The most common mushrooms at supermarkets are the white buttons and the brown crimini. These days you can also find an occasional portobello or shiitake. Fancier places like Whole Foods will have a broad selection including oysters, trumpets and chantarelles.

Yes, you can prepare several meals and reheat. Mushrooms pair particularly well with barley, but are also good with red meats or cooked with onions and put into salads or egg dishes.

How long they last depends on how fresh they are. Definitely keep them unrinsed in the fridge. You should be able to get 4-5 days out of them, but I’ve had some go moldy after 24 hours. I was angry.

The portobellos are the easiest to make a meal around, because they are huge. They actually work wonderfully as a meat substitute–as a burger for example.

Otherwise they are just a nice addition of texture and flavor (especially shiitakes) to make other dishes more interesting. I make mushrooms on their own quite a bit. I find them fascinating and exotic, so I will often buy them for my more upscale dinners.

Nutritionally they add fiber, minerals and some vitamins. But we should try not to think too much in terms of micronutrients. Just because we haven’t discovered that mushrooms reduce your risk of some cancer does not mean they don’t. Variety is the key to good health.

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julie:

I totally feel you. The reason I spend under $50 is because I try to spend under $50. I admit it is much easier in the winter when there are no $4/lb pluots and peaches around. Apples are not as expensive.

One example of how I save money, I have been buying bunches of kale for $2. That makes me 2 dinners (with kale as the main ingredient). I consider that pretty good bang for my buck.

I will be getting to the sunchokes eventually. I heard what you heard too, so I am definitely careful when I eat them. Haven’t had any problems so far though

I want to practice preparing them a few different ways before I post a recipe. The first time I just cut them up and sauteed them with garlic and parsley and they were delicious. They go amazingly well with spinach!

We shall see!

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anon#2:

Great question! I usually spend about $30 at the market. This is if I am only planning to feed myself during a normal work week.

Of course, this amount goes up dramatically if I buy any meat or seafood, or if I cook for more than just myself.

As I mentioned, this usually buys me 5 lunches and dinners, and a fruit supplement for my breakfast. I do usually add a protein (legumes, eggs or fish) to lunch, however.