Korean enoki mushrooms: useful properties, how to cook them

Enoki mushrooms are the most used nowadays. This is explained not only by their pleasant mild taste, but also by a whole set of unique components and beneficial effects on the body.

What is this enoki mushroom?

"Enoki" or "Enokitake" translates from Japanese as "Japanese snowdrop", "mushrooms under the snow", "noodle mushrooms". It was first found in Japanese forests on tree trunks. It was very popular with ancient healers, who included mushrooms in their potions. After a while, East Asians learned how to grow them on trees.

This unsightly little mushroom belongs to the genus Flammulina, family Physalacreae, and is considered one of the most beloved delicacies in Japan, China, and Korea. It has also been tried in other countries. Therefore, it is grown for both domestic and foreign markets.

What does it look like

Enoki mushrooms or winter openches are thin and long mushrooms with small caps of white or pale yellow color. They are reminiscent of the common bean curd. In natural conditions they grow somewhat larger, darker cap, up to 10 centimeters in diameter. In wet weather, mucus appears on the caps, and older mushrooms have brown spots.

Where to grow

The homeland of these mushrooms is considered Japan, China, Korea. You can also find mushrooms in Russia, in the Altai, Urals, Leningrad and Arkhangelsk regions.

Enoka growth begins during the periods of winter thaws. If you look at the Chinese carcasses and bark of stone trees, you can see small groups of enokitake standing densely against each other. Away from cities, forests grow with larger, thicker stems and darker hats than man-bred enokitake.

What enoki tastes like

Enoki don't taste as bright as other mushrooms, very close to egg yolk. The crunchy texture along with the delicate, pleasant flavor and aroma have allowed the beech mushrooms to become a popular ingredient in hot dishes, salads, and appetizers.

Types

There are many types of enoki mushrooms ranging in color from white to brown. The lightest variety with a thin stem and small cap is sold in stores. It is a species that is cultivated in complete darkness in bottles, acquiring the outline of a container at the bottom of the stem. Some varieties resemble golden threads with hats. Hence the names "Golden needles" and "Snow ruffs."

Wild Enochs have a thick, velvety stem, for which they have been nicknamed "Velvet foot" overseas. The caps are usually golden, brown, or dark brown in color.

Composition and calories

Thanks to the low caloric content (22 kcal), high protein content, mushrooms are suitable for dietary meals in the absence of contraindications. Enoki contains B vitamins, vitamins D, D2, E, selenium. These mushrooms also contain trace elements: iron, potassium, calcium, polysaccharide flammulin.

What are the benefits of enoki mushrooms

1. Back in the 1960s in Japan, it was noticed that people in one province, who regularly consumed enoki mushrooms, were less likely to suffer from cancer.
2. Enoki mushrooms improve digestion. For vegetarians, mushrooms are a great substitute for meat because they contain a lot of protein.
3. Mushrooms can cope with nervous tension, reduce fatigue and symptoms of stress due to the B vitamins, and selenium is an antioxidant.
4. Positively affects the use of enoki on the cardiovascular system, removes harmful cholesterol, reduces the heart rate.

Harms and contraindications

Enoki mushrooms are not dangerous, but people of a certain category need to consume them with caution. The mushrooms can cause an allergic reaction in case of individual intolerance. Winter chives are contraindicated for pregnant women and children, as they are considered a difficult product to digest. It is also better to refuse enoki in case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Medicinal properties of enoki mushrooms

The cells of the body are constantly renewed, but as a result of a failure at any stage of the process, new growths can appear. If the immune system is weakened, lymphocytes can not cope with the tracking and destruction of atypical cells. Unstable work of lymphocytes can be provoked by strong medications, stress, poisoning by toxins. Due to the content of enoki polysaccharide flammulin, mushrooms can fight malignant tumors by resisting cancer cells. Flammulin stimulates the immune system, increases the number of lymphocytes and increases their cytological activity. This helps to get rid of cancer more quickly at an early stage.

For hypertensive people, the benefits of enoki mushrooms can hardly be overestimated. Thanks to potassium, blood pressure is reduced and normalized.

Enoki is used for medicinal purposes in two forms: tincture and powdered drink.

The tincture is drunk twice a year with a course of up to 60 days. It includes the ingredients:

• vodka - 100 ml;
• Enoka powder - 10 grams.

Infused for two weeks, after which it is taken 1 tbsp. 2-3 times a day.

The powdered drink is drunk twice a day: in the morning 1 hour before and in the evening within 1 hour after a meal. Diluted powder at a ratio of four scoops of water to 200 ml.

Numerous studies confirm that due to the unique properties of enoki mushrooms, it is possible to save more lives, especially cancer patients.

