We're Celebrating the Day of the Mushroom

Millions of mushroom lovers around the world celebrate The Day of the Mushroom every year on April 16

Because this Superfood, contrary to popular belief, is a fungus which explains why their nutritional composition and benefits are so extraordinarily different from that of most vegetables. While they do share some of the benefits of fruit and vegetables and have virtually no fat, calories or cholesterol; mushrooms stand alone when it comes to offering a range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements crucial to a healthy diet. In fact, new research has shown that mushroom eaters have greater intake levels of most vitamins and minerals than non-mushroom eaters. Our favourite umami-rich, mushrooms contain high levels of amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols; they are impossibly low in calories and rich in Niacin (Vit B3) to help keep blood cholesterol in check. Mushrooms also contain cancer-fighting compounds.

 Plus, in combination with other nutrient-powerhouse Superfoods such as tomatoes, avocado, beans, pulses and greens, they play off of each other’s powers to become even more powerful whilst offering awesome taste and flavour…. a winning recipe for body and soul. (Ps. In case you’re wondering; a Superfood offers powerful health benefits, such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. And, while normal foods do contain nutrients,  Superfoods offer them in greater quantities and/or offer the more difficult to find important nutritional elements).

 Did you know these 10 Fun Facts About Mushrooms

1. People have been eating mushrooms since Palaeolithic times.

2. The Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms grew by magic, because of the way they could appear overnight.

3. The “Iceman” discovered in the Italian Alps in 1991 (and thought to have died 5,000 years ago) was carrying dried mushrooms with him.

4. 88% of consumers love mushrooms in a stir-fry; 83% of consumers love mushrooms in a salad.

5. 98% of mushroom eaters believe mushrooms add something special to a dish.

6. White button mushrooms and Portobello mushrooms are some of the most popular mushroom species in the world.

7. Mushrooms are fungi and not plants.

8. Mushrooms breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, just like animals.

9. China produces the most mushrooms

10. Mushroom spores can survive in space

Source: SAMFA