Mushrooms: The Superfood That Can Do It All
Fungi Friday's - Friday, July 21st, 2023 - Issue #89
Happy Fungi Friday,
Hope you all had another great week and are as ready for the weekend as I am. Personally, traveling home this weekend and headed up for a week at the lake next week. Not to worry though, the mushrooms are in good hands, with one of the other boys of Iowa Fungi holding down the fort. And of course, the articles and posts here will not falter… we can write about mushrooms from anywhere! So let’s jump into this weeks stories.
In today’s email:
Every wonder why it’s so hard to overcook mushrooms? We’ve got you covered.
Fungi can live for how long?
And they may be able to fight off cancer?
Iowa Fungi’s Update of the Week
As of this writing, the crop has been sitting for pretty much exactly two weeks, so it’s just about time to check on it. Probably won’t actually make the trip down to move them from incubation into fruiting until Monday or Tuesday of next week, but from there it should only be another week or so until we have some mushrooms begin to pop. Fingers crossed, we’re almost to the finish line!
The Science Behind Why It's Almost Impossible To Overcook Mushrooms
It's a common belief that mushrooms can be overcooked, but that's actually not true. Mushrooms are made up of mostly water, and as they cook, the water evaporates. This makes the mushrooms shrink and become more concentrated in flavor.
So, even if you cook mushrooms for a long time, they won't become tough or dry. In fact, they may even become more flavorful.
There are a few reasons why mushrooms can't be overcooked. First, they don't have a lot of collagen, which is the protein that makes meat tough. Second, mushrooms don't have a lot of starch, which can also make food tough.
Finally, mushrooms have a high water content, which helps to keep them moist. As the water evaporates, the mushrooms shrink, but they don't become tough.
So, the next time you're cooking mushrooms, don't be afraid to cook them for a long time. They'll only get more flavorful.
Here are some additional tips for cooking mushrooms:
Cut the mushrooms into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Add mushrooms to hot pan to prevent them from releasing too much water.
Season mushrooms with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Add mushrooms to dishes at the end of cooking to prevent them from overcooking.
So, there you have it. Mushrooms can't be overcooked. They're a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. So, next time you're cooking mushrooms, don't be afraid to cook them for a long time. They'll only get more flavorful!
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The Secrets of Longevity in Fungi: Cheating Death for Centuries
Most people think of mushrooms as short-lived organisms, but that's not actually the case. Some fungi can live for centuries, and even millennia.
For example, the Armillaria ostoyae fungus is a single organism that covers 2,200 acres of forest in Oregon. It is estimated to be over 2,400 years old, making it the oldest known living organism on Earth.
So, what is the secret to fungi's longevity? Scientists are still not sure, but they believe it has something to do with the way fungi reproduce.
Fungi reproduce asexually, which means they don't need to mate with another organism to produce offspring. This allows them to pass on their genetic material without any risk of mutation.
Mutations are what cause aging and death in other organisms. So, by reproducing asexually, fungi can essentially cheat death.
Of course, not all fungi are as long-lived as the Armillaria ostoyae fungus. But even the most common mushrooms can live for several years.
This makes fungi a fascinating and important group of organisms. They are not only long-lived, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem.
More Mushroom Mentions
Fungi could be crucial in storing emissions and fighting climate change, study finds
This clever material made from fungi could save your home in a fire
Scientists Discover Fungi That Can Stop Cancer to Live Longer
A new study has found that fungi can stop cancer cell division. The study, published in the journal Nature, found that the fungus Ganoderma lucidum, also known as reishi, can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in mice.
The researchers found that reishi mushrooms contain compounds that can target and kill cancer cells. These compounds, called triterpenes, can disrupt the cell cycle, which is the process by which cells divide. This can lead to the death of cancer cells.
The study is still in its early stages, but the researchers believe that reishi mushrooms could be a promising new treatment for cancer. They are currently conducting further studies to test the effectiveness of reishi mushrooms in humans.
Here are some additional interesting facts about the potential of mushrooms to fight cancer:
There are over 100 types of mushrooms that have been used in traditional medicine to treat cancer.
Some mushrooms, such as reishi, contain compounds that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Mushrooms can also boost the immune system, which can help the body fight cancer.
So, there you have it. Mushrooms could be a new weapon in the fight against cancer. They are a promising natural remedy that could help to improve the lives of cancer patients.
That’s all, folks… but before we let you go, leave a comment below on how we can make the publication even better! And if you haven’t yet, smash that SUBSCRIBE button below.
Thanks for reading as always,
BowTiedMushroom