Michael Davis
The discovery of mushrooms dates back thousands of years, with evidence of their use in ancient civilizations. Cave paintings from 9000 BCE in North Africa and Europe may allude to magic mushrooms, and archaeological discoveries indicate that indigenous cultures worldwide recognized their spiritual and healing potential. In South America, the Aztec Indians referred to psilocybin mushrooms as teonanacatl or flesh of the gods, using them in religious and healing rituals. The introduction of magic mushrooms to the Western world is often attributed to ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson, who participated in a psilocybin ceremony in Mexico in 1955 and later published an article in Life magazine, sparking widespread curiosity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First appearance on Earth | 715-810 million years ago |
| Scientific identification | Fungi |
| Common names | Mushroom or toadstool |
| Definition | Fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus |
| Habitat | Typically found above ground on soil or another food source |
| Identification | Spore print colours, microscopic examination, habitat, and season |
| Types | White, brown, button, cremini, portobello, shiitake, bioluminescent, and psychedelic |
| Uses | Culinary, medicinal, spiritual |
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What You'll Learn
The evolution of mushrooms
Over time, fungi evolved into various forms, including simple aquatic and soil-dwelling organisms, molds, sac fungi, and more complex fungi like mushrooms. The evolution of mushrooms specifically gained momentum during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic radiation event, a period of humid climate and the expansion of terrestrial communities. This diversification coincided with the breakup of Pangea and the spread of (sub)tropical gymnosperm forests.
The earliest mushrooms are estimated to have evolved between 815 and 715 million years ago, playing a potential role in plant evolution on land. Evidence of early mushroom evolution was discovered through the remains of mycelium, a network of fibrous threads responsible for nutrient absorption and transportation. The fossil record of mushrooms is sparse due to their delicate structure and difficulty in differentiation from other organisms. However, the earliest known mushroom fossils are approximately 460 million years old.
The development of fruiting bodies marked a significant evolutionary advancement in the fungi kingdom, facilitating spore dispersal and contributing to the diversification of mushroom-forming fungi. This group, known as Agaricomycetes, exhibits remarkable morphological diversity and complexity within the fungal kingdom. They have adapted to various ecological roles, including wood decomposers, pathogens, and mycorrhizal mutualists.
The discovery of the psychedelic properties of certain mushrooms, such as Psilocybe species, has also played a role in the cultural significance of mushrooms throughout history. Depictions of hallucinogenic mushroom use have been found in ancient cave paintings, and they have been associated with ritualistic practices in various ancient cultures. In the 20th century, the recreational and medicinal use of psilocybin mushrooms gained popularity, leading to increased research and a growing body of knowledge about their potential benefits and risks.
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Mushroom identification
Mushrooms have likely been around for millions of years, with the earliest fossils of mushroom-forming fungi estimated to be around 90 million years old. However, it is believed that the first mushrooms may have evolved even earlier, with some estimates placing their origin between 715 and 810 million years ago.
When it comes to mushroom identification, it is important to note that the terms "mushroom" and "toadstool" have been used interchangeably for centuries without a precise definition. Generally, a "mushroom" refers to the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, which has a stem, a cap, and gills on the underside of the cap. Other gilled fungi that deviate from this standard morphology may have more specific names, such as "bolete", "truffle", or "puffball".
Identifying mushrooms requires a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure. Most mushrooms are basidiomycetes and have gills. Their spores, called basidiospores, are produced on these gills and can be used to help identify the mushroom. One method of identification involves cutting off the cap of the mushroom and placing it gill-side-down overnight. The spores will fall between the gills and create a powdery impression that reflects the shape of the gills. The color of this spore print is then used to help classify and identify the mushroom. It is important to note that not all mushrooms produce spores, as over-mature specimens may lose this ability.
Other characteristics that can be used for mushroom identification include the presence of juices, bruising reactions, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, habit, and season. Modern identification methods are becoming increasingly molecular, but traditional techniques that have been refined over centuries are still widely used. Additionally, chemical tests can be used for certain genera, and field guides can be helpful for identification in the field. However, identifying the species often requires more effort and a mature mushroom with distinct characteristics.
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Mushroom cultivation
Mushrooms have likely been foraged since prehistoric times and cultivated in China and Japan as early as 600 CE. Today, there are hundreds of edible mushroom species, and many more that are poisonous.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to buy a mushroom cultivation kit to get a feeling for how mushrooms grow. You will need to purchase spawn from a local or online supplier and decide which species of mushroom you want to cultivate. Oyster mushrooms are the easiest species to grow, so beginners should start with these. You will also need to decide on a substrate—the material that you want to grow your mushrooms on. Commonly used substrates include straw, supplemented sawdust, and coffee grounds.
