Mushrooms: The Superfood Trend Taking Over

Mushrooms are having a moment. From food to fashion, fungi seem to be everywhere. In the kitchen, mushrooms are a versatile, umami-rich meat substitute that can be incorporated into plant-based burgers, or blended with coffee beans for an earthy twist on a morning brew. In the fashion world, vegan leathers made from fungi mycelium are inspiring top designers, while mushroom iconography is popping up on everything from handbags to home decor. But why are mushrooms having their time in the spotlight? Some say it's because they're a symbol of a simpler past, others point to their health benefits, sustainability, or their role as a powerful poster organism for ecological thinking.

Explore related products

Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Oyster Mushrooms In 10 days, Top Gardening Gift, Holiday Gift, & Unique Gift

$15.99

Back to the Roots Organic Pink Miniature Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Mushrooms in 10 Days

$14.99

North Spore Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Spray & Grow Kit (4 lbs) | USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Beginner-Friendly & Easy to Use | Handmade in Maine, USA

$29.99 $34.99

| The Magical 5lb All-in-One Mushroom Grow Bag | Mushroom Grow Kit | Harvest Your own Happiness | Discover The Magic of Growing Mushrooms - 5lb Grow Bag Mushroom Starter Kit

$34.98

2 LB All-in-One Grow Bag: Up to 16oz of Mushrooms! Nutrient-Enhanced, Injection Port, Just Add Your Own Spores & Grow Like Magic

$23.99

Four All in One Mushroom Grow Kits, Yellow Oyster, Blue Oyster, Florida Oyster, and Pink Oyster

$27.99 $29.99

Mushrooms as a meat alternative

Mushrooms have been trending as a meat alternative due to their texture, flavour, and sustainability. They are a good source of nutrients and can be prepared in a variety of ways to mimic the taste and texture of meat.

Mushrooms have a unique texture that can be manipulated through different cooking methods. They can be grilled, fried, sautéed, or air-fried to achieve crispy, tender, flaky, soft or creamy textures. This versatility allows them to be used in a wide range of dishes, from burgers and bolognese to vegan fried "chicken" and seafood.

In terms of flavour, mushrooms contain an amino acid called glutamate, which gives them their savoury, earthy, and umami taste. This fifth taste is often missing from plant-based meals, but mushrooms provide it in abundance, making them a satisfying meat alternative. Additionally, mushrooms are excellent at absorbing sauces and seasonings, allowing for customisation and a wide range of flavours.

Mushrooms are also a more sustainable alternative to meat. They require less water and land than traditional meat and can be grown in controlled environments using vertical farming techniques, reducing the demand for natural resources. Their rapid growth cycle and ability to utilise agricultural by-products as a growing medium further enhance their sustainability. The carbon footprint of mushrooms is also significantly lower than animal proteins, making them an environmentally friendly option.

While mushrooms may not be a one-to-one protein substitute for meat, they can be combined with other plant-based protein sources like beans, tempeh, tofu, or seitan to create balanced and nutritious meals. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory antioxidants and can be a good source of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

The versatility, flavour, and sustainability of mushrooms make them an appealing and trendy alternative to meat, contributing to a more ethical and compassionate approach to eating.

Mushroom-based building materials

Mushrooms are not just a culinary delight but also an innovative and sustainable building material. Mushroom-based building materials are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional construction methods. This natural material offers excellent insulation, fire resistance, and soundproofing qualities, making it an attractive option for builders and architects.

One of the most well-known mushroom-based building products is a mycelium-based material. Mycelium is the root-like structure of mushrooms, and it can be grown into a variety of shapes and forms to create sustainable building blocks. Mycelium "bricks" are grown rather than baked, which significantly reduces the energy required to produce them compared to traditional fired bricks. These bricks can be grown in a variety variety of shapes and sizes, offering architects and builders design flexibility. The mycelium is fed with agricultural waste, such as straw or wood chips, which are readily available and inexpensive, further reducing the cost and environmental impact of this building material.

Mycelium-based materials also offer excellent insulation due to their natural composition. They can help regulate temperature and humidity, creating a comfortable indoor environment. Additionally, these materials are fire-resistant, as the mycelium stops growing when exposed to heat, creating a natural fire barrier. The mycelium bricks are lightweight yet strong, making them easy to transport and handle during construction.

Another advantage of mushroom-based building materials is their positive impact on indoor air quality. The mycelium naturally absorbs and breaks down volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional building materials. By using mushroom-based products, builders can improve the air quality of indoor spaces, creating healthier living, and working environments.

While mushroom-based building materials offer many benefits, some challenges to their widespread adoption remain. One of the main challenges is the time it takes to grow the mycelium. The growth cycle can take several weeks, which may not align with the fast-paced nature of traditional construction timelines. However, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on optimizing the growth process to reduce the time required.

In conclusion, mushroom-based building materials present an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods. With their superior insulation, fire resistance, and eco-friendly qualities, mushroom-based products are trending as a natural and cost-effective option for the building industry. As researchers continue to explore and develop these materials, we can expect to see more mushroom-based buildings in the future, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.

Mushroom iconography in fashion

Mushrooms have become increasingly popular in the fashion industry, with some describing them as the "new black". This trend has manifested in various ways, from clothing to accessories and even home decor.

In recent years, fashion shows have highlighted the mycelium of fungi, the underground root-like network from which mushrooms spring up, and the "leather" that can be made from those threads. Designers have been incorporating mushroom imagery onto various garments and accessories, from handbags to jumpsuits. Toadstool-inspired pieces, such as a $6,950 green mushroom pendant, have also gained popularity.

