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Mushrooms
are also called toadstools.
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Mushrooms
are a fungus, and unlike plants, mushrooms do not require sunlight to
make energy for themselves.
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The
mushroom is a very nutritious food. Differing species can be a good source of
vitamin B along with essential minerals such as copper and potassium. While fat,carbohydrates and
salt content is very low.
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Traditional
Chinese medicine has utilised the medicinal properties of mushrooms for
centuries.
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Modern
studies suggest mushrooms can be useful for antibacterial,
anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. While also helping to reduce blood
pressure, moderate blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, enhance the immune
system, reduce stress and help in fighting many types of cancer.
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A
single Portabella mushroom can contain more potassium than a banana.
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Mushrooms
are made up of around 90% water.
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The
mushroom is used in many cuisines throughout the world and it is known as the
"meat" of the vegetable world.
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Most
mushrooms grown for human consumption today are done so in controlled,
sterilized environments. The most popular type representing 90% of mushrooms
consumed in the US is the White button mushroom. The brown version of
Agaricus bisporus called the Crimini, and its mature version, Portobello, are
both popular eatable mushrooms too.
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The
worlds largest producer of edible mushrooms is China which produces
about half of all cultivated mushrooms.
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Mycophagist
is the term used for people who collect mushrooms to eat from the wild. The
act of collecting these mushrooms is known as 'mushroom hunting', or
'mushrooming'.
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There
are a few mushroom varieties found in the wild that are highly poisonous. A
number of these look like common edible species, therefore it can be risky
collecting wild mushrooms without good knowledge for identifying mushrooms.
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There
are over 30 species of mushroom that actually glow in the dark. The chemical
reaction called bioluminescence produces a glowing light known as foxfire.
People have been known to use these fungi to light their way through the woods.
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In
the Blue Mountains of Oregon is a colony of Armillaria solidipes that is
believed to be the world’s largest known organism. The fungus is over 2,400
years old and covers an estimated 2,200 acres (8.9 km2). Above ground the
honey mushrooms are short-lived but the underlying mycelium (branch like
vegetation) lives on.
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Before
the invention of synthetic dyes, mushrooms were widely used for dyeing wool
and other natural fibers. Mushroom dyes are organic compounds and produce
strong, vivid colors.
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