Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that consumes oxygen and matter for energy instead of relying on sunlight like plants. They are used in a variety of ways, including medicinally, as meat substitutes, and as flavor enhancers. However, some mushrooms are considered illegal drugs due to their hallucinogenic properties, which can distort a person's sense of time, place, and reality. While mushrooms have diverse uses and benefits, it is important to be aware of their potential impacts on health and well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biological classification | Fungi |
| Source of energy | Matter around them |
| Growth requirements | Damp wood |
| Use cases | Medicinal, meat substitutes, flavor enhancers |
| Legality | Some mushrooms are illegal drugs |
| Effects | Hallucinations, distorted sense of time, place and reality, psychosis, flashbacks |
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What You'll Learn
Medicinal uses of mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. They are now also used to treat lung diseases and cancer. Medicinal mushrooms have been approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for more than 30 years. Turkey tail mushrooms, for example, are used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Polysaccharide K (PSK), the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. PSK has been studied in patients with gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. It has been safely used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer patients since the mid-1970s.
Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 showed that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (about two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by up to 45%. Incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer.
Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, help to keep cholesterol levels low. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block cholesterol from being absorbed, and lower the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood. In a Singapore study, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is often a precursor to Alzheimer's disease.
Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. To get the recommended daily amount, slice three mushrooms (or one portabella), expose them to sunlight for at least 15 minutes, and consume. Alternatively, eating a little more than one cup of maitake mushrooms achieves the same goal without the need for sun exposure.
Additionally, mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, which is beneficial for maintaining low blood pressure. They offer a savory flavor that reduces the need for added salt. A study from the Culinary Institute of America and UC Davis shows that swapping half of the meat for mushrooms in a traditional ground beef recipe can maintain flavor while reducing sodium intake by 25%.
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Mushrooms as meat substitutes
Mushrooms are a popular meat substitute, offering a range of benefits to those looking to reduce their meat consumption. They are a healthy, flavourful, and sustainable alternative to meat, with a texture and taste that can satisfy the taste buds of even the most avid meat-eater.
There are several types of mushrooms that are particularly well-suited for meat substitution. King oyster mushrooms, for example, can be sliced and seared, and then added to a spicy creamy udon dish. Their meatiness and ability to absorb flavours make them a versatile ingredient. Oyster mushrooms are another variety that shines as a meat substitute. When breaded and fried, they make an excellent vegan stand-in for traditional taco fillings or schnitzel. They can also be shredded and used as a "pulled pork" sandwich filling or added to spaghetti sauce.
Shiitake mushrooms, native to East Asia, offer a rich umami flavour and a distinct smoky note that enhances any dish. Their meaty texture makes them ideal for vegan recipes such as stir-fries and soups. Dried shiitake mushrooms have an intensified flavour and aroma, making them a versatile and delicious ingredient.
Lions mane mushrooms are another variety that can be shredded and used as a substitute for crab meat.
Mushrooms can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes as a meat substitute. They can be sautéed in olive oil with garlic, butter, soy sauce, and fresh herbs, and then added to pasta or salad. They can also be grilled, fried, or breaded and air-fried, providing a juicy and tender texture that can mimic meat.
By choosing mushrooms as a meat alternative, individuals can reduce their ecological footprint, contribute to a more ethical and humane approach to eating, and enjoy a range of flavourful and nutritious dishes.
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Mushroom cultivation
Getting Started with Mushroom Cultivation
For beginners, it is recommended to start with a mushroom cultivation kit to understand the basics of mushroom growth. The first step is to decide which species of mushroom to cultivate. Oyster mushrooms are the easiest species to grow, and they thrive on substrates like straw and coffee grounds. Other commonly cultivated species include white, off-white, and brown hybrids, with various strains within each variety.
Preparing the Substrate
The substrate is the material on which the mushrooms grow. It needs to be treated to create the ideal environment for mushroom growth. Common treatments include pasteurization, sterilization, lime bath, peroxide bath, and cold fermentation. For example, at Mushroom Queens, they replicate the damp wood that mushrooms favour by using hardwood pellets and ground-up soybean hulls as food for the mycelium.
