Sarah Brown
Agaricus is a genus of mushroom-forming fungi that includes both edible and poisonous species. There are over 400 species of Agaricus, including the common (button) mushroom (A. bisporus) and the field mushroom (A. campestris). While Agaricus mushrooms are not known to be psychedelic, some species within the genus have been used medicinally, and others have been mistakenly marketed as a fake cancer 'cure'. Additionally, some Agaricus species resemble psychedelic mushrooms from the Amanita genus, which are known as destroying angels or death caps. However, Agaricus mushrooms can be distinguished by their gills, which turn from white to dull pink and eventually chocolate-brown as they mature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genus Type | Mushroom-forming fungi |
| Number of Species | Over 400 members worldwide |
| Edibility | Contains both edible and poisonous species |
| Examples of Edible Species | A. campestris, A. porphyrocephalus, A. arvensis, A. augustus, A. subrufescens, A. bisporus |
| Examples of Poisonous Species | A. xanthodermus, A. aurantioviolaceus |
| Look-alikes | Entoloma sinuatum, Amanita (Destroying Angels, Death Cap) |
| Nutritional Value | Good source of B vitamins, phosphorus, and potassium |
| Medicinal Properties | Marketed as a "fake cancer 'cure'", can cause allergic reactions and liver damage |
| Habitat | Found in grasslands in Eurasia and North America, also in fields and grassy areas worldwide |
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What You'll Learn
Agaricus bisporus: the cultivated mushroom
Agaricus is a genus of mushroom-forming fungi that includes both edible and poisonous species. Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the cultivated mushroom, is native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It is cultivated in more than 70 countries and is one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms globally.
Agaricus bisporus has a long history of cultivation, dating back to at least 1707 when French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort first described its commercial cultivation. The white variety of the mushroom, which is particularly popular, was discovered in 1925 at the Keystone Mushroom Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. This variety, with its attractive cream colour, is now cultivated in at least 70 countries worldwide and is a product of a 1925 chance natural mutation.
The specific epithet "bisporus" refers to the presence of two spores on each basidium, distinguishing it from other Agaricus species that typically have four-spored basidia. When immature, A. bisporus can be white or brown, and these different forms have various names, such as “button” or "champignon de Paris" for the immature white variety and “chestnut” for the immature brown variety. When marketed in its mature state, the mushroom is typically brown with a cap measuring 10-15 cm in diameter and is commonly sold as portobello, portabella, or portobella mushrooms.
Agaricus bisporus is a good edible mushroom and is considered safe to consume raw. It is an excellent source of certain B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. However, it has poisonous lookalikes in the wild, such as Entoloma sinuatum, and can be easily confused with lethal mushrooms in the Amanita genus, known as "destroying angels". Therefore, it is important to correctly identify Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, especially for inexperienced collectors, to avoid consuming harmful species.
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Agaricus campestris: the field mushroom
Agaricus is a genus of mushroom-forming fungi that includes both edible and poisonous species. Agaricus campestris, commonly known as the field mushroom, is one of the most well-known and widely consumed species within this genus. With a mild taste and a texture similar to the familiar white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), it is a popular edible variety that can be found worldwide.
The field mushroom typically grows in fields and grassy areas after rainfall, usually appearing from late summer onwards. It is often spotted in lawns and suburban areas, either solitary or in small groups, fairy rings, or clusters. While it is edible, it is not commercially cultivated due to its rapid maturation and short shelf life.
The cap of the field mushroom is white and may exhibit fine scales. It has a diameter ranging from 3 to 12 centimetres (1 1/4 to 4 3/4 inches). Initially hemispherical, the cap flattens out as the mushroom matures. The gills of the mushroom start off as pink, transition to red-brown, and eventually turn a dark chocolate-brown colour as the spores are released. This colour change is a key distinguishing feature from poisonous species, which typically have white gills.
The stipe of the field mushroom is 3 to 10 centimetres (1 1/4 to 4 inches) tall and 1 to 2 centimetres wide. It is predominantly white and bears a single thin ring. The mushroom's white flesh bruises a reddish-brown colour, in contrast to the yellow bruising of poisonous species like Agaricus xanthodermus.
In terms of culinary uses, the field mushroom can be sautéed, fried, incorporated into sauces, or even sliced raw and added to salads. It is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of dishes such as risottos, omelettes, soups, and sauces served with meat.
While the field mushroom is edible, it is important to exercise caution when foraging and properly identify the species before consumption. Confusion with similar-looking poisonous species, such as Amanita virosa or Agaricus californicus, can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to cook wild mushrooms to destroy any potential harmful toxins.
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Agaricus xanthodermus: a poisonous species
The Agaricus genus of fungi includes both edible and poisonous species. Agaricus xanthodermus, commonly known as the yellow-staining agaricus, yellow-staining mushroom, or yellow stainer, is a poisonous species. It was first officially defined in 1876 by Léon Gaston Genevier, a French botanist.
