Fungi cycle nutrients that nourish new life in the soil. Recognizing this essential function, inventive gardeners integrate mushrooms into farm, garden, and permaculture systems. Mushrooms can also be grown in lawns, polytunnels, vegetable gardens, and woodlands.
Grower and author Ken Litchfield notes that mulching, a standard gardening practice, not only regulates soil temperature and humidity but also nourishes fungi. He also suggests surrounding raised beds with partially buried logs to create mushroom habitats. Inside the beds, vegetables, flowers, and shrubs offer the requisite shade and humidity for mushroom cultivation. In weedy areas, Litchfield suggests putting down organic material and covering it with wet cardboard and wood chips, an ideal substrate for fungi.
These methods of production are not likely to yield huge numbers of mushrooms. However, they can provide an attractive addition to directly marketed produce.
Mushrooms have been a culinary staple for about as long as humans have been cooking with fire, perhaps even longer. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that prehistoric people regularly collected wild mushrooms. To the ancient Romans, this fungus and vegetable was considered a food fit for the gods, while the Chinese believed mushrooms empowered one with Herculean strength. Whether or not these cultures were aware of the nutritional value of mushrooms is unclear. Today, however, the numerous health benefits of mushrooms are well documented.
Like most plants, mushrooms are loaded with polysaccharides, phytonutrients that appear to possess potent anti-cancer properties. Specifically, several studies indicate that consuming mushrooms may help to prevent breast cancer. This is attributed to the inhibition of aromatase, an enzyme involved in hyperestrogenemia, a condition characterized by excessive estrogen production. Mushrooms are also high in other antioxidants, such as L-ergothioneine. In fact, mushrooms contain higher levels of this agent than other dietary sources, including liver and wheat germ, and are not depleted during cooking.
According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease may be included among the health benefits of mushrooms. This assessment is based on research suggesting that niacin-rich foods, like mushrooms, appear to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders by as much as 70 percent. In addition, niacin interrupts the activity of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with elevated cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis.
Mushrooms are also dense in several nutrients and minerals. In fact, they are an excellent source of iron, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, and zinc. In addition to providing antioxidant value, these nutrients also play a role in enhancing immunity and preventing disease. For instance, zinc is necessary for a variety of enzymatic processes that affect metabolic functioning, including cell division and repair. Studies have shown that an adequate zinc supply is required for wound healing and to stabilize blood glucose levels, an amount that equates to five ounces (141.75 grams) of mushrooms daily.
Most of the research completed on the health benefits of mushrooms has focused on the shiitake, maitake, reishi, and crimini varieties. However, more recent research indicates that common white button mushrooms provide just as much potential to fight cancer and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol as fancier varieties. This includes Portobello mushrooms (an oversized Crimini), the popular vegetarian meat alternative.
While the health benefits of mushrooms are easily understood, it should also be noted that they might pose potential health hazards for certain people. For one thing, only those with an expertise in botanical identification should attempt to collect mushrooms from the wild since some varieties are toxic. In addition, mushrooms contain purines, an organic compound and precursor to uric acid that can be harmful in excessive amounts. Therefore, individuals with a history of developing gout, kidney stones, or other disorder related to impaired uric acid conversion, should avoid or limit purine-containing foods, including mushrooms.
Introduction Mushrooms have been valued throughout the world as both food and medicine for thousands of years. They are a rich source of nutrition and form a major chunk of health foods. Fats occur in mushrooms in minor amounts, especially compared with protein and carbohydrates, and the fatty fraction consists predominantly of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, they may be the perfect food for maintaining a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Earlier Mushroom eating was restricted to specific regions and areas of the world but due to globalization, interaction between different cultures, growing consumerism has ensured the accessibility of Mushrooms in all areas. Mushrooms are increasingly gaining acceptance in different Cusines and in everday consumption. They have created a space in a common man’s kitchen. Also, current trend of consumption conveys the opportunity that lies in the area of mushroom exports.
