Bringing mushrooms out from the dark

Expert Dr Martmari van Greuning gave a presentation at the Peech Hotel in Melrose where she said that increasing global research confirms cultivated mushrooms are a remarkable sources of protein, phosphorous and magnesium, valuable sources of micro nutrients, and vitamins with high anti-oxidant levels.

“Common button mushrooms seem not to be so common after all,” she quipped.

According to Van Greuning, mushrooms were called the food of the gods by the ancient Greeks because of their diverse and medicinal properties.

In the time of the Roman Empire not just anyone could sell mushrooms as sales were regulated by law. There were also designated mushroom collectors who would place them in special dishes and then also cook and serve them with silver and amber cutlery.

The Pharos in Egypt reserved mushrooms as a privilege for royalty only.

Van Greuning said that although they are often called vegetables, mushrooms are in fact fungi and should be seen in a group of their own.

She said, “Not many people know that mushrooms have a unique profile that provides nutrients not typically found in plants, as well as nutrients commonly found in animal products.

“With health becoming the number one driver of global food industries, the demand for healthier meals and more natural alternatives to help treat or prevent serious health conditions through food will continue to grow.”

She highlighted society’s concern with well-being, weight control and energy levels, and said, “Consumers’ interest in seriously healthy foods that provide protective nutrients, is growing.

“Communicating the results of nutrition research to consumers is essential if mushrooms are to become a priority when choosing to eat for health.”

Van Greuning emphasised the importance of knowing that food is medicine, saying the focus should not only be to avoid negative nutrients such as fat, sodium or sugar, but to also actively seek a positive approach to nutrition and health through nutrient-rich food.

By doing so, health problems later in life can be avoided, and eating well is a better way to manage illness than medication, she concluded.

Details: www.mushroominfo.co.za