Mushrooms are the kind of staple that work with everything – stir-fries, pasta, soups, or gravies. They have a deep, savoury bite and can soak up flavours like a dream. But what makes them even more impressive is their nutritional profile. High in fibre, low in calories, and packed with antioxidants, mushrooms are the unsung heroes of quick weekday meals and wellness-friendly cooking. But here is the twist: mushrooms are also one of the very few non-animal sources of Vitamin D. And not just a trace amount – they can become significantly more beneficial if you use them right “Mushrooms contain ergosterol, a compound that converts into Vitamin D2 when exposed to sunlight,” says consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta. In simpler terms? You can increase the Vitamin D content in mushrooms just by leaving them out in the sun before cooking.
And yes, the sunlight trick really works. Research has shown that exposing mushrooms to direct sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes can dramatically boost their Vitamin D2 levels. Think of it as a five-minute beauty routine for your dinner ingredients – with health benefits that matter.
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