A large chunk of the family budget is spent at the grocery store. Smart shoppers will find ways to stretch their grocery dollars and one of their secrets is selecting foods that are a nutritional bargain.

Mushrooms cash in as an economical choice, delivering plenty of food value, great taste and versatility.

Clare Jones, nutritionist with Mushrooms Canada advises that 100 grams of fresh white mushroom are a good source of riboflavin, niacin, copper, pantothenic acid, selenium and antioxidants and are the only vegetable with vitamin D.

The mushroom expert recommends storing mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Grocery stores often provide paper bags next to the mushrooms in the produce section. The paper absorbs any moisture and will keep them fresh.

To prepare mushrooms, simply rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Now they are ready to include in a recipe. For some inspiration on how to prepare delicious mushroom, check out the recipes on the Mushrooms Canada website at www.mushrooms.ca.

You can also watch Clare Jones prepare some recipes from Mushrooms Canada on DailyWebTV.com.