Inoculating the Substrate
After preparing the substrate, it is time to inoculate it with mushroom spawn. The spawn is like a seed for mushrooms and can be purchased from local or online suppliers. The inoculated substrate should then be sealed and placed in an environment with controlled conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to encourage the growth of the mycelium.
Creating the Right Environment
Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. The temperature should be maintained between 70°F and 80°F, as higher temperatures can damage the mycelium. Relative humidity should be high enough to prevent the substrate and mushrooms from drying out, but not so high that it causes sticky or clammy cap surfaces. Airflow and light conditions also need to be considered, as they impact mushroom growth.
Harvesting Mushrooms
Harvesting mushrooms is ideally done just before the spores are released. It typically occurs 18 to 21 days after casing, when the mushrooms have reached a suitable size. By following these steps and paying attention to the specific needs of the chosen mushroom species, anyone can successfully cultivate mushrooms with practice and patience.
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Hallucinogenic mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The use of magic mushrooms can induce hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. The effects usually appear within 15 to 45 minutes and can last for around four to six hours. The duration of the effects depends on the method of consumption, with ingestion resulting in a longer onset time compared to soup or tea. Aside from hallucinations, other possible effects include perceptual changes, feelings of stress or anxiety, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Magic mushrooms have a long history of use, with potential depictions in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. They were also represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. In Mesoamerica, native peoples have used psilocybin mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing for thousands of years. A Psilocybe species known to the Aztecs as "teōnanācatl," meaning "divine mushroom," was reportedly served at the coronation of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II in 1502.
In modern times, magic mushrooms are often consumed for recreational purposes, with microdosing becoming a popular technique. Microdosing involves taking less than 1.0 gram of dried mushrooms to achieve a milder experience or potentially alleviate symptoms of depression. The active compounds in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are controlled substances in many places due to their hallucinogenic properties. While there is interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms, it is important to approach their use with caution as they can lead to negative experiences, such as "bad trips" or "flashbacks."
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How to buy mushrooms
When it comes to buying mushrooms, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of mushrooms available and their respective uses. Mushrooms can be used medicinally, as meat substitutes, or as flavour enhancers, so knowing the intended use will help guide your purchase.
If you're looking for fresh mushrooms, you can explore local farmer's markets or specialty food stores, such as Regalis Foods, which offers a range of fresh mushrooms, including Black Maitake King Oyster Mushrooms. Online retailers like Regalis Foods often provide free shipping for orders above a certain amount, making it convenient and cost-effective.
Alternatively, you can opt for dried mushrooms, which have a longer shelf life and are ideal for bulk purchases. Spice Jungle is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of dried and dehydrated mushrooms, providing convenience and a diverse selection.
In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in cultivating mushrooms at home. If you're feeling adventurous, you can create your own mushroom farm by purchasing mushroom growing kits and following online tutorials. This approach ensures a steady supply of fresh mushrooms and can be a rewarding experience.
Lastly, it's important to be mindful of the legal status of mushrooms in your region. In certain places, like Colorado, there is a "gray market" for psychedelic mushrooms, with facilitators offering guided experiences at a significant cost. However, it's essential to stay informed about the regulations in your area to ensure you're making legal and safe choices.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are considered illegal drugs due to their hallucinogenic properties. They alter a person's sense of reality and affect judgment, which can lead to accidents, especially when driving.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary. Some people may experience enjoyable trips, while others may have terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. In rare cases, a large dose can lead to severe side effects or even death.
Mushrooms are fungi that grow on damp wood or other organic matter. They require a sterile environment to prevent other fungi from competing with them. Mushroom farmers mix substrate with water, sterilize it, and then add mushroom spawn to create the ideal conditions for mushroom growth.
Mushrooms have a variety of uses. They are commonly used in cooking to enhance flavor, but they can also be used medicinally or as meat substitutes.
