Michael Davis
Mushrooms are the fruit of fungi, containing many spores (dormant cells) protected by a complex, multicellular covering. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They are also characterised by their cell walls, which are made from a compound called chitin. Chitin adds rigidity and structural support to the thin cells of the fungus. The vegetative body of a fungus can be either unicellular or multicellular. Yeasts, for example, are unicellular fungi, whereas most other fungi are multicellular.
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychedelic that alters the senses
- Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of fungi, often of the order Agaricales
- Mushrooms have been used as dyes and fire starters
- The stalk or stem of a mushroom may be central or off-centre
- King oyster mushrooms have a thick stem and an earthy flavour
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychedelic that alters the senses
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that can alter a person's senses and change their perception of reality. They are typically consumed dried or powdered. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that can cause people to see, hear, and feel things that aren't actually happening, leading to a distorted sense of reality. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the individual, the environment, and the amount consumed.
Psilocybin is one of the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, along with psilocin. These substances are classified as hallucinogens, producing effects similar to those of LSD. When individuals ingest magic mushrooms, they may experience hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and a distorted sense of self. The effects typically appear within 15-45 minutes and can last for four to six hours.
The experience of taking magic mushrooms can vary widely, ranging from positive to negative. A person may have a mystical experience, entering a dreamlike, euphoric state with visions and reliving memories. They may feel a sense of oneness with the universe, often described as "oceanic self-boundlessness." However, some individuals may also experience extreme fear, anxiety, paranoia, or panic, known as a "bad trip." The risk of a "bad trip" is higher in noisy, crowded places and when combined with certain substances, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy.
While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, regular use can lead to tolerance, where even high amounts no longer produce the desired effects. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms, as not all mushrooms with similar appearances contain psilocybin. Currently, there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin, and their long-term effects are not well understood. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits in treating various mental health disorders.
Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of certain fungi, typically of the order Agaricales. They have a conspicuous umbrella-shaped structure called a sporophore. Mushrooms can vary in appearance, with some having teeth, spines, or warts on the undersurface of the cap, while others have tubes under the cap. The stalk, or stipe, may be central or off-center, supporting the cap.
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Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of fungi, often of the order Agaricales
Agaricales include familiar mushrooms like Agaricus bisporus (cultivated mushroom) and the deadly Amanita virosa (destroying angel). They also include the coral-like Clavaria zollingeri (violet coral) and the bracket-like Fistulina hepatica (beefsteak fungus).
While the term "mushroom" is typically associated with the cultivated white button mushroom, it is used more broadly to describe the fleshy fruiting bodies of some Ascomycota. These gilled fungi may or may not have stems, and they produce microscopic spores on their gills to aid the fungus in spreading.
Not all members of the order Agaricales produce mushroom fruit bodies. Molecular studies have revealed that some agarics, such as those in the genera Russula and Lactarius, belong to different orders like Russulales and Boletales. Conversely, DNA research has shown that some non-agarics, including clavarioid fungi and gasteroid fungi, belong within the Agaricales.
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Mushrooms have been used as dyes and fire starters
Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of certain fungi, typically of the order Agaricales. They are conspicuous umbrella-shaped structures, with a stalk (or stipe) supporting the cap in the middle, or off-centre.
Mushrooms have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. Before the invention of synthetic dyes, mushrooms were used as a source of dye for textiles. The chromophores of mushroom dyes are organic compounds that produce strong and vivid colours. All colours of the spectrum can be achieved with mushroom dyes, and different mordants can also be used to create different shades. For example, the shingled hedgehog mushroom contains blue-green pigments, which are used for dyeing wool in Norway. Phaeolus schweinitzii can produce shades of green, yellow, gold, or brown, depending on the material dyed and the mordant used.