Once you have your spawn and substrate, you will need to inoculate your substrate with the spawn. This involves mixing the spawn throughout the substrate and maintaining specific conditions for colonization, such as a temperature of 75° F for Pleurotus ostreatus. The spawn will grow and produce a thread-like network of mycelium throughout the substrate. The mycelium grows in all directions from a spawn grain, and eventually, the mycelium from the different spawn grains will fuse together.
After the spawn has colonized the substrate, you will need to provide the recommended conditions for fruiting, including controlling temperature, light, humidity, and airflow. Harvestable mushrooms will appear 18 to 21 days after casing, ideally just before the spores are released.
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Mushroom foraging
Mushrooms, the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, have likely been foraged since prehistoric times. The earliest depiction of hallucinogenic mushroom use is from a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain, and archaeological evidence of mushrooms used "spiritually" dates back to as early as 10,000 BCE.
Today, mushroom foraging, or wild harvesting, has gained popularity, but it is important to be mindful of the environmental impact. Some old-school rules to follow include not leaving trash, not trampling plants, and not taking more than what is allowed by state regulations.
To identify mushrooms, one must understand their macroscopic structure. Most are basidiomycetes and gilled, producing microscopic spores on their gills that help the fungus spread. These spores, called basidiospores, fall in a fine rain of powder from under the caps. The color of the powdery print, called a spore print, is useful for classifying and identifying mushrooms. While modern identification is becoming molecular, standard methods such as microscopic examination and observing the presence of juices, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, and season are still used.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to look for fresh mushrooms without slimy, moldy, or black spots. Some dirt is okay, but be sure to wash the mushrooms before eating. For gilled mushrooms, the more open the gills, the older the mushroom, which can add flavor.
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Mushrooms in history
Mushrooms, the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, have a long and intriguing history that dates back millions of years. According to recent fossil and DNA evidence, mushrooms first evolved on Earth between 715 and 810 million years ago, much earlier than previously thought. This discovery suggests that fungi were among the earliest life forms on our planet.
The term "mushroom" itself has evolved over centuries, with variations like "mushrom", "mushrum", and "musserouns" used in the 15th and 16th centuries. The word may have derived from the French "mousseron", referring to moss. However, the distinction between edible and poisonous mushrooms, or "toadstools", was often unclear, leading to dangerous mistakes.
Throughout history, mushrooms have played a significant role in various cultures. Archaeological evidence suggests that hallucinogenic mushrooms were used ceremonially as early as 10,000 BCE, and they were depicted in a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain. Ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Mayans, and Vikings are also known to have used mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms were likely cultivated in China and Japan as early as 600 CE.
The identification and classification of mushrooms have evolved over time. While modern methods rely on molecular analysis, traditional techniques, including microscopic examination and spore print colours, are still valuable. The first reference to mushrooms in a US cookbook was in "The Virginia House-Wife", published in 1824. Today, mushrooms are a common food item, with hundreds of species consumed worldwide.
The study of mushrooms and their potential benefits continues to evolve, with media like the film "Fantastic Fungi" and Michael Pollan's book "How to Change Your Mind" highlighting the benefits of psychedelics. As a result, mushrooms are gaining newfound appreciation in popular culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms were likely discovered by early humans foraging for food. Evidence of their discovery can be found in a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain, and North African and European cave paintings from 9,000 BCE.
Psychedelic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, were also likely discovered by early humans foraging for food. The earliest evidence of their use can be found in Aztec rituals, where they were referred to as "flesh of the gods" or "teonanacatl" and used in religious and healing ceremonies. Archaeological discoveries reveal that indigenous cultures worldwide have long recognized the spiritual and healing potential of psilocybin mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms became popular in the United States in the 20th century, when an executive at J.P. Morgan Bank discovered them on vacation and brought them back for his friends to try. In 1955, ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson and his wife Valentina travelled to Mexico and participated in a psilocybin ceremony led by Mazatec healer Maria Sabina. Wasson's profound experience inspired him to publish an article in *Life* magazine, which introduced millions of readers to the potential of magic mushrooms. This ignited widespread curiosity and laid the groundwork for Western interest in psilocybin.
