Best Cooking Methods to Retain Mushrooms’ Nutritional Value

Author: Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
Published: 2017/05/19 - Updated: 2025/05/16
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Cooking Tips and Recipes - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information summarizes research conducted by the Mushroom Technological Research Center of La Rioja (CTICH) and published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, which examined how different cooking methods-boiling, microwaving, grilling, and frying-affect the nutritional value and antioxidant activity of four widely consumed mushroom species. The findings reveal that microwaving and grilling best preserve or even enhance mushrooms' polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, with minimal nutrient loss, while frying and boiling lead to significant reductions in protein, antioxidants, and other key nutrients due to leaching. The study emphasizes that grilling with a small amount of olive oil is not only safe but may also improve the fatty acid profile of the dish without adding excessive calories.

This evidence-based guidance is particularly useful for seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone seeking to maximize the health benefits of mushrooms, as it offers practical, accessible cooking recommendations that help retain essential nutrients and support overall well-being - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Culinary treatments (boiling, microwaving, grilling, and deep frying) influence on proximate composition and antioxidant capacity of most cultivated mushrooms worldwide. A study by Spanish researchers has shown that microwaving and grilling are the best processes to maintain the nutritional profile of mushrooms.

Main Content

Mushrooms are considered valuable health foods, since they have a significant amount of dietary fiber and are poor in calories and fat. Moreover, they have a good protein content (20-30% of dry matter) which includes most of the essential amino acids; also provide a nutritionally significant content of vitamins (B1, B2, B12, C, D and E) and trace minerals such as zinc or selenium. Mushrooms are also an important source of biologically active compounds with potential medicinal value such as betaglucans.

Mushrooms are commonly cooked before being consumed. Scientists from Mushroom Technological Research Center of La Rioja (CTICH) aimed to evaluate the influence of different cooking methods (boiling, microwaving, grilling and frying) on proximate composition, betaglucans content and antioxidant activity of four cultivated mushrooms species.

The study was conducted on the most widely consumed mushrooms worldwide: Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom), Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom). They were harvested from the cultivation rooms at CTICH facilities. After the cooking process, raw and cooked mushrooms were then freeze-dried, and the proximate composition and the antioxidant activity were analyzed.

The results of this study, published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, revealed that frying induced more severe losses in protein, ash, and carbohydrates content but increased the fat and energy. Boiling improved the total glucans content by enhancing the betaglucans fraction. A significant decrease was detected in the antioxidant activity especially after boiling and frying, while grilled and microwaved mushrooms reached higher values of antioxidant activity.

"Frying and boiling treatments produced more severe losses in proteins and antioxidants compounds, probably due to the leaching of soluble substances in the water or in the oil, which may significantly influence the nutritional value of the final product" says Irene Roncero, one of the authors of the paper.

The advantages of grilling or microwave cooking

"When mushrooms were cooked by microwave or grill, the content of polyphenol and antioxidant activity increased significantly, and there are no significant losses in nutritional value of the cooked mushrooms" says Roncero.

The researcher clarifies that adding a little oil portion while grilling mushrooms is not a problem.

"This minimal amount will not cause nutrient loses by leaching; in fact, the antioxidant capacity can be even improved. Moreover, if olive oil is used, the fatty acid profile of the final preparation is enhanced with barely increase in the calorie content."

Roncero underlines that the cooking technique clearly influences the nutritional value and the antioxidant activity of mushrooms so that "the adequate selection of the culinary method is a key factor to preserve the nutritional profile of this highly consumed food."

In this study the CTICH collaborated with the Estacion Experimental del Zaidin (CSIC, Granada) to analyze the antioxidant activity of the raw and cooked mushrooms.

References

Irene Roncero-Ramos, Mónica Mendiola-Lanao, Margarita Pérez-Clavijo, Cristina Delgado-Andrade. "Effect of different cooking methods on nutritional value and antioxidant activity of cultivated mushrooms". International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 68 (3): 287-297, 2017.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: As our understanding of nutrition continues to evolve, this research underscores the importance of choosing the right cooking methods to safeguard the health-promoting properties of everyday foods like mushrooms. For individuals managing chronic conditions, age-related health concerns, or dietary restrictions, such insights are invaluable, offering simple yet effective strategies to enhance the nutritional quality of meals without added complexity - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology and published on 2017/05/19, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

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Cite This Page: Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology. (2017, May 19 - Last revised: 2025, May 16). Best Cooking Methods to Retain Mushrooms’ Nutritional Value. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 30, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/cooking/mushrooms.php

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