Use in cosmetology

Many people underestimate the beneficial effects of various representatives of the mushroom world, although it is the real treasure trove of useful substances. Enoki oil is effectively used in relaxation treatments. In addition, all kinds of mushrooms contain the antioxidants glutathione and ergothioneine, which allow the skin to stay young and beautiful longer.

Oriental traditional medicine has long established itself as the strongest in the use of mushrooms. Some people have a fear of mushroom poisoning and completely exclude this product from their diet. Cosmetics based on enoki extract (in the absence of contraindications and allergic reactions) in this case will suit sufferers of mycophobia.

In the composition of enokitake mushrooms contains acid, which helps to cope with acne and pigment spots from the sun.

Despite its popularity, you need to be careful and cautious when choosing cosmetic products, like any other, and first check your skin for allergies to them.

How to choose and store enoki properly

When choosing mushrooms, you need to know that in nature they bear fruit from fall to spring. Enochs are resistant to low temperatures. The cultivated species are harvested almost all year round. When selecting the opiate mushrooms, you should pay attention to the appearance of the caps and flavor. Good quality have mushrooms with a pleasant smell, firm flesh without damage and without dark specks on the cap. Another indication that the mushrooms are overdue is if there is slime on them. If you can't find fresh enoki of decent quality, you can use pickled ones.

Fresh enoki can be kept for a week in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper and put into a thick container. Frozen is edible for up to 1 year. Store them separately in airtight containers so that they do not pick up odors from other foods.

How to cook enoki mushrooms: recipes

Before cooking enoki should be thoroughly rinsed with water and remove the spongy base. The mushrooms are cooked in almost all kinds. In each it emphasizes the sophistication of the dish. A few simple recipes will prove it.

How to fry enoki

The easiest way with minimal ingredients is to fry the enoki in butter for 5-7 minutes, remembering to stir. To prevent the mushrooms from turning rubbery, it is not advisable to cook for longer than 10 minutes. At the end of cooking add soy sauce, salt, spices to taste.

Stewed chicken with mushrooms

Chicken stewed in coconut milk with garlic and lime is just as easy to prepare. The following ingredients are needed:

• Enoki mushrooms - 150 gr;
• chicken fillet - 450 gr;
• coconut milk - 65 ml;
• Garlic - 7 medium cloves;
• ginger - 60 gr;
• lime - 1 pc;
• olive oil - 2-3 tbsp;
• salt, pepper - to taste.

Peel the garlic and divide into 2 parts, one crushed with a knife, the other chopped. Ginger peel and also crush. Chop mushrooms to two or three centimeters. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into cubes. In a heated frying pan, pour olive oil. When it boils, put garlic and ginger. Roast until crispy and then remove from the pan. Mix the chicken with the juice of half a lime and send it to the pan. Stir for a few minutes, then add mushrooms, pepper and salt. Turn down the heat and stir. After a couple of minutes, add garlic, stir again and turn down the heat to low. Stir in the milk and simmer under a lid for about 6 minutes. Stir in the rest of the lime and the pulp, stir to combine for another minute, without covering. The dish is ready.

Salad with Crab Sticks

One of the most common is a salad with crab sticks.

Ingredients:

• Enoki mushrooms - 400 g;
• green beans - 100 g;
• crab sticks - 100 g;
• fresh cucumber - 1 pc;
• Onion - 1 pc;
• Sweet pepper - 1 pc;
• vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons;
• Balsamic vinegar - 1 tbsp;
• Basil, ground black pepper, salt - to taste.

Wash the green beans, boil for 5 minutes, cool in cold water. Cut off about 1 centimeter of the bottom of the mushrooms, cook for no more than 10 minutes. Chop all the ingredients and season with vinegar and oil. Add seasoning, spices and basil to taste.

Scrambled eggs with enoki.

For breakfast or a quick snack, you can make scrambled eggs with chives. Ingredients for the recipe:

• Enoki mushrooms - 150 gr;
• Chicken eggs - 3 pcs;
• Butter, salt, green onion feathers to taste.

Prepare the enoki by cutting off the bottom with the root, separate and put for 2 minutes in a boiling pan. Heat a frying pan, melt butter. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, stirring regularly. Put boiled mushrooms into the pan, add seasoning and spices to taste. Continue to stir-fry for a minute. You are ready to serve.

Enoki Soup

In China it is a custom to serve Enoki soup in large soup bowls for everyone to take as much as they wish. This universal dish for any time of day will not spoil your figure. In addition, soups are easy to prepare.

