The term mushroom is usually meant to mean the fruiting body of any fungus, with the mycelium usually being hidden under bark, ground, rotted wood, leaves, etc. A "typical" mushroom consists of a cap supported on a stem. The underside of the cap (in agarics) is fitted with gills where the actual spores are produced. Edible mushrooms are used extensively in cooking. Many varieties are high in fiber and protein, and provide a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals. Photo credit: Eraticus |