The two most commonly grown species of mushroom in India are white Button mushroom and Oyster mushroom. Most of the production of white button mushroom in our country is seasonal. The cultivation is done using conventional methods. Usually, unpasteurized compost is used, hence yields are very low. However, in recent years, yield of mushroom has increased as a result of introduction of improved agronomic practices. Cultivation of the common white button mushroom requires technical skill. Apart from other factors, the system requires humidity, two different temperatures i.e. Temperature for spawn or vegetative growth (Spawn Run): 22-280C, for reproductive Phase (fruit body formation): 15-180, Humidity: 85-95% and enough ventilation during substrates that are sterilized are easily contaminated unless spawned under very aseptic conditions. Therefore steaming at 1000 C (pasteurization) is more acceptable.
Pleurotus is the scientific name for Oyster mushroom. In many parts of India, it is known as Dhingri. This mushroom includes many species e.g. Pleurotusostreatus, P. sajor-caju, P. florida, P. sapidus, P. flabellatus, P. eryngii and many other edible species. Mushroom growing is an occupation requiring perseverance, patience, intelligent observation and a skill that can be developed only through intelligent experience.
Pleurotus mushroom requires a temperature of 20oC to 30oC, both for its vegetative growth (spawn run) and reproductive phase, i.e. for formation of fruit bodies. The suitable cultivation period at high altitude - 1100-1500 meters above mean sea level – is March to October, mid altitude - 600-1100 meters above mean sea level – is February to May & September to November and at Low altitude - Below 600 meters above mean sea level – is October to March.
Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sp.) belonging to Class Basidiomycetes and Family Agaricaceae is popularly known as ‘dhingri’ in India and grows naturally in the temperate and tropical forests on dead and decaying wooden logs or sometimes on dying trunks of deciduous or coniferous woods. It may also grow on decaying organic matter. The fruit bodies of this mushroom are distinctly shell or spatula shaped with different shades of white, cream, grey, yellow, pink or light brown depending upon the species. It is one of the most suitable fungal organisms for producing protein rich food from various agro-wastes or forest wastes without composting.
Oyster Mushroom
Origin
Cultivation of a sp. of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was initiated on experimental basis in Germany by Flack during the year 1917 on tree stumps and wood logs. Growing technology was perfected in USA by Block, Tsao and Hau.
Cultivation of different varieties of oyster mushroom was initiated in Bangladesh, India in the early sixties. Commercial cultivation began in mid-seventies.
Botanical Description
The oyster mushrooms have three distinct parts- a fleshy shell or spatula shaped cap (pileus) , a short or long lateral or central stalk called stipe and long ridges and furrows underneath the pileus called gills or lamellae. The gills stretch from the edge of the cap down to the stalk and bear the spores. The spores are smooth, cylindrical and germinate very easily on any kind of mycological media within 48-96 hrs. The mycelium of Pleurotus is pure white in colour.
Production
Oyster mushrooms are the third largest cultivated mushroom. China, the world leader in Oyster production, contributes nearly 85% of the total world production of about a million tonnes. The other countries producing oyster mushrooms include Korea, Japan, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand and Phillipines. The present production of this crop in India is only around 1500 tonnes due to low domestic demand. Another inhibiting factor is that export demand orders are large and can be met only if a linkage is developed between producer, cooperatives and exporters.
Economic Importance
The economic importance of the mushroom lies primarily in its use as food for human consumption. It is rich in Vitamin C and B complex and the protein content varies between 1.6 to 2.5 percent. It has most of the mineral salts required by the human body. The niacin content is about ten times higher than any other vegetables.
The folic acid present in oyster mushrooms helps to cure anemia. It is suitable for people with hyper-tension, obesity and diabetes due to its low sodium : potassium ratio, starch, fat and calorific value. Alkaline ash and high fibre content makes them suitable for consumption for those having hyperacidity and constipation. A polycyclic aromatic compound pleurotin has been isolated from P. griseus which possess antibiotic properties.
The spent straw can be re-cycled for growing oyster mushroom after supplementing with wheat or rice bran @ 10-15 % and also for preparing compost of white button mushroom after suitable supplementation with nitrogen rich horse or chicken manure (sun-dried before use). The spent straw can be used as cattle feed and also for bio-gas production, The slurry can be used as manure.
MARKET ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY
Demand and Supply Patterns
This mushroom is not as popular as white button mushroom in the domestic market. A few units are cultivating it commercially for export market. Cultivation of this mushroom on commercial basis would be more profitable as compared to white button mushroom as capital costs are low.
