Mushrooms, portabella, raw

Fun Facts

1. Portobello mushrooms stand out from all the other mushrooms in the produce section, with their large, tan to brown cap, dark underside and thick white stem. They’re related to the common button mushroom, yet have a taste and texture all their own, which makes them more versatile in the kitchen.
2. Portobellos are fat-free and very low in calories. They’re also a rich source of selenium, copper and niacin.
3. Portobello, or portabella, mushrooms are the mature form of baby crimini mushrooms. They grow up to 6 inches in diameter and possess a flat cap with a dense, meaty texture. Mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, but the amount they contain depends on their exposure to ultraviolet light.
4. Portobello mushrooms are rich sources of copper and selenium. Your body needs copper to form connective tissue, metabolize iron, and to produce energy and antioxidants. Selenium has two primary jobs to fill: It helps produce thyroid hormones and antioxidants. It also supports your health by regulating your immune system and inflammation, according to a review published in the April 2012 issue of “Antioxidants & Redox Signaling.”