillsborough, NJ. We recently brought their eye-catching blue oyster, lion’s mane, and chestnut mushroom varieties into all three locations. If you’ve already picked up a grow your own kit, took a few bunches home with you, or just spied them in the produce sections and wondered how on earth to prepare them, we’ve compiled a couple recipes that really play to the strengths of these amazing mushrooms.

    Oyster Mushroom Fritters with Scallion Aioli

    Ingredients
      

    For the Aioli
    • ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegenaise)
    • 2 oz scallion greens finely minced (save a pinch for garnish!)
    • ½ lemon juiced
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ tsp salt
    For the Mushrooms
    • ½ lb Blue Oyster mushrooms
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp cayenne powder
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp cumin
    • ¼ tsp smoked paprika

    Method
     

    For the Aioli
    1. Place mayonnaise, lemon juice, scallion greens, and salt in food processor and begin blending.
    2. Slowly drizzle olive oil into mixture as it processes and whip until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Set aside in refrigerator.
    For the Mushrooms
    1. Prepare the mushroom by gently tearing fronds into bite-size pieces from edge of cap to stem, making sure to keep pieces connected to base.
    2. Whisk milk and egg in large mixing bowl.
    3. Whisk flour, salt, pepper, cayenne powder, onion powder, garlic powder and cumin in separate large mixing bowl.
    4. Coat mushroom in liquid mixture then dredge in flour. Repeat this process one more time then place mushroom in refrigerator.
    5. Pour enough oil to submerge mushroom in large vessel and heat to 350°F.
    6. Once oil is up to temperature, remove mushroom from refrigerator and slowly lower into cooking vessel gill-sides down. Use metal utensil to ensure it is fully submerged and cook until golden brown (about 10 minutes). Remove and place on drying rack.
    7. Place mushroom on serving plate and cut center in “X” pattern to make room for dipping sauce. If mushroom cluster doesn’t stand on its own, wrap the base of it in a rolled piece of aluminum foil to help it stand up.
    8. Place sauce in center, garnish with some more scallion greens and serve.

    Roasted Chestnut Mushroom Salad

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz Chestnut mushrooms
    • 2 tbsp cooking oil
    • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
    • Fresh ground black pepper
    • A handful of fresh thyme sprigs
    • 3 large cloves of garlic
    • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 4 oz shallot cut into ¼ inch rounds

    Method
     

    1. Crush the garlic cloves and cut into ½ inch pieces.
    2. Trim the mushroom stems to an even length. Toss the mushrooms in a bowl with the oil, salt, garlic, thyme sprigs and pepper.
    3. Lay the mushrooms out on a cast iron pan or baking sheet lined with parchment and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly brown. Rotate the pan 180° after 15 minutes.
    4. Peel the shallot and slice ¼ inch thick. Heat the shallot slices in a dry cast iron skillet until lightly charred (or just saute them quickly). Remove to a bowl and add the vinegar.
    5. Remove the mushrooms from the oven. Discard the thyme sprigs, transfer to a bowl, add the shallots and olive oil and cool.
    6. Double check the seasoning for salt and pepper and adjust until it tastes good to you. Serve warm or room temperature.

    Comment below with your favorite mushroom recipe!

  • Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie

    Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie

    Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie


    Reishi Mushroom Smoothie: A Nutrient-Packed Way to Start Your Day
    If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option that will boost your immune system, improve your focus, and give you sustained energy throughout the day, look no further than the reishi mushroom smoothie. This delicious and nutritious smoothie is packed with powerful ingredients like reishi mushrooms, dates, and cacao that offer numerous health benefits.


    Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi mushrooms, are one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms in the world. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to boost immunity, improve energy levels, and promote longevity. Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties.


    In addition to reishi mushrooms, this smoothie contains dates, a natural sweetener that is a great alternative to refined sugar. Dates are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and they have a low glycemic index, which means they won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Dates also contain essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.


    Cacao is another superfood that adds flavor and nutrition to this smoothie. Cacao is the raw form of chocolate and is a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and fiber. It also contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that can improve mental focus and enhance mood. However, it’s important to note that cacao is not the same as commercial chocolate, which often contains added sugar and other ingredients that can negate its health benefits.


    This Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie is an excellent way to start your day with a boost of nutrients and health benefits. Reishi mushrooms, dates, and cacao are all powerful superfoods that can support your overall health and wellness. So, try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits!

    Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie

    This earthy and creamy concoction is not only delicious but also packed with amazing health benefits. Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and are a great addition to any healthy lifestyle. If you're a fan of functional beverages or looking for a new twist on your smoothie routine, give this recipe a try!
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings: 1

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 frozen banana
    • 1 cup oat milk
    • 2 tablespoons almond butter
    • 4 deglet dates
    • 1 tablespoon cacao nibs or powder
    • 1 teaspoon reishi mushroom powder

    Method
     

    1. Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • 8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    A delicious food that is functional too

    Whether added to a salad, soup, or stir-fry, or taken in supplement form, there are a myriad of ways to add mushrooms to your diet—and why not? In addition to mushrooms’ delicious taste, their polyphenol, polysaccharide (a specialized type of carbohydrate), vitamin, and mineral contents can provide you with a bounty of health benefits.

    1. Boost immune system

    Research has shown that mushrooms help to stimulate the activity of microphages—white blood cells within the immune system—to help fight off foreign bodies more effectively. At the same time, anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can work to enhance the immune system’s overall efficiency.

    2. Fight inflammation

    Rich in antioxidants, mushrooms offer significant anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that eating mushrooms regularly can help reduce inflammation associated with the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

    3. Offer anti-cancer properties

    Polysaccharides, contained in mushrooms, have been found to induce apoptosis—cancer cell death. Further, anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to the development of cancer.

    4. May help fight diabetes

    Mushrooms have been found to help lower blood sugar levels. Their bioactive metabolites, such as their polysaccharides and proteins, have been found to work as successful anti-hyperglycemic agents in diabetes treatment studies. Still, more research is needed to discern how mushrooms may be effectively used in the fight against diabetes.

    5. Support gut health

    Mushrooms can help support your gut health in two ways. First, they provide your body with prebiotics—nutrients that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Second, mushrooms, such as cremini mushrooms, provide your system with helpful bacteria that can help populate your gut to improve your digestion and immune responses.

    6. Offer antifungal and antibacterial effects

    Mushrooms possess both antibacterial and antifungal compounds that help them survive, making them a natural source of antibiotics and antifungals that can be utilized by humans. Some mushrooms have been found to offer compounds with considerable activity against bacteria such as E. coliStaphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.

    7. Protect the liver

    Some mushroom extracts have been found to provide liver-protecting properties. Study findings suggest that eating mushrooms on a regular basis can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These findings are believed to be linked to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of mushrooms.

    8. Reduce allergies

    While mushrooms have been found to stimulate the immune system in certain circumstances, they have also been found to help suppress immune response in other instances—making them potentially beneficial in the battle against allergies. Beta-glucans, which are contained in mushrooms, have been found to help reduce the severity of symptoms in those with ragweed allergies by 52 percent when taken as a supplement.

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Brain & Body Mushrooms with Host Defense

    Brain & Body Mushrooms with Host Defense

    Brain & Body Mushrooms with Host Defense

    Help get your brain and body back in A+ shape for school this year! Have you thought adding mushrooms into your daily routine? With the goal of building a bridge between people and fungi, founder of Host Defense, Paul Stamets, knew exactly how to help! Keep scrolling to find out how their Lion’s Mane and MYCOMMUNITY® products might be exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s be #PoweredByMushroomMycelium!

    Lion’s Mane

    Available in capsules & extract

    Find focus, mental clarity, and calm with help from our Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mycelium-based supplements. Known as “the Smart Mushroom”, Lion’s Mane is ideal for anyone seeking cognition, memory, and mood support. And as an added bonus, Lion’s Mane is also well-known for supporting the nervous system.*

    MYCOMMUNITY®

    Available in capsules & extract

    Did you know mushrooms can be synergistic? They accomplish more together than they do alone. Different species offer a different range of system-specific support. When multiple mushroom species are combined, research suggests that there are greater immune benefits and a broader range of system-specific support compared to a single species.* What do you think a blend of 17 mushrooms can do for you?!

    These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

    Resources:

    https://hostdefense.com/collections/multi-mushroom-supplements

    https://hostdefense.com/collections/lions-mane-supplements

    https://www.instagram.com/hostdefense/

  • Holiday Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer

    Holiday Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer

    Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    ‘Tis the season for delicious food and family gatherings! These flavorful stuffed mushrooms will add a nice touch to your holiday entertaining buffet. Featuring ingredients found at your local Basil Bandwagon Natural Market.

    Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer

    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Keyword appetizer, holiday, snack
    Servings 12

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces button mushrooms cleaned and stems removed
    • ¼ cup avocado oil
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ cup diced shallot
    • ½ cup finely diced carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
    • Sea salt
    • cup mushroom jerky (or sun-dried tomatoes) finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons minced parsley
    • ¾ cup walnuts finely chopped
    • ½ cup cooked black rice
    • 1 tablespoon Annie's Worcestershire Sauce
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • cup scallions thinly sliced

