2018 Food Trends - Mushrooms

There's so much room for mushrooms in 2018! From mushroom infused coffee and cocoa to matcha tea blends, these trendy fungi are set to crop up in other unexpected places this year.Packed with protein and an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and fibre, the benefits of mushroomsare plentiful. They also help to lower cholesterol and contain phytonutrients that can help prevent cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque build-up. This, in turn, can improve heart health by maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation. Studies show that some varieties of mushroom even carry medicinal properties and can protect against cancer.As well as being used in cooking, and now in drinks, mushrooms could even soon be used in food colouring. Who knew mushrooms could be so adaptable and so crammed full of goodness?

While we're not quite ready to make the brave leap into mushroom infused coffee here at Cucina Rustica, we are huge fans of the much-loved fungi. Used widely in Italian cooking, and within our own kitchen, we simply can't get enough of them.Here's a look at some of the delicious Italian dishes on our menu that feature mushrooms…Funghi Con Fromaggio Di CapraThis dish features grilled meaty Portobello mushrooms, garlic butter, goats cheese and tomato sauce.Taglietelle Con AnatraDuck, porcini mushroom, truffle oil and cream. This indulgent dish gives you a double hit of mushroom from the porcini mushrooms and luxurious truffle oil!

Risotto Con FunghiMixed mushrooms and asparagus risotto in a light cream sauce. You get ALL kinds of mushroomy goodness from this one.Pollo Della CasaChicken breast, asparagus, cream and mushrooms. Simple and delicious.Vitello Ai PorciniPan fried veal, porcini and oyster mushrooms, cream sauce. Featuring porcini and oyster mushrooms, this one's a bit fancy!Fagottini Al CinghialeWild boar filled pasta with a light cream and porcini sauce. Subtle yet exquisite - you'll want this again and again.

4 Stagioni PizzaMushrooms, artichokes, ham, olives, mozzarella, tomato sauce. You just can't have a pizza without mushrooms! If you like any of our existing pizza toppings that don't include mushrooms, feel free to ask for extra mushrooms or create your own topping.If you're inspired to make more room for mushrooms in your life after reading this, come pay us a visit at Cucina Rustica. We're based in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham!Book a table here: 0121 233 2277 / Book a Table