Mushrooms: A Local Treasure for Health & Flavor

Mushrooms have long been celebrated for their unique flavors, but they are also nutritional powerhouses. From boosting immunity to providing essential vitamins and minerals, mushrooms offer a wealth of health benefits. At Raspberrys Catering & Bistro, we’re thrilled to showcase mushrooms sourced from local producer Ironwood Mycology, integrating them into our dishes in creative and delicious ways.

Why Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a natural source of B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants. They’re also known for their immune-boosting properties and are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D—making them an excellent addition to your diet, especially during the colder months when sun exposure is limited.

The varieties we use at Raspberrys not only elevate the flavors of our dishes but also contribute to your well-being. Mushrooms are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients that support brain and heart health.

Partnering with Ironwood Mycology

We’re proud to source many of our mushrooms from Ironwood Mycology, a local producer based right here in Idaho. Ironwood’s dedication to sustainable growing practices means we’re serving mushrooms that are not only fresh but also responsibly cultivated. Their expertise allows us to incorporate unique varieties like lion’s mane, oyster, and shiitake into our menu.

These specialty mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties:

• Lion’s Mane: Renowned for its ability to support cognitive function and nervous system health.

• Oyster Mushrooms: A great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, known to reduce inflammation.

• Shiitake Mushrooms: Rich in polysaccharides that support the immune system and heart health.

Mushrooms on the Menu at Rasberrys

We’ve integrated Ironwood Mycology’s mushrooms into several of our menu offerings to give you both flavor and health in every bite. Here are some must-try dishes this fall before the menu changes into winter.

• Quiche: Local mushrooms, spinach, carmelized onions, goat cheese, green salad.

• Tostadas: Local mushrooms, onion, garlic, cilantro, cabbage, jalepeno, lime, spanish rice, salsa macha, cojita.

Experience the Benefits

Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or aiming to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet, mushrooms are a fantastic option. With the added benefit of supporting local producers like Ironwood Mycology, you can feel good about every bite. Stop by Raspberrys Catering & Bistro to experience our mushroom-centric dishes for yourself, and taste the health benefits!

Savor Freshness: Rasberrys' Three Lunch Salads

At Raspberrys Catering and Bistro, we believe that salads should be just as exciting and satisfying as any other dish. Our menu features three distinct salads, each brimming with fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and wholesome nutrition. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or simply looking for a lighter option, these creations will leave you feeling nourished and delighted.

1. House Salad

Our House Salad is a celebration of simplicity and freshness. Made with a bed of mixed greens and seasonal vegetables, it offers a crisp, clean taste that pairs perfectly with your choice of dressing. And for those looking to customize their salad, we offer a range of add-ons like cheese, egg, avocado, bacon, chicken, or turkey. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is as versatile as it is refreshing.

2. Kale Salad

Looking for something hearty yet nutrient-packed? The Kale Salad is your answer. This powerhouse of a salad combines tender kale with juicy chicken, creamy goat cheese, and nutrient-rich quinoa. Topped with a delightful mix of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, and sunflower sprouts, it’s a crunchy, satisfying dish. Drizzled with our house-made lemon thyme sumac vinaigrette, this salad offers a bright, tangy finish that complements the rich textures and flavors.

3. Cobb Salad

Our Cobb Salad takes the classic recipe and elevates it with a Raspberrys twist. It starts with a generous portion of mixed greens, enhanced by asparagus, peas, and cucumber for a fresh crunch. We then add avocado, egg, bacon, and turkey to make this salad both filling and flavorful. Finished with crouton dust, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of green goddess vinaigrette, this salad is a beautiful medley of textures and tastes, perfect for anyone craving a robust, protein-packed meal.

Whether you're stopping by for lunch or ordering takeout, Raspberrys Catering and Bistro has the perfect salad for any craving. Pair one with our fresh sandwiches or enjoy it as a stand-alone meal—either way, you’ll experience the best of what Ketchum has to offer. Come by today and savor the vibrant flavors of our signature salads!

How to Dehydrate Fruits and Vegetables for Winter Storage

As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the crisp air of fall, many of us at Raspberrys Catering and Bistro in Ketchum, Idaho, are thinking about how to preserve the best of the season's produce for the colder months ahead. One of the most efficient and delicious ways to do this is by dehydrating fruits and vegetables. It's an easy process that can extend the life of fresh produce, lock in nutrients, and provide you with tasty ingredients to use in winter recipes.

Why Dehydrate Fruits and Vegetables?

Dehydration is a centuries-old preservation technique that removes moisture from food, preventing spoilage. Here’s why it’s great:

• Locks in Nutrients: Dehydrated fruits and veggies retain most of their vitamins and minerals.

• Versatility: Dehydrated produce can be used in soups, stews, sauces, snacks, and baked goods all winter long.

• Shelf-Stable: Once dehydrated, these foods take up less space, don’t require refrigeration, and can last for months.

• Reduces Waste: You can dehydrate fruits and veggies that might otherwise go bad before you can use them fresh.

How to Dehydrate Fruits and Vegetables

1. Preparation

Before dehydration, wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly. For vegetables, blanching (boiling briefly and then plunging into ice water) helps preserve color and nutrients during drying. Fruits can be sliced, peeled, or cored depending on your preferences.

Some great fruits and veggies to dehydrate include:

• Fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, apricots, berries, and citrus.

• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and leafy greens like kale.

2. Slicing

Uniform slices ensure even drying. For most fruits and veggies, aim for slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thicker slices take longer to dehydrate, while thinner slices may dry too quickly.

3. Dehydrating Methods

• Dehydrator: The most efficient way to dehydrate food. Set your dehydrator to 125-135°F and dry until fruits or vegetables feel leathery or crispy.

• Oven: If you don’t have a dehydrator, an oven set to its lowest temperature will work. Place food on a baking sheet lined with parchment and check regularly.

• Sun Drying: In dry, warm climates, you can sun-dry fruits like tomatoes, but it requires 4-5 days of good weather and a proper setup to avoid insects.

4. Storing Dehydrated Produce

After dehydrating, allow the produce to cool completely before storing. Place the dried fruits or vegetables in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to keep out moisture. Store them in a cool, dark place to maximize their shelf life, which can range from six months to a year.

Winter Uses for Dehydrated Produce

• Homemade Soups and Stews: Add dehydrated carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes directly into broths and soups. They will rehydrate as they cook.

• Trail Mixes and Snacks: Dried fruits like apples, pears, and berries make a delicious, healthy snack or addition to granola and trail mix.

• Smoothies: Rehydrate dried fruits in water or juice, then blend them into smoothies for a burst of flavor and nutrition.

• Baked Goods: Dried fruits, especially apples and peaches, work wonderfully in breads, muffins, and cakes.

• Herbal Teas: Dried fruits and vegetables like citrus peels and herbs can be mixed to create comforting teas during the cold winter months.

At Raspberrys, we love incorporating seasonal ingredients into our dishes, and dehydrating allows us to do that even when fresh produce isn’t available. So, try dehydrating some of your favorite fruits and veggies this fall—you’ll thank yourself when you’re enjoying them in hearty winter meals!