Michael Davis
DF mushroom is a term used to refer to dietary fiber extracted from mushrooms. DF mushrooms are separated from the fruiting bodies, mycelia, or sclerotia of mushrooms. The extraction process involves grinding the dried mushroom components into powder and then using ultrasonic or microwave treatment, or extracting the powder with hot water, acid, or alkaline aqueous solution. Different mushroom varieties have different DF contents, and the extraction method can impact the physicochemical properties and potential bioactivity of DFs. DF mushrooms are known to have beneficial effects on gut microbiota.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | DF is a dietary fiber extracted from mushrooms |
| Extraction process | Dried mushroom fruiting bodies, mycelia, or sclerotia are ground into powder. Extraction methods include ultrasonic, microwave, hot water, acid or alkaline aqueous solution, enzyme, and ultrasonic waves. |
| Isolation process | Centrifugation, ethanol precipitation, and freeze-drying |
| Extraction method considerations | Solvent type, extraction temperature, extraction time, liquid-solid ratio, and equipment power |
| Extraction methods | Chemical, physical, enzyme, and microbial methods, or a combination of these |
| Most common methods | Alkali and enzymatic extraction |
| Most widely used method | Alkaline aqueous method due to its simplicity, low cost, and ease of control |
| DF content | Varies significantly between different mushroom varieties |
| Combination method | DF modification using two or more methods to compensate for the shortcomings of a single method |
| DF effects | Beneficial effects on the gut microbiota through fermentation and metabolite production |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are a type of psychedelic drug
There are many different types of magic mushrooms, and they often closely resemble ordinary, non-psychedelic mushrooms. In Australia, common types include golden tops, blue meanies, and liberty caps. It is important to accurately identify magic mushrooms before consumption, as they may be mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause sickness or even death.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on set and setting. Set refers to an individual's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before consumption may lead to a negative experience, known as a bad trip. Setting refers to the environment in which the drug is taken, including factors such as the familiarity of the surroundings, the company kept, and the presence of music or light. Consuming magic mushrooms in a calm and relaxed environment can contribute to a positive experience, while taking them in a noisy and crowded place may lead to a negative one.
While magic mushrooms are not typically associated with life-threatening symptoms, consuming large amounts or a strong batch can result in negative experiences. Some potential adverse effects include delayed headaches, feelings of nausea, and, in rare cases, flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if they recall frightening hallucinations or experiences. They can be triggered by various factors, including the use of other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise, and typically last for a minute or two.
It is important to exercise caution when taking magic mushrooms, as combining them with other drugs or certain medications can be unpredictable and dangerous. Additionally, individuals taking psychiatric medications should avoid consuming magic mushrooms, as it may lead to a relapse or worsening of their condition.
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Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fibre
Alkaline and enzymatic extraction methods are the most frequently used, with the alkaline aqueous method being the most popular due to its simplicity, low cost, and ease of control. The DF content varies across different mushroom varieties. Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D, specifically vitamin D2, which is generated when mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunlight or a UV lamp. Vitamin D3 is also present in smaller amounts.
The amount of vitamin D2 produced depends on various factors, including the time of day, season, latitude, weather conditions, and exposure time. Sliced mushrooms have a higher surface area to volume ratio, allowing them to produce more vitamin D2 than whole mushrooms under the same conditions. Commercially dried mushrooms have a longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms, often with a 'best-before' date of 2-3 years. They are also a good source of vitamin D2, with an average of 16.9 μg/g DM found in dried mushroom species sold in China.
Mushrooms are cholesterol-free and contain small amounts of essential amino acids and B vitamins. In terms of composition, the common commercially grown mushroom is more than 90% water, with less than 3% protein, less than 5% carbohydrate, less than 1% fat, and about 1% mineral salts and vitamins.
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Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D
The vitamin D2 content in mushrooms depends on the time of day, season, latitude, weather conditions, and exposure time. For example, sliced mushrooms exposed to midday sun in mid-summer in Germany for 60 minutes reached a vitamin D2 content of 32.5 μg/100 g FW. Similarly, small button mushrooms exposed to the sun for an hour can generate 10 μg D2/100 g FW.
The vitamin D2 content in UV-exposed mushrooms may decrease with storage and cooking. However, if consumed before the 'best-before' date, the vitamin D2 level is likely to remain above 10 μg/100 g fresh weight, which is higher than the level in most vitamin D-containing foods. Commercial dried mushrooms have a much longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms, with a 'best-before' date of 2–3 years. They also have a higher vitamin D2 content, making them a potentially cheaper source of vitamin D2.
Mushrooms are not the only source of vitamin D. Other sources include fish, eggs, and foods fortified with vitamin D.