Mushrooms have also been used as fire starters, or tinder. The Hoof Mushroom (Fomes fomentarius), also known as the tinder fungus, tinder conk, or tinder polypore, is a unique fungus that allowed ancient peoples to start fires and safely move fires from one area to another. The outer part of the Hoof Mushroom is dense and woody, while the inner part is more fleshy and leathery. When dried or charred, these fibres can hold an ember and keep it smouldering for long periods. The cracked cap polypore (Phellinus robineae) is another example of a fire fungus. It can be used in the same way as the Hoof Mushroom and also makes a nice long match.
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The stalk or stem of a mushroom may be central or off-centre
Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of fungi, typically of the order Agaricales. They are characterised by their umbrella-like shape, with a cap and stalk or stem, which may be central or off-centre. The stalk, also called the stipe, can be found supporting the cap in the middle, or it may be off-centre or lateral, as seen in species of Pleurotus and Panus. This structure can vary in thickness, with some mushrooms, like the king oyster variety, sporting a thick stem with a meaty texture.
The development of a mushroom begins with the primordium, which enlarges into a round structure of interwoven hyphae called a "button". This button is enveloped by a universal veil, a cottony roll of mycelium. As the mushroom grows, the universal veil ruptures, leaving remnants such as a cup, or volva, at the base of the stalk. Not all mushrooms possess a universal veil, and consequently, they lack the characteristic volva or volval patches.
The mushroom's stalk or stem plays a crucial role in supporting the cap, whether centrally or off-centre. This structural variation is observed in different mushroom species, contributing to their unique characteristics. The presence or absence of the universal veil during development further adds to the diversity of mushroom forms.
Beyond their structural differences, mushrooms also exhibit a wide range of colours, textures, and flavours. Some mushrooms, like the porcini, are prized for their reddish-brown colour and aromatic, woodsy flavour. Mushrooms have been utilised in various culinary traditions, adding depth to dishes from East Asian cuisines to French and Italian fare.
Additionally, mushrooms have a long history of use beyond culinary applications. Before the advent of synthetic dyes, mushrooms served as a source of vibrant textile dyes. Certain types of fungi, known as tinder fungi, have even been employed as fire starters. The versatility of mushrooms extends from their role in creating flavour profiles in the kitchen to their historical significance in ancient crafts and industries.
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King oyster mushrooms have a thick stem and an earthy flavour
Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of fungi, typically of the order Agaricales. They are prized for their unique textures and flavours. One such mushroom is the king oyster mushroom, which has a thick stem and an earthy flavour.
King oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus eryngii, are a species of mushroom characterised by their large size and cylindrical shape. They can grow up to 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, with a thick, meaty stem and a rounded cap that ranges from 6 to 20 cm in diameter. The stems are typically bright white, while the caps are tan or brown.
The king oyster mushroom stands out for its edible and versatile stem. Unlike many other mushrooms, whose stems become woody and tough, the king oyster mushroom's stem remains firm, dense, and completely edible. Its texture is described as meaty, firm but tender, and springy to the touch. This makes it ideal for slicing and cooking, either on its own or alongside the cap.
The flavour of king oyster mushrooms is described as nutty, earthy, woody, and intensely umami, with some seafood and licorice notes. Cooking the mushrooms is essential to releasing their flavour, and they pair well with oil or fat, which enhances their taste and aroma. They are commonly used as a meat substitute, adding a unique flavour to dishes such as stir-fries, stews, and omelettes.
King oyster mushrooms are cultivated in carefully controlled environments, where temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are monitored. They grow in jars filled with organic material, stacked on trays in warehouses. Once harvested, they are packaged and distributed to retailers.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of members of the order Agaricales, whose type genus is Agaricus and type species is the field mushroom, Agaricus campestris. They are fungi with an umbrella-shaped fruiting body.
Some common types of mushrooms include porcinis, portobellos, criminis, white button mushrooms, and king oyster mushrooms.
The stalk of a mushroom is called the stipe or stem, and it may be central, off-center, or lateral. The cap is the part of the mushroom that is attached to the stalk, and it can have different structures such as gills or tubes underneath.
Mushrooms reproduce by producing spores, which are microscopic cells that can grow into new mushrooms when they land in a suitable environment with sufficient moisture and nourishment.
