John Miller
Mushrooms are a fungus that has been consumed and used for their health benefits since ancient times. They are a good source of vitamin D, B6, selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, proteins, and fiber. They are also naturally low in sodium, calories, and cholesterol. In Asia, mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years to treat infections, and they are currently used as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, and it is approved in Japan as a treatment for cancer. Mushrooms are also known for their psychological effects, with some species causing hallucinations and used as recreational drugs.
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What You'll Learn
Edible mushrooms
There are many different varieties of edible mushrooms, some of which are more easily found than others. Button mushrooms, for example, are widely available and can be found canned, dried, or fresh. They are typically white or light brown, with caps ranging from the size of a nickel to a half-dollar. They have a mild, pleasing flavour that intensifies when cooked. Cremini mushrooms are similar to button mushrooms but are darker in colour, ranging from light tan to rich brown. They are slightly bigger and more expensive, and are often used to add a more full-bodied flavour to dishes like soups and sautés.
Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, full-bodied flavour and a meaty texture when cooked. They are brown with tan gills and have broad, umbrella-shaped caps of up to ten inches in diameter. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying and roasting. Oyster mushrooms resemble their namesake and are said to have a faint oyster-like or seafood flavour. They range in colour from soft beige-brown to grey and have a delicate flavour and velvety texture. Enoki mushrooms are small, white, and mild in flavour, with a crisp texture. They are excellent in salads and sandwiches but should be added at the last moment to cooked dishes to prevent overcooking.
Some edible mushrooms are more difficult to obtain, such as the truffle, matsutake, and morel. These mushrooms are prized and may be collected on a smaller scale, sometimes available at farmers' markets or local grocers. Other edible mushrooms include the bamboo pith, king bolete, chanterelle, and giant puffball.
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Poisonous mushrooms
Mushrooms are fungi that have been used for food and medicine for thousands of years. However, not all mushrooms are edible. Some are toxic and can cause poisoning, severe illness, and even death. Poisonous mushrooms contain various toxins, including amatoxins, orellanin, and mycotoxins, which can lead to organ failure and death if ingested. While some toxins can be broken down by cooking, others like amatoxins are heat-stable and remain toxic even after cooking.
Identifying poisonous mushrooms can be challenging, as they may closely resemble edible species in terms of colour, shape, and morphology. For example, the deadly Amanita phalloides, or Death Cap, resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. Other poisonous mushrooms, like the Jack O'Lantern, have true gills that end abruptly along the stem, while the edible Chanterelle has folds that run along the stem and end unevenly.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption. This can be done by examining their macroscopic and microscopic structures, including their spores, gills, colours, and habitat. It is also important to be cautious of "Amanita eggs", which are immature Amanitas that can be mistaken for puffballs. Additionally, some mushrooms, like the Chlorophyllum molybdites, are often implicated in poisoning due to their growth on lawns, where children may accidentally ingest them.
While most mushroom poisonings are not fatal, the majority of fatal poisonings are caused by the Amanita phalloides mushroom, or Death Cap. Other highly toxic mushrooms include the Destroying Angel (Amanita verna), which resembles edible button mushrooms, and the Conocybe filaris, a common lawn mushroom in the Pacific Northwest. Ingesting these mushrooms can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, delirium, convulsions, liver and kidney failure, and death.
It is important to note that tasting or smelling mushrooms to identify them can be hazardous due to the presence of poisons and allergens. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarise oneself with the characteristics of both edible and toxic mushroom species before consuming any wild mushrooms.
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Hallucinogenic mushrooms
The active compounds in hallucinogenic mushrooms are typically psilocybin and psilocin, which are classified as Schedule I drugs in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute these mushrooms. However, there is growing advocacy for decriminalization and legal use in controlled settings due to their potential therapeutic benefits. Modern medical research is exploring the potential of psilocybin-containing mushrooms in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioural conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. A technique known as microdosing involves taking a sub-hallucinogenic dose of psilocybin mushrooms, which some users report as having a positive impact on their mental health.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary significantly depending on dosage, individual physiology, and environmental factors. While some users report euphoric feelings and enjoyable experiences, others may encounter unpleasant physical effects, such as stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhoea, and negative psychological effects, including paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of losing control or dying. The setting in which the mushrooms are consumed also plays a crucial role in the experience, with calm and familiar environments generally leading to more positive trips compared to crowded and noisy places.
Identifying hallucinogenic mushrooms can be challenging, and there is a risk of mistaking them for poisonous varieties, which can have severe health consequences. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and have a basic understanding of mushroom morphology and identification methods when handling or consuming wild mushrooms.
While the potential therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic mushrooms are being explored, it is important to approach their use with caution due to the variability of individual experiences and the potential for adverse reactions.
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Medicinal mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fungus that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, especially in Asia. Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections and are now being used to treat lung diseases and cancer. They are also being studied for their effects on the immune system and their ability to stop or slow tumour growth or kill tumour cells.
Reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, has been used for 2000 years, with ancient Chinese texts describing its use for promoting calmness and enhancing meditation. Chinese royalty revered Reishi as the "mushroom of immortality", believing it promoted longevity and healthy aging.
Maitake, or Grifola frondosa, is another medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine to support the spleen and benefit qi, or life force energy. It contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which are linked to healthy cell growth and turnover.
Turkey tail, or Trametes versicolor, is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system in cancer patients. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the active compound in turkey tail mushrooms and has been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer patients since the mid-1970s.
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Mushroom cultivation
One popular method of mushroom cultivation is the use of supplemented sawdust blocks, also known as "blocks". This method is suitable for both indoor and outdoor fruiting and allows for fast cropping cycles with high yields. Indoor block production offers precise environmental controls and year-round production, making it ideal for large-scale mushroom farms. However, it also intensifies crop management and increases costs such as rent, infrastructure, and materials.
Another method of mushroom cultivation is bag culture, which is inexpensive and offers great flexibility in terms of species and substrate combinations. This method is commonly used for specialty or exotic mushroom cultivation and is sterilization-friendly. However, it is labor-intensive and relies on single-use plastic bags, which may be considered environmentally unfriendly.
For outdoor cultivation, one profitable system involves growing shiitake mushrooms on logs. The logs can be soaked or "shocked" each week from May/June to October to create a flush of mushrooms. This method offers a good yield over multiple seasons and has relatively low material and labor costs. However, it is important to note that not all mushroom species are suitable for log-based cultivation, and some may require supplemented sawdust or fuel pellets.
The process of mushroom cultivation consists of six main steps: Phase I composting, Phase II composting, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping. During the spawning stage, the mycelium colonizes the substrate by secreting digestive enzymes to break down its components. As the mycelium grows, it generates heat, and maintaining the optimal temperature range is crucial for the health of the mycelium and the productivity of the crop.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are used for a variety of purposes. Some are edible and can be used in cooking, while others are used for their hallucinogenic properties.
Mushrooms are a rich, low-calorie source of fibre, protein, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of potassium, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B, and zinc. Mushrooms have been shown to improve immune system efficiency, lower blood pressure, and aid weight loss.
"Magic mushrooms" or "shrooms" are mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic drugs called psilocybin or psilocin. They can induce hallucinations and euphoria, and affect a person's thoughts and emotions.
No, magic mushrooms are not safe. They are considered illegal drugs in many places and can cause unpleasant physical side effects such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. They can also lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and flashbacks. In rare cases, taking a large amount of magic mushrooms can be fatal.
