Mushrooms are a strange and delicious world that most people don’t think about very often. The word umami is used to describe their flavor, but they are far more interesting than many people realize. They can be found packaged and sold in the grocery store or growing on the side of the road. They are in the forest, in fields, and seem to pop up when it’s rained recently. Here’s a list of 8 fun facts about mushrooms for anyone who’s curious about these fascinating organisms.
They Are Fungi, Not Plants
Mushrooms are fungi, not plants. They fall into their own category outside of plant and animal kingdom classification. For many vegans, the fact that they are not animals makes them an appealing addition to their diet. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that can be either unicellular or multicellular. Yeasts and molds are also part of the fungi classification. They are found in dark spaces and don’t need soil to grow the same way that plants do.
They Don’t Need Soil to Grow
Mushrooms don’t need soil to grow. They can grow on the surface of dead or decaying organic matter, including wood, leaves, and even paper. They can even grow out of piles of animal feces. This doesn’t make them unclean however, and some people harvest mushrooms from these piles. It also means that people who want to cultivate mushrooms can do so very easily if they can get ahold of the right kinds of spores to reproduce.
Some of Them Are Toxic to Humans
Before you go out trying to gather mushrooms from the forest, you need to understand that some mushrooms can be toxic to humans. And some mushrooms are more likely than others to cause illness or even death. The most common ones to be toxic are often brightly colored. However, it’s important to take one of the best mushroom courses to learn more about them before you go foraging. This can help you distinguish between edible mushrooms, toxic mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, and even mushrooms that might make you feel high.
There Are Thousands of Types of Edible Mushrooms
There are so many different kinds of edible mushrooms and each one has its own unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits. If you don’t like one mushroom, don’t give up. Try another variety. You may enjoy the flavor of shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms.
Some Mushrooms Are in Disguise
Did you know that there are mushrooms that look like other plants and organisms? They are in disguise even out in nature. You can also find them in your yard or on the path you like to walk on. Their disguises simply mean you need to be absolutely sure of the variety before you go picking them to eat later.
There Are Varieties That Glow in the Dark
Some mushrooms, including the bitter oyster and eternal light mushroom glow in the dark. They have a chemical reaction internally that creates bioluminescence. Similar to the process that makes lightning bugs glow, they also create their own light. These are not radioactive, but they may or may not be edible depending on the variety of mushroom.
They Produce Vitamin D
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. It’s one of the reasons why vegans add so many of them to their diets. You can increase your intake of mushrooms by adding them to soups or stews or putting them on your favorite pizza. They taste delicious when you cook them with olive oil until they’re golden brown on both sides before topping them with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Mushrooms Are Nutrient Dense
Not only do mushrooms have vitamin D, they also are a good source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. Riboflavin plays an important role in energy metabolism and red blood cell production and can even help reduce the occurrence of migraine headaches. Niacin helps your body turn food into energy. It also improves the health of your nervous and digestive systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mushrooms are a wonderful source of nutrients and other health benefits. They are also easy to grow at home and can be used as an alternative to meat in many dishes. Plus, with the right training, you can identify and possibly eat the ones you find in your backyard or the forest nearby.
