Mushrooms are the most exquisite of the gastronomic treasures of the world and were in use foredible purpose from time immemorial. With more than 38,000 varieties mushrooms are popularnot only in restaurants but in homes too. Each locality is blessed with a natural mushroom florawhich varies according to climate vegetation etc. However in the world market the mostimportant mushroom is the button mushroom. But owing to the sophisticated technology andcost of cultivation the more popular ones cultivated are the oyster mushrooms and the tropicalmilky mushrooms. Mushrooms are best when consumed fresh. Most of the recipes can beprepared with any of the edible varieties but the recipes presented here are prepared using oystermushrooms (Pleurotus), milky mushrooms (Calocybe), Jew’s ear mushrooms (Auricularia) andbutton mushrooms (Agaricus sp.). A variety of soups can be prepared with oyster mushrooms. Soups can be plainmushroom soup or sweet corn mushroom soup, tomato mushroom soup, cauliflower mushroomsoup etc. It can also be blended with the mixed vegetable stock or chicken stock to suit theoccasion. A variety of snacks like burger, cutlets, fritters etc. can be prepared with milky and oystermushrooms. Mushroom preparations also serve as excellent main dishes and side dishes. Mushrooms can also be cooked with fish and meat products. The oyster mushrooms and milkymushrooms are best for these preparations.Jew’s ear mushrooms are excellent for wine preparations.The main ingredients and easy method of preparation of more than a dozen recipes withsuperb illustrations are dealt with in this paper.Key words : Oyster mushroom; soups; Jew’s ear mushroom; milky mushroom; buttonmushroom.INTRODUCTIONKerala State is blessed with a diversity of climate and is rich in its natural flora and diversity ofcrops cultivated. Mushrooms are known for their high quality protein and the same in freshmushrooms is twice as high as that of vegetables [3]. Modern mushroom cultivation producesmore protein per unit area and gives higher productivity than any other form of agriculture. The State of Kerala exudes a rustic charm and is characterized by elegant coconut palmsand lusting paddy fields. The state has a captivating variety of back waters and lakes. Kerala -Gods Own Country enjoys unique geographical features, an equable climate, long shoreline withserene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:35:07 +0000
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