Enoki Mushrooms and its Medicinal Properties

Also called Enokitake or golden needles mushroom are small white mushrooms that grow in clumps with long, thin stems topped with a tiny white cap and a mild, almost fruity flavor. They have a crisp, crunchy texture when fresh, but tend to become tough when heated; also known as velvet stem/shank, snow puff and golden mushrooms. It grows in clusters on live or dead tree trunks, as well as on tree roots and branches covered with soil. The enoki mushroom is highly esteemed in Asia and figures prominently in various Chinese dishes and is a popular ingredient in Chinese hot pot. Stir frying Enoki with fragrant shiitake and straw mushrooms makes a wonderful vegetarian dish.

Enoki mushrooms is highly nutritious. It contain vitamin B1, B2 and E. It helps the brain development. It is good for hypertension patients and elder people. Enoki mushrooms help to reduce blood cholesterol level and prevent hypertension and arteriosclerosis. The abundant vitamin B in Enoki mushrooms helps relieve fatigue and increase sugar and fat metabolism, thus helps weight loss. They are cold in nature therefore are not suitable for patients suffering from diarrhea and loose stool.

Fresh enoki mushrooms are available mainly in Asian specialty food stores bundled in plastic bags. When buying, pick those with firm, white, shiny caps and avoid mushrooms with slimy or brownish stalks. The mushrooms are also sold canned and in jars. Store enoki mushrooms in the refrigerator and they will keep for about a week.