We all know how brightly colored fruits and vegetables are good for kids. But, what are the benefits of dull-looking mushrooms? Parents often wonder how they will include this product in their children’s daily diet especially when the kids are picky and fussy eaters. Mushrooms, the edible fungus is good for kids. Whether it is Portobello, shiitake, white button, or oyster mushroom – all varieties of mushrooms are loaded with essential nutrients and are available all the year round. It is a good source of iron, vitamin D, B Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and so on. It boosts the immune system and provides liver protection.

A nutritionist in a Childcare center in Arcadia, CA think that even a small child can eat mushroom in their daily diet because it is so nutritious. Some mushrooms have more potassium than a banana. They also are a good source of iron, fiber, and selenium. It is one of the best plant sources of vitamin D.

A study by the American Society for Nutrition concludes that mushroom stimulates and strengthens immunity system of growing kids and prevents common illnesses. Being rich in iron, mushrooms help to build new blood cells. The supply of iron in a kid’s body is vital for the mental and physical development of a child because iron bonds with oxygen and supplies oxygen to different parts of the body. Some childcare centers in Arcadia, CA, whose main aim is the overall development of the kids, regularly provide foods to their kids which contain mushroom. They make different tasty mushroom recipes under the guidance of the center’s dietician. Some recipes are given below that may help parents to make yummy mushroom food items for their kids.

Mushroom sweet corn soup :

Any type of mushrooms can be used in this soup. Wash and chop mushrooms. In a bowl add chopped mushroom, small pieces of sweet potato, and some sweet corn. Add water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Check whether they get soft. In another pan melt 1 teaspoon butter and let it melt. Add some chopped garlic and fry it till golden brown on low flame. When the garlic is ready pour the boiled mushroom along with water and other vegetables in it. Cook for five minutes and serve hot. You can also use thyme and black pepper in the time of cooking if your child likes it.

Tasty mushroom fry :

Take some fresh oyster or portabella mushrooms. Cut them into small pieces. Chop red, yellow, and green bell paper and parsley. In a bowl add all the chopped products. Add two eggs, some cornflour, and salt to taste. Mix everything and fry balls. You can both deep fry or shallow fry it. It can be healthy evening snacks. Serve it hot with white sauce.

Mushroom Pasta :

Sauté mushrooms in butter along with chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and carrot. Ina bowl spread it on some boiled paste. Pour some pasta sauce and grated cheese on it. Cook it in a micro oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve this delicious mushroom pasta to children for lunch or dinner.

A small percentage of children may be allergic to mushrooms. Though the risk is very low, remain alert when your children eat this mushroom for the first time.