On a rainy day or when the weather is a bit chilly, a hot pot is definitely a wonderful idea. A typical hot pot includes meat, seafood, vegetables, and various types of noodles or dumplings. Among these ingredients, mushrooms are perhaps an indispensable part of making a delicious hot pot. Today, let’s explore 15 types of mushrooms that are commonly used in hot pots, easy to find, and highly favored by many people nowadays.
1 Wood Ear Mushroom
Also known as black fungus or cloud ear fungus, this type of mushroom is very popular in Vietnam. It is highly nutritious and safe to consume. Wood ear mushrooms are also used as a medicinal ingredient due to their rich polysaccharide content, which has great benefits for improving brain circulation, boosting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and slowing down the aging process.
Wood Ear Mushroom
In Chinese cuisine, wood ear mushrooms are commonly used in various dishes. They have a chewy and crunchy texture that is very enjoyable. However, it is important to properly prepare and cook these mushrooms before consuming them to avoid any issues with the substance called morphin that they contain. Wood ear mushrooms are not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with digestive problems.
2 Straw Mushroom
This type of mushroom gets its name from the fact that it grows on straw and rice stalks. Straw mushrooms have a round, egg-like shape with a spongy cap. They are believed to have health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting energy, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing tumor formation in the body.
Straw Mushroom
Additionally, straw mushrooms are rich in nutritional content, including fiber, cellulose, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to the body. They also contain 18 types of amino acids that contribute to overall health. Straw mushrooms have a sweet taste and release a delicious juice when bitten into, making them a perfect addition to hot pots.
3 Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Chinese black mushrooms, resemble tiny umbrellas and are often referred to as the “king of vegetables” due to their exceptional nutritional value. They contain three enzymes and essential minerals that are beneficial to the body.
Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of fiber and have a low-calorie content, making them suitable for those on a diet.
Shiitake Mushroom
These mushrooms have a pleasant aroma, a slightly chewy texture, and a sweet taste that enhances the flavor of hot pots. While shiitake mushrooms offer numerous health benefits, it is recommended to consume no more than 50 grams per day to avoid digestive issues.
4 Enoki Mushroom
Enoki mushrooms are extremely popular and almost indispensable in hot pots. They are the smallest among the various types of mushrooms, with a long, thin shape like a toothpick, and a white color. Enoki mushrooms have a sweet and delicate flavor, along with a crunchy texture.
Enoki Mushroom
Enoki mushrooms are also known as Brain Booster mushrooms due to their high choline content, which is beneficial for brain development and cognitive function. Additionally, they are rich in fiber, protein, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Enoki mushrooms are also believed to have health benefits such as detoxifying the body, regulating blood pressure, and increasing energy levels. With only 36 calories per 100 grams, they are an excellent choice for those watching their weight.
5 King Oyster Mushroom
As the name suggests, this mushroom resembles a chicken leg in shape. King oyster mushrooms, also known as eryngii mushrooms or Japanese abalone mushrooms, are considered the “queen” of mushrooms due to their exceptional nutritional profile.
King Oyster Mushroom
They have a high protein content, with levels four times higher than that of other common vegetables. King oyster mushrooms have a crunchy texture and a natural sweetness that makes them ideal for hot pot broth. In Western cuisine, they are often grilled or used as a side dish.
In addition to their delicious taste, king oyster mushrooms are packed with fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals that promote gut health, boost the immune system, and help regulate blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
6 Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushrooms are known by various names, including crab taste mushroom, tiger’s milk mushroom, and brown fresh lingzhi mushroom. They get their name from their sweet and savory flavor, reminiscent of crab meat. Lion’s mane mushrooms are highly nutritious, containing substances such as lysine and dextran, which are beneficial for memory, cognitive development, liver health, and immune function.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
7 Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi mushrooms, are famous not only in Vietnam but also worldwide for their remarkable health benefits. They contain over 119 active compounds, including organic germanium, vanadium, and triterpenoids, which are known for their positive impact on human health and cooling properties during the summer months.
