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When it comes to mushrooms, some of us are Hobbits. Mushrooms were the favorite food of the Hobbits in Lord of the Rings, a passion which got them into trouble while they were trying to escape from the Black Riders known as the Nazgul. But any hobbit - even the human ones- will tell you that mushrooms are worth it. They are a fabulous food, delicious and versatile, a real cooking staple.

Mushrooms are also very healthy - though it is doubtful whether that was a consideration with Hobbits. With humans, however, health is becoming an increasing factor in our food choices. That's why the wise choose mushrooms.

Mushrooms provide needed protein for vegetarians, but for the rest of us, they also provide fiber and the hard to get Vitamin B Group - thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin and cobalamins. On top of that they are a source of Vitamin C, and essential minerals like iron and selenium. Mushrooms pack a nutritious punch and they are low in calories as well. What's not to love?

Well, some people find them bland and flavorless - others say they don't like the taste. But mushrooms have very little flavor of their own - they tend to soak up what is around them, so if you add mushrooms to a meat pie or stew, they are virtually indistinguishable from the dish as a whole. But that's just the common field or cultivated mushroom - there are other varieties with stronger flavors that really complement a dish.

Most people are familiar with the white cultivated mushrooms on the supermarket shelf. These type of mushrooms are called Agaric, because they can be farmed with such success. No matter if you are looking at the little button mushrooms, or the huge steak mushrooms, it is all the same variety, picked at different stages of growth.

The little button mushrooms are ideal for salads - they can be tossed in whole and eaten raw. The mild flavor of a fresh button mushroom drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt is a true gourmet treat, and a very healthy and low calorie snack.

Larger mushrooms are delicious fried and served with steak, sausages or eggs - but to maintain the good dietary qualities of mushrooms, you must learn to cook them properly. Mushrooms absorb a lot of liquid, so frying them in oil is tantamount to turning these innocent vegetables into killers. You must fry them in a little water - get the pan really hot and splash in a bit of water or stock along with your mushrooms. Add more liquid a drop at a time as the pan dries out. The mushrooms

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