Mushrooms are a group of fleshy saprophytic fungi that are found growing on dead organic matter. Over 10,000 species of mushrooms are believed to be found naturally growing in moist, damp forests and soils rich in organic matter throughout the world. Among these, some are edible while others are toxic. A few species of mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties as well and hence they are known as medicinal mushrooms.

Milky Mushrooms (Calocybe indica): These are milky-white delicate mushrooms which are one of the most delicious and nutritious mushrooms. Milky mushrooms are tropical in growth habit and are very popular in India and other Asian countries. It is found growing naturally in the damp, moist forest environments of Indian subcontinent. Favorable temperature range for its growth is considered to be 25-30o C.

Paddy Straw Mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea): Paddy Straw mushrooms are subtropical in growth habit and are successfully grown in areas with high rainfall. Favorable temperature range for its growth is considered to be 30 – 35oC. They are very popular in India, China, Taiwan, Thailand and other South East Asian countries. Substrate material popularly used for its cultivation is paddy straw and therefore the name ‘paddy straw mushrooms’.

White Button Mushrooms: Scientific name of white button mushroom is Agaricus bisporus. These are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world. They are believed to be cultivated in more than 100 countries. These mushrooms are popularly known as button mushrooms, white mushrooms, and table mushrooms. Good compost and good quality spawns and a simulated environment are absolute necessities for its successful growing. Favorable temperature range for its growth is 150C to 170C.

Brown Mushroom: Brown strain of Agaricus bisporous is known as brown mushrooms. There are two types of brown mushrooms. Baby Crimini mushrooms and mature portabella mushrooms. Crimini mushrooms have a darker or brown color, deeper flavor and denser texture than the white button mushrooms.

Crimini Mushrooms: Crimini mushrooms are also known as Swiss brown mushroom, Roman brown mushroom, Italian brown mushrooms and Italian mushrooms. They are believed to be originated in Europe and North America.

Portabella Mushrooms: Portabella mushrooms are mature Crimini mushrooms, which are three to seven days older than the Crimini. Because of their extended growing period, portabellas have larger caps and deeper color. Ideal temperature for the growth of both the Crimini and the portabellas are considered to be 24oC and 15-17oC.

Shiitake Mushrooms: Scientific name of Shiitake Mushrooms is Lentinula edodes. Shiitake Mushrooms are fleshy, brown-colored mushrooms that are known for their medicinal properties. Ideal temperature for the growth of shiitake mushrooms is considered to be 18-24OC. Shiitake mushrooms are believed to be originated in East Asia. These mushrooms are known for both their edible as well as medicinal properties. Shiitake mushrooms are considered to be a good remedy for premature ageing and respiratory problems.

Oyster Mushrooms: Scientific name of Oyster mushrooms is Pleurotus spp. Oyster mushrooms can be grown on many substrates, and are very easy to cultivate even for a beginner; it takes hardly one or two months to complete one cycle of production, starting from spawning to harvesting to marketing. Ideal temperature for the growth of oyster mushrooms is considered to be 20-300C. There is a large type of oyster mushroom called ‘King Oyster Mushroom’. King oyster mushrooms are very popular in India and surrounding regions and are known by the name ‘Kabul dhingri’. Ideal temperature for the growth of king oyster mushrooms is considered to be 17-20oC.

Enoki Mushrooms: Scientific name of Enoki Mushrooms is Flammulina velutipes. Enoki mushrooms or Enokitake (Enokidake) are white colored, thin long mushrooms that are popular South East Asian countries such as China, Japan and Korea. They are also known as golden needle mushrooms and lily mushrooms.

Maitake Mushrooms: Scientific name of Maitake Mushrooms is Grifola frondosa. Maitake mushrooms are believed to be originated in Japan and North America and they are still very popular in Japan. In Japanese language, the word ‘Maitake’ means “dancing mushroom”, a name given due to its growing characteristics; they are perennial fungi and often grow in the same place in succession and occur in clusters at the base of the trees. Common names of Maitake mushrooms are Hen-of-the-Woods, Ram’s Head and Sheep’s Head. Maitake mushrooms are believed to control blood sugar and cholesterol. It has anti-cancer and anti-obesity properties. Regular consumption of Maitake mushrooms strengthens body’s immune system.

Morel Mushrooms: Morel Mushrooms (Morchella esculenta) are one of the most delicious mushroom varieties in the world and are highly popular in France. They are used extensively in many types of French cuisines. They are commonly known by their popular name ‘sponge mushrooms’. They are very popular in Germany and USA also.

Chanterelle Mushrooms: Chanterelle Mushrooms (Cantharellus cibarius) are a group of golden-colored, fleshy, funnel-shaped edible fungi known for their excellent edible properties. They are very popular in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. They are found naturally occurring in moist, temperate coniferous forests. Chanterelle mushrooms are normally consumed after cooking and they are suitable for drying also. Dried chanterelle mushrooms are powdered and used for seasoning soups and sauces.

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