Mushroom Magic

Noticed those pale fungi in the shops that resemble hat pins? They enoki mushrooms, prized throughout Asia for their health-giving qualities.

Enoki contain a compound called flammulin, which is reported to inhibit tumour growth. A Japanese study found that farmers who regularly ate them had a 40 per cent lower death rate from cancer than those who ate few mushrooms. Enoki are thought to help prevent liver disease and stomach ulcers, and stimulate the immune system.

Look for firm, cream-coloured fungi that are dry at the stem end. Store in a paper bag or puncture the plastic wrap. Raw, they make a crunchy addition to salads and sandwiches. Try them in soups or Japanese dishes such as sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Don't overcook, though, or they will become tough and fibrous.



Extracted from Reader's Digest