Sales of fresh mushrooms reached almost $111 million in January of this year, up more than 8 percent from 2020.

Sales of fresh mushrooms reached almost $111 million in January of this year, up more than 8 percent from 2020.

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Sales of fresh mushrooms reached almost $111 million in January of this year, up more than 8 percent from 2020.

We've gone through many food fads: Kale, acai berries, chia seeds. Now, there's a new "it" food.

Consumer Reports explains the hype behind the mushrooms!

Look closely and you'll see mushrooms are popping up everywhere. On supermarket shelves, in snacks, coffee, broths and supplements — even in personal care products!

John Michelotti has been leading mushroom educational workshops in New York for seven years. Everything from foraging and identifying to learning how to grow mushrooms.

"Mushrooms are an excellent source of fresh food and a way in which we can incorporate a healthy lifestyle," said Michelotti, Catskill Fungi.

Sales of fresh mushrooms reached almost 111-million-dollars in January of this year, up more than 8-percent from 2020. Edible mushrooms like Shiitake, and Oyster can contain all kinds of nutrients.

"Mushrooms can be great sources of potassium, selenium, and antioxidants. Plus they have some fiber and some types are rich in vitamin D," said Trisha Calvo, Consumer Reports health editor.

All that goodness plus their deep savory flavor make them versatile culinary candidates too great for salads, stir-frys and meat substitutes.

But what about claims that mushrooms have medicinal properties? That Reishi helps with anxiety, for example, or that Lion's Mane improves concentration. Can Chaga mushrooms really help kill cancer cells?

"There has been some preliminary research to support a few of these claims but what works in a lab or in mice does not necessarily apply to humans. More studies are needed," Calvo said.

Mushroom aficionados like Michelotti also believe this is just the beginning.

"We are just starting to scratch the surface of the potential of mushrooms. It is a super exciting time for mushrooms!" Michelotti said.

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