You don't have to go too far for the good reputation of mushrooms, as they are already everyone knows, that it is very healthy and easy to get. That said, in terms of price, it's not the cheapest raw material, of course, it depends on a lot of things. What is certain is that it has been consumed for a long time and there are many varieties.
photo: Pixabay Mushroom dish
Mushrooms are interesting organisms
The mushrooms special living organisms. They are a kingdom in their own right because, unlike plants and like animals, fungi are heterotrophs, i.e. they obtain their carbon needs from organic matter and their energy needs from chemical substances. Fungi are mostly adapted to terrestrial conditions. Some of their characteristics are related to animals or plants, but others are related to unique, they also have unique characteristics that distinguish them from both. Fungi are found all over the world. They are adapted to a wide variety of environments, from desert drought to high salt concentrations and deep-sea environments. Some species can survive strong ultraviolet and cosmic radiation from space and even radioactivity. Some 148,000 species of fungi are known, but the actual number may be much higher. Without a doubt, mushrooms are one of the most extraordinary living things!
Photo: Pixabay Eredei mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used by humans since prehistoric times. A 5,300-year-old mummy called Ötzi found in the Alps was found alongside two types of Tinder, which were used to start fires. Typically, the mushrooms were used to heal wounds and possibly relieve pain. It makes you wonder why, if they have been used for so long and are good for so many things, we don't consume a lot more of them.
Photo: Pixabay Mushroom raw material
The importance of fungi
Beyond direct consumption, mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to preserve or ferment food. In addition to collecting wild mushrooms, they are now cultivated and bred. Their importance in both traditional and modern medicine is enormous, due to the many antimicrobial, bioactive or medicinal compounds they produce. Genetically modified yeasts are also routinely used in the biotechnology industry because of their ease of cultivation.
Photo by Pixabay Button basket
Mushrooms in gastronomy
Mushrooms are not only used as a general food in gastronomy, but also in a wide range of applications.
The yeast used to rise bread and other pastries is the single-celled brewer's yeast. Yeast yeasts are used to ferment beer, wine and mash for concentrated drinks. In Japanese cuisine, kodzsu is used to ferment sake, miso and soy sauce, while in Javanese cuisine it is used to make tempeh. Nowadays, the main varieties on the market are improved strains of mushrooms that ferment more efficiently.
Photo: Pixabay Mushroom pasta
The mushroom as food
In addition to its various uses, the use of mushrooms has directly benefited mankind since ancient times. For many years, wild mushrooms were simply collected and used in the kitchen. Of course, it was quickly discovered that not all mushrooms are healthy, and some are even poisonous. It is no coincidence that the term „mushroom expert” has evolved. There were already people who could tell which ones were edible and which ones were not, based on experience and knowledge. Of course, with the rise in demand, they have been cultivated for centuries.
Photo by Pixabay Mushrooms are healthy
Domestic mushroom hunting
In Hungary, the most commonly consumed and most widely cultivated mushroom is the chilli mushroom. The only reason for this is that it can be used in many different ways. It is eaten fried, baked, in sauces, soups and salads. It is also part of our gastronomy, but we consume much less of it than in neighbouring countries.
Photo by Pixabay Forest mushroom picking
Mushrooms are very healthy
They are basically high in fibre and can help a lot in preventing various diseases. It is safe to say that mushrooms are a superfood, as they are extremely beneficial for the human body. They are an excellent source of riboflavin, potassium, copper, thiamine, niacin (vitamin B3) and folic acid.
Excellent source of selenium, vitamins B2, B3, B5 and copper. Selenium can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals and is therefore an antioxidant. It can help to prevent heart disease, asthma and arthritis, and maintain the elasticity of bones and joints.
Because of its high B vitamin content, it is an important source of nutrients for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, while reducing the negative effects of stress. It stabilises blood sugar and metabolic levels due to its zinc content and is essential for a strong immune system.
Mushrooms, including chanterelles, are a great source of potassium and can play a role in regulating the body's fluid balance and keeping acids and alkalis in balance. It is an important tool in the prevention of nervous system problems and also plays a role in preventing blood pressure problems.
Author: Tamás Budafoki
Photo by Pixabay
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