Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of their use as food and medicine dating back to ancient civilisations. While the earliest indication of mushroom consumption was found in the Palaeolithic, with remains discovered in El Mirón Cave in Spain, the first reference to mushrooms in a US cookbook was in 1824. Today, mushrooms are widely cultivated and consumed around the world, with China being the largest producer and exporter. Mushrooms are valued for their flavour, nutritional benefits, and potential therapeutic properties, although safe identification of edible species is crucial due to the presence of poisonous varieties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional composition | High in riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and niacin (Vitamin B3), minerals like copper, selenium, phosphorus and potassium, and protein. |
| Medicinal use | Shiitakes may benefit the immune system and lower cholesterol; button mushrooms contain antioxidants; hallucinogenic mushrooms may alleviate depression. |
| Bioluminescence | 74 species of mushrooms are bioluminescent, emitting green light. |
| Environmental impact | Mushroom farming operations are trying to become more environmentally friendly by disposing of "spent mushroom substrate" through composting or field spreading. |
| Wild mushroom foraging impact | The rise in popularity of wild mushroom foraging has led to negative environmental impacts, such as littering, plant trampling, and over-foraging. |
| Pesticide use | Mushrooms are susceptible to several types of pesticides used in conventional commercial cultivation. |
| Ancient use | Archaeological evidence suggests that mushrooms were used as food and in spiritual ceremonies by ancient civilizations, including the Ancient Greeks, Mayans, Vikings, Egyptians, and Assyrians. |
| Prehistoric use | Analyses of dental calculus from individuals in El Mirón Cave in Spain indicate the consumption of mushrooms during the Upper Palaeolithic, between 18,000 and 12,000 years ago. |
| Global production | In 2019, China led the world production of commercial mushrooms, contributing 75% of the total 11.9 million tonnes. |
| Edibility concerns | Wild mushrooms must be correctly identified before consumption to avoid poisoning. Some mushrooms absorb chemicals and pollutants from their environment, which can be toxic. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms have been foraged since prehistoric times
Mushrooms have been foraged and cultivated since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence of their use as food and in spiritual ceremonies dating back to 10,000 BCE. They are among the oldest living beings on Earth, and their use has been recorded in various ancient civilisations, including the Romans, Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Assyro-Babylonians, Sumerians, Aztecs, and the Celestial Empire.
The Roman philosopher Galen wrote about wild fungi, and shiitake mushrooms were likely cultivated in China and Japan as early as 600 CE. Hallucinogenic mushrooms have also long been used by various cultures, including the Mayans, Vikings, and Siberian shamans, who may have ingested Amanita muscaria mushrooms during religious ceremonies in the Middle Ages.
Mushrooms are a good source of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and niacin (Vitamin B3), and they contain minerals like copper, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as some protein. They have been studied for their medicinal properties, with shiitake mushrooms, for example, potentially benefiting the immune system and helping to lower cholesterol.
Today, mushrooms are a popular ingredient in dishes worldwide, with Eastern Europe, China, and France being particularly well-known for their mushroom-based cuisine. They are also increasingly being recognised as a novel food due to their high protein content and low environmental impact.
While the foraging of wild mushrooms is a popular activity, it has had some negative environmental impacts, such as increased littering, plant trampling, and over-foraging.
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They are used in medicine
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years. They are known to be rich in nutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and have been used to treat a variety of ailments.
The ancient Greeks, for example, used mushrooms to combat inflammation and fight infections. The Greek physician Hippocrates, circa 450 BCE, classified the amadou mushroom as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. The alchemist Tao Hongjing, from the 5th century, described several medicinal mushrooms, including ling zhi and zhu ling, reportedly used by Shennong many centuries earlier.
Mushrooms have also been used in traditional medicine in ancient China, Egypt, North America, and Mesoamerica. The First Peoples of North America used puffball mushrooms as wound healers, and the Mayans incorporated them into their spiritual ceremonies.
In modern times, mushrooms are recommended as complementary cancer treatments in many East Asian countries. Medicinal mushrooms are also used as dietary supplements and as a new class of drugs called 'mushroom pharmaceuticals'. They are also used in cosmetics for their film-forming capability, activation of epidermal growth factor, antioxidative, antiallergic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities, stimulation of collagen activity, inhibition of autoimmune vitiligo, and treating acne.
Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, particularly B2 and B3, and provide carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. They also contain minerals such as copper and selenium, which play an antioxidant role.
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They are used for spiritual purposes
Mushrooms have a long and intriguing history of use in traditional cultures worldwide, especially in the Old World regions of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. They are deeply intertwined with spiritual practices and beliefs in these regions.
In the spiritual realm, mushrooms are believed to possess mystical and transformative properties, often associated with connecting to the divine, achieving enlightenment, and enhancing spiritual growth. Here are some ways in which mushrooms are employed for spiritual pursuits:
Meditation and Mind Expansion: Psychedelic mushrooms, such as psilocybin-containing species, have been used for centuries in ritualistic and meditative practices. Indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, for example, consumed magic mushrooms to induce visionary states, connect with the spiritual realm, and gain insight. In modern times, controlled use of psychedelic mushrooms in therapeutic settings has shown potential in treating depression and anxiety, often leading to profound spiritual experiences and a sense of connectedness.
