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UV Exposed Mushrooms High in Vitamin D

UV exposed mushrooms are grown or treated to make more vitamin D.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Some supermarkets stock fresh packs labeled high in vitamin D. Dried UV treated mushrooms and mushroom powders sell online.

Professional insight

Produce buyers judge these packs by the vitamin D figure on the label. The word UV alone means little.

  • Look for a vitamin D amount per serving.
  • Portabella and crimini hold more ergosterol than white buttons.
  • Vitamin D drops with long storage and cooking.
  • Sun drying at home also raises vitamin D.

Check the label

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UV mushroom vitamin D facts

Vitamin form
Vitamin D2
Source compound
Ergosterol
Works after harvest
Yes

UV light turns ergosterol in mushrooms into vitamin D2. It works on fresh mushrooms after picking too.

Types

Forms you can buy
FormNotes
Fresh packLook for a vitamin D claim on the front
Dried slicesLong shelf life, rehydrate before use
Mushroom powderStir into soups or sauces
Supplement capsulesTreat as a supplement and follow the label

Storage

  • Keep fresh mushrooms in the fridge in a paper bag.
  • Use fresh packs within a few days.
  • Store dried mushrooms airtight, away from light.
  • Do not wash until just before cooking.

DIY steps

  1. 1Slice fresh mushrooms with the gills facing up.
  2. 2Place them in direct midday sun.
  3. 3Leave them out for about 15 to 60 minutes.
  4. 4Cook or refrigerate right away.

Safe use

Vitamin D capsules made from mushrooms are supplements. Follow the label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about dosing.

Common questions

Do UV mushrooms taste different?
Most people cannot tell the difference.
Is vitamin D2 the same as D3?
No. Both are forms of vitamin D. Ask a doctor which suits you.
Does cooking destroy the vitamin D?
Some is lost, but much stays after normal cooking.
Are UV mushrooms safe?
Yes, light treatment is a standard food process.