To prepare the soup you need to prepare:

• water - 1.5 liters;
• Enoki mushrooms - 200 grams;
• chicken fillet - 150 grams;
• white cabbage - 150 grams;
• chicken eggs - 2-3 pieces;
• ginger - 30 gr;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• onion - 1 pc;
• vegetable oil - 3 tbsp;
• hot red pepper - 1 pc;
• Soy paste, coriander, salt to taste.

First, we need to prepare the ingredients. Dice chicken. Wash, cut off unwanted bottom part of mushrooms, take apart on strings. Leave some of the enoki for serving. Boil and peel eggs. Dice the cabbage. Finely chop the ginger and garlic. Slice the pepper into julienne strips. Slice onion thinly lengthwise.

In a high skillet over low heat, fry garlic, onion and ginger in vegetable oil for about 2 minutes. Then add meat and cabbage. Stir-fry until the meat changes color. Then add water, bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the enoki, soybean paste and spices. Turn off the heat immediately after boiling.

Serve the soup, garnish with fresh mushrooms, half an egg, coriander greens and hot peppers.

Chicken and mushrooms enoki.

Now to the more complicated recipe. This dish is not only flavorful, but also hearty. The recipe will require:

• Chicken thighs - 2 pcs.
• Henoki mushrooms - 300 gr.
• Garlic - 1 head
• Ginger root - 2 sp.
• Rice flour - 1 tsp.
• Water - 150 ml
• Sugar - 1/2 t. sp.
• Sesame oil - 3 tbsp.
• Cloves - 1 star
• Ledan - 1/2 star
• Szechuan pepper - tsp.
• Fennel seeds - tsp.
• Starch - 1 tsp.
• Cinnamon ground - a pinch
• Mint, spring onions, salt to taste.

Peel the thighs from the skin, cut the meat off the bone and cut into small pieces. Wash the mushrooms, cut off the root, separate the fibers. Fry meat until tender in sesame oil with spices. Throw grated ginger and garlic in the pan. Fry for 2 minutes more. Then add enoki, frying for 4 minutes. Pour a mixture of water, sugar, starch and soy sauce into the pan. Rice and greens can be used as a side dish.

Enoki Mushroom Salad

Ingredients:

• Enoki mushrooms - 500 g.
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Ginger - 2 slices
• Green onions, cilantro to taste
• Hot red pepper - 1 spice.
• Sugar - 1 tsp.
• Salt to taste
• Soy sauce - 1 tbsp.
• Oyster sauce - 1 tbsp.
• Sesame oil - tsp.
• Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp.

Prepare the mushrooms by cutting off the bottom, cut into small pieces, bunches. Rinse thoroughly. Chop garlic, ginger, white part of green onion. Chop cilantro. Peel hot peppers, peeled of seeds and membranes, cut them into julienne strips.

Dip mushrooms into boiling water, cook for 1 minute. Put them on a plate. In vegetable oil, fry white onion, ginger and garlic until fragrant. Then put the peppers, sugar, soy sauce and oyster sauce in the pan. Fry for a couple of minutes and turn off the heat. Put the resulting jam in the mushrooms. Salt, pour a few drops of sesame oil, cilantro. Now the salad only needs to cool and it's ready.

Where to buy and how much do enoki cost?

Naturally grown mushrooms can be bought only in their native land - China, Japan, Korea. Stores, on the other hand, offer artificially grown oenoks. Asian enoki are exported by hundreds of tons. Recently, they are grown not only at home, but also in countries and regions where they are in demand.

The average price of enoki varies from region to region. The mushrooms do not cost much more than the same mushrooms.

How to grow enoki at home

Enoki mushrooms are quite unpretentious and easy to grow at home. Even sell ready-made kits with planting blocks and mycelia. As a rule, grow enoki in cylindrical containers, covering the ground with sawdust. Oenoks do not like light. The room in which the mushrooms grow should be cool, high humidity and ventilated, so they reach for fresh air as they grow. Periodically, the mushrooms should be fed substrates to stimulate growth.

The first fruits, like their natural relatives coenoki, will most likely begin to appear in the fall and spring period, and if the necessary conditions are maintained, you can harvest almost all year round in the future.

Interesting Facts

1. Enoki is the most commonly used mushroom in cooking.
2. Representatives of enoki seen in stores have thin, thread-like stalks with small caps.
3. They have been included in dishes for over three hundred years.
4. Enoki is the most famous natural medicine that helps fight cancer.
5. Enoki mushrooms are most often added raw to salads. In other recipes, heat treatment of the mushrooms is minimal. They do not have a bright taste, so they absorb the flavor and aroma of other foods.

Enoki mushrooms are a truly unique product with a fantastic combination of benefits and taste. But the main thing is not to abuse them, as well as any other product.

Photo of enoki mushrooms