Fascinating Fungi

13 interesting facts related to mushrooms

- Courtney Shea

1 WHEN YOU think of mushrooms, the white button, cremini and portobello probably come to mind first—these are the some of most popular types eaten in the world. But there are more than 10,000 known types, and many mycologists (mushroom experts) say this is only a fraction of what’s out there.

2 BUT NOT everyone is an enthusiast. In 2019, mushrooms made a list of the least favourite vegetables in the US, with 18 per cent of the respondents saying they didn’t like them. Many haters cite texture as the turnoff, but mushrooms may also trigger disgust for their association with mould. A 2015 Washington Post exploration on the science of disgust listed mushrooms among those foods that can trigger a not entirely rational response.

3 YOU DON’T have to eat mushrooms to reap their benefits. Reishi and tremella varieties are found in everything from adaptogen supplements (which are supposed to help your body adjust to stress) to skin-care products. For centu- ries, lion’s mane, Cordyceps and reishi have been in anti-inflammatory and immune- boosting remedies.

4 KENNETT SQUARE, Pennsylvania, is known as the mushroom capital of the world. The small town near Philadelphia produces around 65 per cent of this country’s crop. Today’s mushroom industry contributes about $1.2 billion and 9,300 jobs to the state economy.