The mushroom has a semi-spherical or flat cap and a cylindrical stem, usually white. Mushrooms are consumed both fresh and preserved, raw or cooked, as part of salads, fried or roasted, and as a garnish in many dishes, and are even used to make sauces.

Mushrooms are low in calories and are therefore recommended for low-calorie diets. They also provide protein, vitamins, especially B vitamins, minerals and fibre. Mushrooms are considered to be a good antidepressant and anticancer agent.