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Finely chop the mushroom stems. Place the cleaned and de-stemmed mushroom caps on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with the avocado oil. Bake, stem side facing up, for 8 to 10 minutes.
    • Make the filling mixture: In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil and the shallot. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the carrot and a pinch of the sea salt. Cook and stir for a few more minutes. Add the mushroom jerky. Cook a few more minutes, then add the parsley. If the vegetables stick to the skillet you can a splash of white wine or vegetable broth. Add the mushroom stems and another pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for another minute or two. Add the walnuts and cook for another minute. Add the cooked black rice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and scallions. Cook and stir a few minutes more.
    • Remove the mushrooms from the oven. Drain out any liquid from the centers of the mushrooms. Fill each mushroom cap with a rounded tablespoon of the filling mixture. Press the filling firmly, squeezing it over the mushroom cap.
    • Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 10 more minutes at 375 degrees F. Serve warm or cooled to room temperature. Serve garnished with fresh parsley. Optional: Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze just before serving.
    • Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/17/19

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/17/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    C.A.R.E. by Cleanlogic: Exfoliating Bath Gloves, Large Exfoliating Body Scrubber, & Exfoliating Dual Texture Body Scrubbers
    Dragonfly Effect Naturals: Cinnamon Rush Mouthwash
    Four Sigmatic: Mushroom Chocolate
    Goldthread: Green Minerals & Mint Condition
    Jarrow Formulas: Vegan Chondroitin + Glucosamine
    Le Grand Plant- Based Yogurt: Creamy Cold Brew
    Maggie’s Organics: Killington Hikers Socks
    Triloka Incense: Palo Santo
    Primal Kitchen: Garlic Alfredo Sauce, Original Alfredo Sauce, Vodka Sauce, Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, & Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce
    Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups: Blueberry Hazelnut, Brown Sugar Maple, Classic, & Apple Pieces and Cinnamon
    Ripple: Sour Cream
    Sweet Earth: Mindful Chik’n Strips
    Vital Proteins Marine Collagen: BACK IN STOCK!
  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/10/19

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/10/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    All Free Brownie Bites: Sea Salt Caramel & Double Chocolate Chip
    Boiron: Diaralia
    Cocojune: Vanilla Chamomile & Pure Coconut
    Good Catch: Fish-free Tuna
    Green Valley Lactose Free Butter: BACK IN STOCK!
    Holistic Hound: Full Spectrum Hemp & Mushroom Bites
    Hudson Green: Velvet Vodka & Meatless Bolognese
    Hybrid Remedies: HybridCR
    Zum Bar Soap: Frankincense-Lavender & Almond
    Oath: Indian Rose & Double Chocolate
    Prairie Melody Birdseed
    Pranarom Diffusion Blends: Meditation, Zen, Purity, Uplift, & Provence
    Rebel Green: Tree Free Toilet Tissue
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 8/14/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 8/14/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Amazing Grass Green Superfood Effervescent Tablets: Berry, Lemon-Lime, Lemon Charcoal (Detox), Orange Turmeric (Detox), Watermelon Lime (Hydrate), & Tropical (Energy)
    RW Garcia Organic Yellow Corn Chips
    Biena Baked Chickpea Puffs: Blazin’ Hot, Vegan Ranch, & Aged White Cheddar
    C2O Coconut Water: Berry Blast (sparkling), Citrus Zing (sparkling), Cherry Bang (sparkling), Grapefruit Fizz (sparkling), Lemon Lime, & Matcha
    Emmy’s Coconut Cookie Bites: Mint & Peanut Butter
    Larabar Protein Bars: Apple Cobbler, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Almond Butter Chocolate Brownie, & Lemon Blueberry Muffin
    Natural Factors: Ultimate Heart Health, Magnesium Citrate, Garlic & Reishi, and Greens (smaller container)
    Lifeway Plantiful Probiotic Plant Based Drinks: Tropical Fruit, Plain, & Mixed Berry
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 5/15/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 5/15/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Against the Grain Gourmet: Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix & Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
    Bob’s Red Mill Peanut Butter Better Bars: Chocolate, Apple Spice, & Jelly
    Outer Aisle Gourmet: Cauliflower Pizza Crust
    Fat Badger Cookies: Vanilla Bean, Toasted Coconut, & Chocolate Sea Salt
    Four Sigmatic: Ground Mushroom Coffee
    Repurpose: Assorted Utensils & Cold Cups
    Safe Catch: Pure Wild Tuna & Wild Albacore Tuna
    Simply Gum Mints & Chewing Gum: Cinnamon (mints), Ginger (mints), Cleanse (gum), Natural (gum), & Revive (gum)
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 4/17/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 4/17/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Equal Exchange Chocolate Bars: Panama, Total Eclipse, Caramel, and Almond & Sea Salt
    Feel Good Foods: Chicken Potstickers
    Host Defense Mushrooms & Myco Botanicals: Lion’s Mane, Stamets 7, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Brain & Body, and Brain Energy
    Matr Boomie Jewelry
    One Village Coffee: Decaf, Legend, & Artist