This is a very tricky topic because the context is tricky itself. Mushroom is a very popular thing consumed by people globally. You cannot call mushrooms a plant but it is a part of the fungi kingdom. Mushroom is a kind of fungus that has similarities both with plants and animals. But there is no visual similarity you can find in them. The mushrooms that we eat are edible fungi and other kinds of mushrooms are poisonous and cannot be eaten.
In the following article, apart from the characteristics of mushrooms, we will also have a discourse on the similarity and dissimilarities of fruits, vegetables, and fungi.
Dissimilarities of fruits, vegetables, and fungi. Are mushrooms a vegetable?
Scientifically, mushrooms fall under the fungi kingdom which is neither a plant nor animal yet has some similar characteristics of both. Mushroom is a very common vegetable harvested and consumed globally.
A very common and popular confusion about fruits and vegetables exists. If we are asked about the differences we cannot answer clearly. The differentiation happens based on the region, type of consumption, culture, harvesting, and so on. Some more facts make them different. They are two different genres yet share an important bonding. Let us first know that fruits and vegetables are two different things. They have some similarities in them but they are not the same. The type of consumption, region, and culture play some very vital roles in the differentiation. However, we should know there is no specific part of a plant that is called a vegetable. Any portion of the plant can be consumed as a vegetable. For example, potatoes, beet, carrots, radish, and all are roots of plants and are consumed by people. We often consume various leaves through our meals like spinach, lettuce, and so on. But the fruit has to grow from a single or multiple ova of a flower otherwise it cannot be called a fruit.
Are mushrooms a vegetable? Why do you care?
We have already discussed the characteristics of fruits, vegetables, and fungi. Now let me clarify to my readers that, even if it is not a plant, the mushroom is still a vegetable. This perception is solely dependent on the culture and way of consumption. Mushroom is always consumed with savory meals. There are worldwide recipes for mushrooms and it is a very popular vegetable.
If we see the nutrition part, it does not have much value in it. But the good part is, this is low in calories and quite affordable for common people to consume regularly. It doesn’t harm your body as such. Mushroom is rich in vitamin B, riboflavin, niacin, and potassium.
Mushroom has zero cholesterol so people with the disease can easily go for this vegetable.
Now coming to the point, the mushroom is a vegetable. We have already mentioned at the beginning of the article that it does not always depend on how it grows but on how it is consumed. Mushroom is generally eaten as a part of a savory meal. It is never consumed raw but cooked. All these facts make it a vegetable.
Are mushrooms a vegetable? How is it consumed?
We have already concluded the fact that a mushroom indeed is a vegetable. Although mushroom is not a plant, people consume them as a part of their savory meals. Mushroom belongs to the fungi kingdom and has some same characteristics as both plants and animals. It contains, protein, saturated fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and vitamins.
Mushroom has different recipes from different regions. There are appetizer dishes and main course dishes of mushrooms. In the western regions, you will find stuffed mushrooms, baked mushrooms, or tossed mushrooms whereas in China you’ll find mushrooms in almost everything, be it in soup or a chicken dish, or noodles. In the Eastern region like India, there is a recent practice of harvesting mushrooms. The trend of consuming mushrooms in India is not very long. It has happened because of globalization and the large popularity and availability of mushrooms. There are many Indian curry recipes with Mushrooms.
It is also very easy to grow even at home. Mushroom is an affordable vegetables which makes them so popular.
Summary of Are Mushrooms a Vegetable
Mushroom is a very popular thing consumed by people globally. You cannot call a mushroom a plant but it is a part of the fungi kingdom. Mushroom is a kind of fungus that has similarities both with plants and animals. Scientifically, mushrooms fall under the fungi kingdom which is neither a plant nor animal yet has some similar characteristics of both. Mushroom is a very common vegetable harvested and consumed globally. We have already mentioned at the beginning of the article that it does not always depend on how it grows but on how it is consumed. Mushroom is generally eaten as a part of a savory meal. It is never consumed raw but cooked. All these facts make it a vegetable.
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