Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile food ingredient that can be consumed in a variety of ways. They are a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and selenium, and some mushrooms even contain vitamin D. While mushrooms are a nutritious and tasty addition to many dishes, it is important to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones, especially when consuming wild mushrooms. Magic mushrooms, for example, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause altered states of consciousness and are controlled under international drug conventions. Consuming magic mushrooms can lead to a range of effects, from mild trips with feelings of drowsiness to stronger doses inducing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and other negative experiences. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with consuming different types of mushrooms and to always consume them safely and legally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | White button, Crimini (brown or baby bella), Portabella, Oyster |
| Nutritional value | Potassium, vitamin B6, selenium, vitamin D |
| Edible forms | Raw, cooked, brewed in tea, mixed with food |
| Poisonous forms | Wild mushrooms, Fly agaric mushrooms |
| Safe forms | Mushrooms from the grocery store |
| Storage | Refrigerator, for up to 3-7 days |
| Cleaning | Soft brush or slightly damp paper towel |
| Freezing | Cook before freezing, can be frozen for up to a month |
| Recipes | Chop and mix with ground beef or turkey, slice raw and mix into a salad, grill Portabella mushrooms whole or sliced and add to pastas or vegetables |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, distorted sense of time, place and reality, paranoia, panic attacks, flashbacks, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion |
| Duration of effects | 4 to 6 hours, or more for heavier doses |
| Onset of effects | 15-45 minutes, 5-10 minutes when taken as tea |
| Dosage | 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms, 0.1 grams for micro-dosing |
| Safety | Never inject intravenously, do not consume with other drugs or psychiatric medications |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify safe mushrooms
It is important to be cautious when consuming wild mushrooms, as edible and poisonous mushrooms often look alike. If you are unsure, it is best to consult an expert or a mushroom field guide. Here are some tips for identifying safe mushrooms:
- Observe the mushroom's gills: Mushrooms with white gills can be poisonous. Instead, look for tan or brown gills.
- Examine the cap and stem: Choose mushrooms with white, tan, or brown caps and stems, and avoid red mushrooms, which are typically dangerous. Also, look under the cap; if there appears to be a second cap or ring of tissue beneath, it could be poisonous.
- Smell the mushroom: Poisonous mushrooms tend to have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odour, while edible mushrooms usually have a pleasant earthy aroma.
- Texture: Edible mushrooms often have a firm or fleshy texture, while poisonous ones are often slimy or slippery.
- Bruising: Check for any signs of discoloration or bruising, which could indicate the presence of toxins or bacteria.
- Location: Mushrooms that grow on trees are not always safe, but those that grow on deciduous trees and stumps, like oyster mushrooms, are typically safe. Avoid areas with dense vegetation or standing water, as these can be breeding grounds for dangerous fungi.
- Animal behaviour: While not all edible mushrooms will attract animals, observing animal behaviour can be helpful. If you notice birds or deer eating a specific type of mushroom, it may be safe to consume.
- Consult an expert: If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to consult an expert, such as a mycologist or a local naturalist, to help guide you in identifying safe mushrooms.
Remember, it is crucial to be 100% certain that a mushroom is safe to consume before eating it. When in doubt, leave it out!
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Methods of consumption
Mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, depending on the type of mushroom and the desired effect. Here are some common methods of consuming mushrooms:
Eating Raw or Cooked Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are a versatile ingredient in many dishes. They can be sliced and added to salads, mixed into ground meat dishes, grilled, or added to pastas and vegetables. When consuming mushrooms as food, it is important to choose edible varieties and avoid wild mushrooms, as many are poisonous and can be difficult to identify.
Mixing with Food or Drinks
To mask the bitter taste of mushrooms, they can be mixed with food or brewed into tea. Chocolate is a common food item used to mix with mushrooms. However, it is important to note that consuming mushrooms with other drugs or medications can have unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Brewing Mushroom Tea
Mushrooms can be brewed into tea, which is a popular method of consumption. The effects of mushrooms consumed in tea may appear more quickly, within 5-10 minutes, compared to eating them raw or cooked.
Microdosing
Microdosing involves taking a small dose of mushrooms, typically around 0.1 grams of dried mushrooms, which does not produce the full psychedelic experience. This method is sometimes used by those interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of mushrooms without the intense hallucinogenic effects.
Safety Considerations
It is important to distinguish between edible and non-edible mushrooms, as some wild mushrooms can be extremely poisonous. Additionally, consuming mushrooms can alter your sense of reality and affect your judgment, so activities such as driving should be avoided. It is also recommended to avoid taking mushrooms with other drugs or medications, as this can lead to unintended consequences and increase the chances of a 'bad trip'.
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Safe storage practices
The safe storage of mushrooms is important to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. Mushrooms are a highly perishable food item and can quickly become slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy, discoloured, and even mouldy. Here are some safe storage practices to keep mushrooms fresh for longer:
Firstly, it is important to buy good-quality mushrooms. The specific characteristics of a good mushroom vary depending on the variety. For instance, cremini mushrooms should be firm, plump, and clean, with the cap attached to the stem. In contrast, portobello mushrooms should have an earthy smell and fresh-looking gills.
Once you have purchased your mushrooms, it is best to avoid washing them before storing them, as moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Instead, only rinse them if they are going into a salad or soup. If you are pan-frying, simply wipe them with a damp paper towel or brush them with a pastry brush.