The use of fungi in fashion extends beyond aesthetics. Vegan leathers made from fungi mycelium have become a sustainable and innovative alternative to animal leather. This material can be grown on agricultural waste, cornstalks, or wood chips, offering an eco-friendly option for the fashion industry.

The mushroom trend in fashion is influenced by various factors. One reason is the increasing awareness of the interconnectivity of the living world due to the environmental crisis. Fungi, with their ability to break down substances and thrive on waste, have become powerful symbols of ecological thinking. Additionally, the development of new technologies, such as DNA sequencing, has revealed the intricate properties of fungi, making them a source of fascination and inspiration for designers and consumers alike.

The pandemic's DIY renaissance also played a role in the mushroom trend, fueling a foraging frenzy and an at-home growing craze. People sought to reconnect with nature and embrace simpler ways of living. Mushrooms, with their symbolism of vitality and creativity, resonated with individuals seeking to re-experience a different relationship with the natural world while still enjoying the comforts of modern life.

While some embrace the mushroom trend, others find it oversaturated and lacking in imagination. However, the popularity of mushroom iconography in fashion highlights the appeal of nature-inspired designs and the desire to incorporate ancient practices into modern lifestyles.

Explore related products

Mushroom Monotub Large 66Q Grow Kit | Complete Mushroom Grow Kit | for Dung-Loving Mushrooms | Includes 2 sterilized Grain Spawn Bags, Bulk Substrate, Vermiculite, Filters & More! Just add Spores

$99.99

Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit (5.5lbs) Grow Your Own Mushrooms at Home | Easy Indoor Grow Bag Kit

$29.99

Back to the Roots Organic Shiitake Mushroom Kit; Great Gift; Easy for Beginners, For Indoor Growing (Start Growing Right Away)

$40.32

Organic Edible 4lbs Golden Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit, Made in USA, Double-Side Mushroom Grow Kit Indoor, Harvest Gourmet Mushrooms in 10 Days, Top Gardening Gift, Holiday Gift

$26.99

Surfin' Spores All-in-One Mushroom Grow Kit | 6 lb Grow-in-Bag Kit/Monotub Refill | Includes: 2 lb Sterile Grain Bag with Injection Port & 4 lb Organic CVG Substrate | Spores Not Included

$35.95

Meonum Mushroom Grow Tent and LED Growing Light Kit, 30 x 20 x 20 Inch Portable Large Still Air Box, Mycology Mushroom Growing Kit, Indoor Propagation Stations with 48 LED Mushroom Grow Lamp(Black)

$39.99 $45.99

Mushroom foraging and at-home growing

Mushroom foraging has gained popularity as a hobby and a professional necessity. Foragers are attracted to the activity because it is a relaxing and rewarding activity that can be done while socially distancing. It is also a way to add variety to one's food stores without having to go to a grocery store.

However, mushroom foraging can be dangerous as some mushrooms are poisonous and can lead to accidental poisoning if consumed. To avoid poisoning, foragers must familiarise themselves with the characteristics of the mushrooms they are looking for, learn when and where they are available, and ignore everything else. For example, morels, with their brain-like appearance, can be confused with false morels, but upon close inspection, the two are distinguishable. Similarly, false chanterelles have gills, while true chanterelles have ridges on their undersides.

Mushroom hunting can be done in the American Midwest, the Rockies, the Northeast, much of Canada, and even deep in the South. In these regions, foragers can find culinary mushrooms such as morels, oyster mushrooms, porcini, chanterelle, and matsutake.

For those who are unable to forage for mushrooms or simply prefer to grow their own, mushroom cultivation at home is a viable option. Mushrooms can be grown indoors in a box, bucket, or log, or outdoors in prepared ground or logs. The latter option is a much longer process, taking anywhere from six months to three years. When growing mushrooms indoors, a cool, dark, and humid environment is ideal, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mushrooms can grow on various substrates, including kitty litter, cardboard boxes, sawdust, grain, straw, wood chips, and compost. The blend of spores and these nutrient sources is called spawn, which acts as a starter for mushroom growth. Depending on the mushroom type, different growing mediums may be used, such as straw, cardboard, logs, wood chips, or compost blends.

Several companies offer mushroom growing kits, which include a block filled with oat bran, sawdust, or other substrate materials coated with mushroom spores. These kits provide instructions for growing mushrooms and may include additional items such as spawn and growing mediums.

Mushroom health supplements

Mushrooms are having a moment, with a boom across food, home, fashion, and wellness. In the wellness world, mushrooms are being used in dietary supplements, with purported health benefits.

Mushrooms have been used medicinally for centuries, and now modern science is backing up some of these traditional uses. The use of mushrooms as health supplements is trending, with a variety of products available, including powders, capsules, gummies, and liquid drops. These supplements are often marketed as superfoods, with claims of boosting brain health, improving cognitive performance, enhancing memory, and supporting the immune system.

The most common type of mushroom used in these supplements is Lion's Mane, which is said to support brain health, improve cognitive function, boost memory, and enhance nerve health. Other types of mushrooms used include Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shitake, and Chaga. These mushrooms are often combined in blends, with additional ingredients such as ashwagandha, collagen, MCT oil, and L-theanine, to create a supplement with a specific focus, such as energy, focus, or immunity.

Mushroom supplements are available for both humans and pets, with some products being vet-approved for dogs and cats. The supplements are often marketed as organic, vegan, non-GMO, and alcohol-free, with some products being specifically designed for ease of use while travelling.

The global mushroom market is huge and growing, with a value of $58.8 billion in 2022, and an estimated value of $86.5 billion by 2027, according to market research firm IMARC. This growth is fuelled by an increasing awareness of the purported health benefits of mushrooms and a growing interest in natural and plant-based alternatives.

Frequently asked questions