Agaricus xanthodermus is a common fungus, widely distributed in North America, Europe, West Asia, North Africa, and Southern Africa. It has also been introduced in Australia. It occurs in woods, lawns, gardens, and hedgerows in autumn. It is saprobic, usually growing in grassy, cultivated areas, but occasionally found in thin woods, especially on the West Coast. It grows in the summer and fall, and in warm climates, it overwinters.
The cap of the Agaricus xanthodermus ranges from 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter. It is initially convex, with some young specimens having a squarish shape, though it flattens with age. The cap is whitish, with light brown tints towards the centre. It is dry and smooth but can become scaly with age. The gills of this mushroom progress from pale pink to chocolate brown. Its white stipe measures 5–12 cm (2.0–4.7 in) tall and 1–3 wide, and is bulbous with a skirt-like ring.
The mushroom displays a strong yellow colouration at the base of the stem when cut and has a phenolic smell. It is poisonous for most people, causing gastric upset, but some can eat it without apparent negative effects. It may be confused with other members of the Agaricaceae family, such as the Field Mushroom (Agaricus campestris) or the Horse Mushroom (Agaricus arvensis). Agaricus xanthodermus is one of the most commonly consumed poisonous mushrooms, and about 50% of the cases of poisoning from Agaricus-style mushrooms are from this species.
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Agaricus as medicine: the 'fake cancer cure'
The Agaricus mushroom is a genus of mushroom-forming fungi that contains both edible and poisonous species. It is often referred to as "God's mushroom" or "mushroom of life". While Agaricus has been used in traditional medicines and is believed to have medicinal properties, it is not a cure for cancer.
Agaricus mushrooms are often sold as a health supplement in the form of liquid extracts, teas, and capsules. They are also used in cooking. The species most commonly sold as a supplement is A. subrufescens, also known as Agaricus blazei. This species is often marketed with exaggerated claims, such as being a cure for cancer. However, there is little clinical research to support these claims, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified Agaricus as a "fake cancer 'cure'".
While Agaricus mushrooms have been shown to have some potential health benefits, these are often overstated or based on preliminary data. For example, Agaricus has been shown to improve natural killer cell activity and quality of life in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, no survival improvements were reported, and liver damage and deaths have been reported following consumption.
In addition, laboratory samples of Agaricus have been found to contain high levels of inorganic arsenic. While compounds isolated from Agaricus, such as brefeldin A, have been shown to have estrogenic activity, they did not stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.
Overall, while Agaricus mushrooms may have some medicinal properties, they are not a cure for cancer and should be approached with caution. Cancer patients, in particular, should be cautious about using Agaricus products due to the lack of clinical research and potential for adverse effects.
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Agaricus and Amanita: deadly lookalikes
The Agaricus genus of mushroom-forming fungi includes both edible and poisonous species, with the popular field mushroom and the common "button" mushroom being two of the most widely consumed and well-known mushrooms today. However, Agaricus mushrooms, when still young and most valuable for eating, can be easily confused with several deadly species of the Amanita genus, including the "destroying angel" and the "death cap". Amanitas are responsible for 90% of deaths caused by mushroom poisoning, and their resemblance to edible Agaricus mushrooms makes them especially dangerous.
To distinguish Agaricus from Amanita, it is important to consider the gills of the mushrooms. In Agaricus, the gills are initially white, turning dull pink as they mature, and eventually a chocolate-brown colour as the spores are released. In contrast, the gills of Amanita mushrooms remain whitish at all times. Additionally, the popular field mushrooms of the Agaricus genus have no volva (a sack at the stem base), while Amanitas may have a volva that can be hidden underground or broken. Therefore, it is recommended to dig up field mushrooms before consuming them to ensure that they do not belong to the Amanita genus.
Another notable difference between the two genera is their appearance. Agaricus mushrooms typically have white gills, while some species may have pink or brown gills in their mature state. In contrast, Amanita mushrooms often exhibit white gills with a bright red cap covered in distinctive white warts, such as the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). This species, also known as fly amanita, is one of the most recognisable fungi worldwide due to its unique appearance. However, it is important to note that the appearance of mushrooms can vary, and other identifying features should be considered in addition to colour.
While Agaricus mushrooms can be safely consumed when properly identified, it is crucial to exercise caution. Inexperienced collectors should generally avoid Agaricus mushrooms, as other harmful species may exist that do not resemble Amanita. Additionally, some Agaricus species, such as A. subrufescens, can cause allergic reactions and even liver damage if consumed in excessive amounts. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of mushroom identification and always be cautious when consuming wild mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Agaricus mushrooms are not psychedelic. However, they come in both edible and poisonous varieties.
Some edible Agaricus mushrooms include A. campestris (field mushroom), A. arvensis, A. augustus, and A. porphyrocephalus (when young).
Poisonous Agaricus mushrooms include A. xanthodermus and A. aurantioviolaceus.
Fresh Agaricus mushrooms, specifically A. bisporus, are a good source of dietary minerals like phosphorus and potassium, as well as vitamins B2, B3, and B5.
Yes, Agaricus mushrooms can be mistaken for other species, particularly when they are young and have white gills. Poisonous lookalikes include certain Amanita species, such as the "destroying angels" and the "death cap," as well as Entoloma sinuatum and Agaricus xanthodermus.
