Invite a Fun-gi to the Company Catering Table: September is National Mushroom Month

Posted by Sara on Thursday, September 4th, 2014 with Comments Off on Invite a Fun-gi to the Company Catering Table: September is National Mushroom Month Comments

Oyster. Crimini. Chanterelle. With so many varieties of mushrooms, you could spend a good chunk of September – National Mushroom Month – eating a new mushroom dish for lunch every few days! From the ubiquitous white button mushroom of pizza lovers everywhere to the more exotic enoki, a main ingredient in some Asian soup stocks, these edible fungi are not only delicious – they can lend to healthier meal choices for the company catering table.

Mushrooms are a low-calorie ingredient that can be an easy substitute for meat, and they are packed with nutrients, too. A serving of mushrooms is loaded with selenium, potassium, niacin, and vitamin D. But more importantly, when you add mushrooms to your company catering plan, your employees can benefit from a vegetarian-friendly spread for Meatless Monday, or even just a change of pace from the regular catered choices.

These little fungi gems are also a main source of the fifth taste, umami – the meaty, brothy, rich flavor that mushrooms can add to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner fare. Eating meals that include umami can even reduce the need for salt, without sacrificing any flavor. Finally, mushrooms are just plain versatile and delicious!

Here are some ideas to get you started for your mushroom-centric office lunches and catering during the month of September:

Pizza

Let’s jump right in with the obvious choice – pizza! But you don’t have to just go with the ever-popular white button mushrooms as an afterthought. How about a pie featuring shiitakes, portobellos, and maybe even porcini mushrooms? Fresh thyme and goat cheese are a classic combination with ‘shrooms and will have everyone at work enjoying this meatless treat. And if you want to get a bit fancier, how about a green bean and mushroom tart with a side green salad?

Burgers & Sandwiches

Portobello mushrooms (the steak of the mushroom world) are meaty, hearty, and make a wonderful, juicy burger, whether you’re feeding a group of vegetarians or enthusiastic meat-lovers. Add some regular burger fixings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, and you’ve got a winning lunch or meeting meal that everyone will love!

Sushi

Shiitake mushrooms can often be found in fish-free sushi rolls for a rich dose of umami goodness. Add these maki rolls (Makizushi) to a traditional sushi spread with tuna, salmon, and other choices for a healthy and light office meal. And if the weather is a bit on the chilly side, be sure to add some hot miso soup, which often times has mushrooms added to its rich, flavorful broth!

Soups

Speaking of soups, they are a wonderful mushroom delivery system. From the popular Hungarian mushroom soup with sliced button mushrooms, sour cream, and paprika, to hot and sour Thai Tom Yum vegetable soup with mushrooms, soft tofu, lemongrass, and kaffir leaves, mushroom soups make a great and filling lunch. Try a wild rice and mushroom soup or a flavorful bowl of mushroom barley stew. Add some rolls or whole wheat bread to your office catered lunch and everyone will feel refueled and ready for the afternoon!

Take a break from the usual meal choices this September when you’re planning your food delivery schedule with Waiter.com and celebrate National Mushroom Month. Not just for pizzas (although mushroom pizza is certainly a great option), mushrooms can be the star ingredient in any number of crowd-pleasing company catering menus!

When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!

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