Mushrooms complement almost any everyday meal — from appetizers and salads to main dishes and sides, mushrooms can be enjoyed in so many ways. Find some of Mushroom Council's best tips and tricks for mushroom preparation here.

Select mushrooms that are firm with a fresh, smooth appearance. The surfaces of the mushroom should be dry, but not dried out, and appear plump.

Store mushrooms in original packaging or in a porous paper bag for prolonged shelf life. Some mushrooms may keep for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Brush off any debris from mushrooms with fingers or a damp paper towel, or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. If the mushroom stem is tough, trim it before using.

Sear mushrooms for a more intense roasted, charred and smoky flavor and overall aroma. Roast mushrooms to get more sweet, salty and umami tastes with caramelized, nutty and buttery flavors.

Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium plus their umami counter-balances saltiness so less salt can be used in a dish without compromising flavor.

Meaty mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free and can be a delicious substitute for higher-calorie ingredients.

The Blend™ combines meat with finely chopped mushrooms so you can enjoy reduced-calorie versions of the recipes you love like burgers, lasagna, meatloaf and meatballs, without sacrificing taste or texture.

 The Blend™ enhances flavor, helps reduce calorie, fat, and sodium intake, and adds important nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, antioxidants and potassium (8%) to the plate.

Source: Mushroom Council