If you like stuffed mushrooms, trim the stalk back slightly, then mould the stuffing around the stalk, using it as a firm support. Cultivated mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be eaten whole, sliced thickly, halved or quartered. Always slice mushrooms downwards through the cap to the stalk, using a sharp pointed knife. At this stage a sprinkling of lemon juice will help retain the delicate pale colour of button or closed cup mushrooms.
Mushrooms have good nutritional value and are an important part of today's healthy diet.
Eat them raw or lightly cooked to obtain the most benefit. The white cap mushroom ranks above all other vegetables, except beans and peas in this respect. Between 70-90 per cent of the vegetable protein present can be easily digested. Mushrooms also make the use of pulses, beans and peas in vegetarian cookery more palatable and enjoyable. The Vegetarian is published by The Vegetarian Society and is sent free of charge to all members.