The cultivation of this variety of mushroom is very simple and economical in rural areas where raw materials and facilities required are easily available.
Marketing of fresh oyster mushroom does not pose any problem at present due to very low production. However, as production increases linkage of producers with domestic markets and export oriented processing units will need to be developed to ensure remunerative prices to the producers.
Generally, export orders are too big to be met by a single grower and as such co-operatives have to be encouraged to pool their produce for trading the crop in a dried powder form in international markets.
Import / Export Trends
About 11,797 tonnes of fresh mushrooms and 4,099 tonnes of preserved mushrooms were exported to foreign countries viz. U.S.A., France, Ireland, U.A.E., Russia etc. during the period 2001-2002. The quantity of oyster mushroom exported is much lower than that of button mushrooms which constitute the major share of exports.
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years both as food and for medicinal purposes. They are often classified as a vegetable or a herb, but they are actually fungi. While there are over 14,000 mushrooms, only about 3,000 are edible, about 700 have known medicinal properties, and fewer than one percent are recognized as poisonous.
Mighty Mushrooms
Many people enjoy going to the woods to pick their own mushrooms. However, identifying mushrooms can be a real challenge. The color, shape and size of the fruiting body can vary tremendously. It is important to properly identify the mushroom that is collected, so as to avoid a poisonous species.
The Pharaohs prized mushrooms as a delicacy, and the Greeks believed that mushrooms provided strength for warriors in battle. The Romans regarded mushrooms as a gift from God and served them only on festive occasions, while the Chinese treasured them as a health food.
Today, mushrooms are enjoyed for their flavor and texture. They can impart their own flavor to food or take on the flavor of other ingredients. Their flavor normally intensifies during cooking, and their texture holds up well to usual cooking methods, including stir-frying and sauteing.
It is popular to add mushrooms to soups, salads, and sandwiches, or to use them as an appetizer. They also add an appealing touch to vegetable-based casseroles and stews. In the US, mushroom extracts are increasingly being used in nutraceutical products and sports drinks.
Mushrooms contain about 80 to 90 percent water, and are very low in calories (only 100 cal/oz). They have very little sodium and fat, and 8 to 10 percent of the dry weight is fiber. Hence, they are an ideal food for persons following a weight management program or a diet for hypertensives.
Mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. One medium portabella mushroom has even more potassium than a banana or a glass of orange juice. One serving of mushrooms also provides about 20 to 40 percent of the daily value of copper, a mineral that has cardioprotective properties.
Mushrooms are a rich source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that works with vitamin E to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Male health professionals who consumed twice the recommended daily intake of selenium cut their risk of prostate cancer by 65 percent. In the Baltimore study on Aging, men with the lowest blood selenium levels were 4 to 5 times more likely to have prostate cancer compared to those with the highest selenium levels.
The most commonly consumed mushroom in the United States is Agaricus bisporus or the white button mushroom. A. bisporus has two other forms - Crimini or brown mushrooms with a more earthy flavor and firmer texture, and Portabella mushrooms with a large umbrella-shaped cap and meaty flavor.All three mushrooms, but especially the fresh button mushrooms, possess substances that inhibit the activity of aromatase (an enzyme involved in estrogen production), and 5-alpha-reductase (an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT). The latest findings show that
white button mushroomscan reduce the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. An extract of white button mushrooms decreased cell proliferation and decreased tumor size in a dose-dependent manner. The chemoprotective effect can be seen with an intake of about 100 grams (3.5 ozs) of mushrooms per day.
Shiitake mushrooms have been used for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese to treat colds and flu. Lentinan, a beta-glucan isolated from the fruiting body of shiitake mushrooms, appears to stimulate the immune system, help fight infection, and demonstrates anti-tumor activity.
Recent studies have shown shiitake and reishi mushrooms are potential cancer-fighters. Reishi extracts have been shown to stop the growth of cancerous tumors and also produce an antihistamine action which can help to control allergies. Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which is being used as a cancer treatment in Japan.
Mushrooms are also a good source of riboflavin and niacin and contain no fat or cholesterol.
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