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The dangers of poisonous mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungi that has been consumed by humans since prehistory. However, not all mushrooms are edible, and consuming poisonous mushrooms can have severe health consequences, including death.
There are about 100,000 known species of fungi worldwide, and approximately 100 of them are poisonous to humans. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of toxins that can cause different types of harm. The most common toxin that leads to severe poisoning is amatoxin, found in the Amanita, or "Death Cap" mushroom, which has about 10 mg per mushroom—the lethal dose. Amatoxin blocks DNA replication, leading to cell death, and can cause liver failure and kidney failure. Other toxins found in poisonous mushrooms include psilocybin, muscarine, coprine, and allenic norleucine. These toxins can cause a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal upset to organ failure and death. It is important to note that cooking or preparing the mushrooms may not eliminate these toxins, and some toxins like amatoxins are thermostable.
Mushroom poisoning often occurs due to misidentification of poisonous species as edible ones. This is a particular risk with wild mushrooms, as many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones in terms of colour and general morphology. For example, the Amanita phalloides mushroom, or "Death Cap", resembles the Asian paddy-straw mushroom when young, leading to fatal poisonings. Therefore, it is crucial for mushroom foragers to familiarize themselves with both edible mushrooms and similar-looking toxic species to prevent poisoning. Sending clear photos of the mushrooms, including the cap, gills, and stem, to experts for identification can also help reduce the risk of poisoning.
In addition to toxic mushrooms, magic mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, pose risks to consumers. While rare, life-threatening symptoms can occur with the consumption of large amounts or strong batches of magic mushrooms. Negative experiences, often referred to as "'bad trips,"' can include feelings of stress, anxiety, and disturbing flashbacks. Magic mushrooms should be avoided by individuals taking certain medications, particularly psychiatric medications, as they can lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Furthermore, combining magic mushrooms with other drugs or substances can have unpredictable and dangerous effects.
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The six steps of mushroom farming
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or on their food source. They are grown in a six-step farming process, which is outlined below.
Phase I Composting
The first step in mushroom farming is preparing the compost, which provides the nutrients needed for mushrooms to grow. Two types of compost are generally used: natural and synthetic. Natural compost is made from raw materials like straw, horse manure, or poultry manure, while synthetic compost is made from hay, wheat straw, bran, straw, urea, calcium ammonium nitrate, or ammonium sulphate. Both types require nitrogen supplements and a conditioning agent, such as gypsum.
Phase II Composting
The second step is pasteurization, which kills any insects, nematodes, pest fungi, or other pests in the compost. It also removes ammonia formed during Phase I. Ammonia can inhibit mushroom spawn growth, so it is crucial to control its concentration. Phase II composting occurs in environmentally controlled rooms, with compost packed into wooden trays and stacked high.
Spawning
The third step is spawning, which involves sowing mushroom mycelium into the prepared beds or trays. This can be done by dispersing the compost on the trays or mixing grain spawn with the compost before filling the trays. After spawning, the trays are covered with newspaper and sprinkled with water to maintain moisture.
Casing
In the fourth step, finely crushed rotten cow dung is mixed with garden soil to create casing soil. The pH should be on the alkaline side. The casing soil is sterilized to kill any harmful insects, nematodes, or other pests. This can be achieved by treating the soil with a Formalin solution or steaming it. The temperature should be maintained at 25°C for 72 hours after spreading the casing soil.
Pinning
The fifth step is pinning, which occurs when the carbon dioxide (CO2) content of the room is less than 0.08%. It is crucial to monitor the CO2 levels as too much or too little can impact mushroom growth and quality. The pinning stage significantly affects the potential yield and quality of the crop.
Cropping/Harvesting
The final step is cropping or harvesting the mushrooms. The first flush is reaped in 3 to 5 days, followed by a second flush in 5 to 7 days. Most mushroom farmers harvest for 35 to 42 days, but some crops can be harvested for up to 60 or even 150 days. Hand-picked mushrooms can be stored and consumed fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
DF mushroom refers to the dietary fiber extracted from mushrooms. DF stands for dietary fiber.
DF mushrooms are separated from the fruiting bodies, mycelia, or sclerotia of the mushroom. The dried mushroom fruiting bodies, mycelia, or sclerotia are ground into powder. Extraction methods include ultrasonic or microwave treatment, hot water extraction, acid or alkaline aqueous solution, enzyme, and ultrasonic waves.
DF mushrooms have been shown to have beneficial effects on gut microbiota and related health. DFs can be utilized by the gut microbiota and exert benefits mainly through fermentation and the production of metabolites.
Yes, there is a considerable difference in the DF content of different mushrooms. The type of extraction method can also affect the physicochemical properties and potential bioactivity of DFs.
