Mushrooms have been an integral part of human history, used for various purposes ranging from culinary delights to medicinal remedies. Beyond their role in the natural ecosystem, humans have found innovative ways to harness the diverse qualities of mushrooms. In this article, we will explore 10 fascinating ways in which humans utilize these remarkable fungi.
Culinary Delights
Mushrooms have been a staple in cuisines around the world for centuries. From the delicate flavours of shiitake and oyster mushrooms to the earthy richness of portobello and cremini, mushrooms add depth and complexity to a wide variety of dishes.
Certain mushrooms, such as porcini and truffles, are prized for their ability to enhance the umami flavour in dishes. Chefs use them as a natural way to elevate the taste of various foods. Another much sought after fungus: Huitlacoche.
Let’s not forget the fungi used directly to make some amazing foods. Koji helps make staples like soy sauce, while yeast gives us kombucha. Plus, cheese. Every cheese uses fungi to develop their amazing tastes and textures.
Medicinal Use
Traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia, have long recognized the medicinal properties of certain mushrooms. Varieties like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail are believed to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, leading to the development of mushroom supplements and extracts.
Reishi might be considered the mushroom of immortality, but chaga is our favourite medicinal fungus. Not only is it high in antioxidants, but it can also keep mosquitoes away! Learn all about chaga right here.
Psychedelic Experiences
Certain mushroom species, like Psilocybe cubensis, contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms have been used in various cultures for centuries for spiritual and recreational purposes, with contemporary research exploring their potential therapeutic applications.
There is a ton of information on the web about psychedelic experiences and how to safely use these mushrooms for all sorts of mental conditions. It’s worth noting that Psilocybin is illegal in the vast majority of locations, with only a few states having legalized it. Canada and almost all of Europe also deem these mushrooms to be illegal. However, things are slowly changing as the evidence becomes more convincing on their positive benefits.
Enjoy a free weekly digest of interesting mushroom news and activities.
Bioremediation
Mushrooms possess the remarkable ability to break down and absorb contaminants from the environment. Mycoremediation, a process that uses fungi to clean up pollutants, has been employed to remediate oil spills, filter water, and even break down toxic chemicals.
As far as environmental protection goes, the presence of certain mushroom species in ecosystems can indicate the health of an environment. Mycologists study mushrooms to understand ecological relationships and contribute to conservation efforts by preserving habitats where specific mushrooms thrive.
If you are interested in mycoremediation, we would recommend the book Mycelium Running.
Textile Dyeing
The vibrant pigments found in certain mushrooms can be used as natural dyes for textiles. This eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes is gaining popularity in the fashion industry as a sustainable and biodegradable coloring option. There are a number of mushrooms that can do the job, dyeing in all sorts of different colours. The most commonly sought after mushroom is Dyer’s Polypore (with a name like that, it makes sense!).
Insect Repellent
Some mushrooms produce compounds that act as natural insect repellents. Extracts from these fungi can be used to create environmentally friendly insecticides, providing an alternative to chemical-based repellents. Some of these fungi are used directly in ponds to prevent mosquitoes from spawning, while others, like chaga, can be added to your campfire to keep the mosquitoes away.
Packaging Material
In recent years, there has been billions of dollars in investment put towards new technologies that mass produce mycelium-based packaging. This packaging is biodegradable, lightweight, and can be customized to fit various shapes and sizes. At the moment, it may not be cheaper than plastic, but it’s infinitely better for the environment!
Construction Material
Construction materials are one of the largest polluters on Earth. This is especially true if you consider the hugely impactful process to manufacture concrete. Once the lifecycle of the building is up, we demolish all that concrete and toss it in our landfills.
There is a better way. Mycelium can also be used as a building material. By combining mycelium with agricultural waste, it is possible to create a durable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials like concrete and insulation. It’s been tested and it works. Current pitfalls include meeting a worldwide demand for construction materials and material longevity. Nothing we couldn’t figure out within a decade.
Check out this webinar we hosted a while back. Super interesting stuff!
Art and Craft
Mushrooms inspire creativity in the art world. There are countless examples of various artists using mushrooms as their inspiration, from Disney to poets. However, there are also tons of artists and crafters who use mushroom caps, stems, and spores to create intricate sculptures, paintings, and other forms of expressive art. One mushroom, Ganoderma applanatum, pictured below, is a famous artsy mushroom. This mushroom’s common name is the Artist’s Conk and allows you to ‘draw’ by bruising the pores.
Educational Tools
Mushrooms play a crucial role in educational programs, helping students understand concepts such as symbiosis, decomposition, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Mycology, the study of fungi, provides valuable insights into the world of mushrooms. At the end of the day, in order to have everything we mentioned on this list, we need to first educate people of the possible uses.
Mycology barely existed 10 years ago, and it’s playing catch-up now. There is a lot of money and resources being invested into studying fungi, and we’re learning so much every day. It’s a very exciting time to have an interest in fungi. If you want to be kept in the loop of what’s going on, sign up for our weekly email that has all the mushroom news and activities.
Final Thoughts
From the kitchen to the laboratory, mushrooms continue to captivate human interest and ingenuity. Their versatility in various fields, coupled with ongoing scientific research, ensures that the myriad uses of mushrooms will only continue to expand. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of fungi, we are likely to discover even more ways to benefit from their unique and valuable properties.
If want to dive a bit deeper into the world of mushrooms, why not start with a simple identification course that will allow you to spot 10 common (and edible) mushrooms all across North America. Check it out.