Divination and Fortune Telling: In some cultures, mushrooms were believed to possess divinatory powers. For instance, the ancient Greeks associated mushrooms with the gods and used them in divination practices. In folk magic traditions, mushrooms were sometimes used in spells and potions to gain insight into the future or to influence the course of events.
Ritual Purification and Transformation: Mushrooms are often seen as symbols of rebirth and transformation due to their ability to decompose and recycle organic matter. In some cultures, they are used in rituals to symbolize death and rebirth, purification, and spiritual transformation. For example, in some shamanic traditions, mushrooms are consumed as a sacrament to facilitate spiritual journeys and to help individuals overcome fears and negative patterns.
Connection to Nature and the Earth: Mushrooms have a deep connection to the earth and are often seen as a link between the physical and spiritual realms. Foraging for wild mushrooms can be a spiritual practice in itself, fostering a sense of connection to nature and the cycles of life. Some cultures believe that mushrooms can impart wisdom and a deeper understanding of the natural world, encouraging respect for the environment.
Spiritual Healing: In addition to their potential psychological benefits, mushrooms are also believed to possess healing properties on a spiritual level. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, certain mushrooms like Reishi and Lion's Mane are used to balance energy, enhance spiritual vitality, and support overall well-being. These mushrooms are thought to nourish the soul and promote a sense of calm and inner peace.
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They are a good source of nutrition
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrition and have been consumed as food for centuries. They are a type of fungus, native to North America and Europe, and are known for their delicate flavour and meaty texture. They are also widely recognised for their health benefits.
Mushrooms are a low-calorie food, with 100 grams corresponding to about 20-25 calories. They are rich in B vitamins, particularly B2 and B3, and are a source of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. They also contain copper and selenium, which have an antioxidant role, and provide a good source of folate. Mushrooms are the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D, and their vitamin D content can be increased by exposing them to ultraviolet light. They are also a source of protein and fibre, and can be used as a meat substitute in many dishes.
Different varieties of mushrooms have slightly different nutritional compositions, but most are quite high in riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3). They also contain some minerals, like copper, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium, and even a bit of protein. For example, shiitake mushrooms may be beneficial to the immune system and help lower cholesterol, while button mushrooms contain antioxidants. Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their brain health benefits, as they contain compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells. Cremini mushrooms are an excellent source of zinc, which is important for the immune system and for ensuring optimal growth in infants and children.
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with records showing their use in ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, the Aztecs, and the Ancient Greeks. They have been used to treat a number of ailments, including as a potential treatment for diabetes and cancer. They are also known to have been used as spiritual aids, with archaeological evidence of their use in spiritual ceremonies dating back to as early as 10,000 BCE.
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They are used in dyes
Mushrooms have been used to create dyes for centuries, with evidence of their use in North Africa dating back to the 15th century. The practice of using mushrooms to create dyes is still prevalent today, with mushroom dyers in Scandinavia selling pieces of Inonotus hispidus for $15.00–$20.00 (USD) per 20 grams.
Mushrooms can be used to create dyes via colour-extraction with a solvent (often ammonia) or through the particulation of raw material. The type of mushroom used will determine the colour of the dye, with Phaeolus schweinitzii producing shades of green, yellow, gold, or brown, and Hapalopilus nidulans (rutilans in Europe and Canada) producing a consistent shade of purple. The shingled hedgehog mushroom and related species are used to create blue-green dyes for wool in Norway. The fruiting body of Hydnellum peckii can be used to produce a beige colour, and shades of blue or green can be achieved by adding a mordant.
When using mushrooms to create dyes, it is important to pay attention to the temperature of the dye bath, ensuring it never reaches a boil. The pH of the dye bath should also be raised to 8-9 within the first 10 minutes of cooking the mushrooms. The mature fruiting bodies of mushrooms contain the strongest pigments, and a higher ratio of dried mushroom to wool will result in a deeper blue-green or blue-black colour.
Mushroom dyes tend to create brighter, more saturated colours on protein/animal-based fibres such as wool and silk. However, they can also be used on cellulose/plant-based fibres such as cotton, linen, or hemp, although the colours may be more muted and lighter. It is important to mordant the fibre before dyeing to ensure that the colour binds with the material. There are several different mordants that can be used, including aluminium potassium sulfate, aluminium acetate, iron, and copper, each of which will produce a different range of colours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms have been consumed by humans since prehistoric times. They have been used as food, medicine, and spiritual aids for centuries.
Analyses of dental calculus from Magdalenian individuals found at El Mirón Cave in Cantabria, Spain suggest that humans consumed mushrooms as early as 18,000-12,000 years ago.
Many ancient civilizations, including the Romans, Greeks, Mayans, Vikings, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Sumerians, consumed mushrooms.