Reishi Mushroom
Additionally, reishi mushrooms are believed to help prevent serious diseases such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as regulate blood pressure. In Chinese cuisine, red reishi mushrooms are commonly used in hot pot broths to enhance the medicinal properties of the dish.
8 Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushrooms, also known as dong chong xia cao, have been renowned as a powerful herbal remedy for centuries. They are now commonly cultivated in Vietnam and are rich in various nutrients, including 17 different amino acids, as well as important trace elements, cordyceptic acid, cordycepin, and adenosine, all of which have immense health benefits.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushrooms are particularly effective in treating various health conditions such as kidney failure, spermatorrhea, impotence, cough, and asthma. They are also beneficial for children who are not growing at a normal rate. When used in hot pots, cordyceps mushrooms impart a beautiful yellow color and a chewy, crunchy texture, along with a subtle sweetness.
9 Wild Termite Mushroom
Wild termite mushrooms get their name from the fact that they grow in places where there is a high population of termites. These mushrooms grow naturally and are quite expensive due to their limited availability.
Wild Termite Mushroom
Wild termite mushrooms have a white, cylindrical shape with a slightly swollen base and a grayish-brown cap. They have a naturally sweet taste and are highly nutritious, known for their ability to boost the immune system and prevent various diseases. As they cannot be cultivated, wild termite mushrooms are considered a rare delicacy.
10 Cultivated Termite Mushroom
Cultivated termite mushrooms, on the other hand, can be grown, although their taste may not be as exceptional as their wild counterparts. These mushrooms have a black cap and a slimy texture, with a long, cylindrical shape.
Cultivated Termite Mushroom
Cultivated termite mushrooms have been found to have positive effects on preventing and treating certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. They also offer a range of other health benefits.
11 Porcini Mushroom
Porcini mushrooms have a round, chubby shape that is quite adorable. They come in two varieties: white and brown. Porcini mushrooms are widely used in over 70 countries and are considered one of the most nutritious types of mushrooms. They have a soft, buttery texture and a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the taste of hot pots.
Porcini Mushroom
These mushrooms are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Notably, they have a low glycemic index and do not contain starch, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes. Porcini mushrooms are believed to have cooling properties and are beneficial for the lungs, immune system, and heart health, and they may also help prevent cancer.
12 Milky Mushroom
Milky mushrooms, also known as white milk mushrooms or milkys, may not be as well-known as some of the other varieties. They have a white cap and stem, giving them a charming appearance.
Milky Mushroom
Milky mushrooms are rich in calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as vitamins B and D. Notably, they contain ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from harmful free radicals. While milky mushrooms are typically grilled or roasted, they can also be sliced and added to hot pots for a unique flavor.
13 Oyster Mushroom
Oyster mushrooms, also known as abalone mushrooms, get their name from their white color, resembling the shell of an oyster. They have a fan-shaped cap that is light brown or grayish, and they are typically torn into small pieces before being added to hot pots.
Oyster mushrooms are parasitic on the roots of deciduous trees, which results in their exceptionally high nutritional content. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, and they are also very low in calories. Oyster mushrooms are considered a beauty secret among women due to their high antioxidant content, which helps improve skin health and prevent aging.
Oyster Mushroom
Both the cap and the stem of oyster mushrooms can be eaten, and they have a mild sweetness and a crunchy texture. Many people compare the taste of oyster mushrooms to that of crab, which makes them a popular choice for seafood hot pots.
14 Shrimp Mushroom
Shrimp mushrooms, also known as lobster mushrooms, are small in size and have a white or ivory color. They are often mistaken for enoki mushrooms due to their similar appearance. Shrimp mushrooms have a cap with a marbled pattern that resembles the shell of a shrimp or lobster, and they are commonly used in seafood hot pots, such as fish or crab hot pots.
Shrimp Mushroom
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