The best way to store fresh mushrooms is in a paper bag, which will absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. If you are using a paper bag, fold the top over to seal it. It is also recommended to line the bag with a paper towel to absorb even more moisture.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be stored in plastic containers or bags, as plastic traps moisture, causing discolouration, mould, and slime. If your mushrooms come in a sealed plastic container, remove them and store them using one of the methods mentioned above.
Additionally, mushrooms should be stored in the main section of the refrigerator, not in the crisper drawer, as this part of the fridge is often too moist. They should also be kept away from strong-smelling food, as mushrooms will absorb these odours.
If you wish to store mushrooms for longer, you can freeze them. It is recommended to cook the mushrooms first to remove some moisture and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen mushrooms can be used in dishes without even thawing them, but they are best suited for flavouring stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying. Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms, which better preserves their quality and flavour while indefinitely extending their shelf life.
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Mushroom-based recipes
Mushrooms are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to mains and even desserts. Here are some mushroom-based recipes to try:
Mushroom Pasta
A quick and easy mushroom pasta can be made by tossing cooked spaghetti with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and butter. You can also add cheese, spinach, and crème fraîche to make it even more indulgent. For a vegan option, use coconut milk instead of butter and add quick-pickled mushrooms on top.
Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms are an excellent base for soups, such as the classic cream of mushroom soup, Hungarian mushroom soup, or Chinese button mushroom soup. For a vegan option, try making a creamy mushroom soup with coconut milk.
Mushroom Risotto
For a hearty and creamy dish, mushroom risotto is a great option. You can use mushroom bouillon cubes to enhance the flavor and add ingredients like green peas or lima beans.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Clean and stem the mushrooms, then dice the stems. Fry some sausage with Italian seasonings and let it cool. Mix the sausage with cream cheese and the diced mushroom stems, then stuff the mixture back into the mushroom caps.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter, then add sour cream, Dijon mustard, and beef broth. Serve this over egg noodles or rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
Mushroom Bourguignon
This recipe transforms cremini mushrooms into a robust and velvety stew with red wine, tomato paste, and pearl onions. It's a perfect dish for chilly nights, providing a rich and savory experience.
Grilled Mushroom Flatbread
Grill mushrooms until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then serve them on a naan-like flatbread. This can be a tasty appetizer or a meatless main course.
Mushroom "Ribs"
Mushrooms can be transformed into hearty barbecue "ribs" with the right seasoning and cooking techniques. This vegan option provides a unique way to enjoy the umami flavor of mushrooms.
These recipes showcase the versatility of mushrooms, which can be used as a meat substitute or as a star ingredient in their own right. With their earthy and savory qualities, mushrooms enhance the flavor of any dish.
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Risks and side effects
Consuming mushrooms, especially magic mushrooms, can lead to various risks and side effects. Magic mushrooms are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of time, place, and reality. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely and depend on factors such as dosage, individual biology, past experiences, and expectations.
One of the biggest risks associated with magic mushroom consumption is the difficulty in distinguishing them from poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid accidental poisoning.
Magic mushrooms can induce perceptual changes, including visual and auditory hallucinations. They can also lead to anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and mood swings. Consuming large doses of magic mushrooms can result in a "'bad trip,"' characterized by fear, paranoia, and other negative experiences. In rare cases, extremely high doses can lead to severe side effects and even death. Additionally, magic mushrooms may interact with certain psychiatric medications, potentially causing a relapse or worsening of mental health conditions.
Long-term use of magic mushrooms has been associated with alterations in brain chemistry, particularly the serotonin system, which regulates mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. One recognized long-term effect is the development of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which involves recurring visual disturbances even when not under the influence of mushrooms.
To mitigate risks and side effects, it is essential to be well-informed about dosage, effects, and potential risks. Starting with low doses and gradually increasing, if necessary, in a safe and comfortable environment, is recommended. Creating a supportive setting with trusted individuals can also enhance the overall experience and reduce the likelihood of unpleasant effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked, and they can be added to various dishes, including salads, ground beef or turkey, and pasta. They can also be brewed into tea or made into soup. Some people consume mushrooms for their psychedelic effects, eating them raw or dried, mixing them with food or drinks like chocolate or tea, or taking them in the form of powder.
Mushrooms are a source of potassium, vitamin B6, and selenium, and some varieties provide vitamin D. They offer a savory umami flavor to dishes. However, some mushrooms, especially the psychedelic "magic mushrooms," can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. The effects can vary from person to person and depend on the type, dose, and individual factors like mood and personality.
Yes, consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be risky. Many wild mushrooms are poisonous, and it is challenging to distinguish them from edible ones. Consuming certain mushrooms can lead to severe health issues or even death. Mixing mushrooms with certain medications or other drugs can also be dangerous and unpredictable.
The effects of consuming mushrooms typically begin within 15-45 minutes and can last for approximately 4 to 6 hours or more, depending on the dose and type of mushroom. After-effects may be felt for up to 24 hours, and some people experience flashbacks even days or months later.
Common edible mushroom varieties include white button mushrooms, crimini (brown or baby bella), portabella, and oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms are versatile and can be used in various culinary applications. Always purchase mushrooms from a trusted source, such as a grocery store, to ensure they are safe for consumption.
