Mushrooms

History

Delicious …. Mysterious …. Amazing …… Intoxicating …… some of the many reasons we love mushrooms. But where did they come from?

Archaeologists tell us that mushrooms made their appearance on Earth sometime between 715 and 810 million years ago. Around 4600 years ago, Egyptians believed that mushrooms were a plant of immortality. Because of this, eating mushrooms was reserved for Pharaoh’s only.

Cultivation of mushrooms for medicinal and culinary purposes began in Asia several thousand years ago by the Chinese and Japanese. Mushroom cultivation in Europe began in the 17th century in France.

Why Mushrooms?

Besides tasting good, fresh mushrooms are considered a “superfood” and are rich in critical nutrients. Mushrooms are the only unfortified food source of Vitamin D. They are also rich in vitamin B and important minerals like potassium and selenium. In addition, many mushroom species are rich in beta-glucans. Beta-glucans improve immunity, help with allergies and also improve our overall metabolism.