The world of fungi is a whole universe that we are still discovering. It is estimated that there are around 2.2 to 3.8 million species in the world, although we have only scientifically recorded about 120,000 species. In addition, within these species there are fungi with countless properties or roles in our ecosystem, which makes them a fascinating object of study that constantly surprises us.
Below we share with you 3 reasons why we love mushrooms and that you may not know yet.
Ecological Importance
Fungi play a crucial role in global ecosystems. Approximately 90% of terrestrial plants depend on mycorrhizae.
Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, which are crucial for the health and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In this way, plants are able to obtain the essential nutrients from the soil that they require for their growth.
Furthermore, fungi are responsible for approximately 90% of the decomposition of organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems. Without them, nutrients will not be recycled efficiently, which would seriously affect the health of ecosystems.
By decomposing organic materials such as fallen leaves, dead branches and animal remains, fungi play a key role in nutrient cycling, releasing essential nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil. This decomposition activity is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant life, as the nutrients released by fungi are absorbed by plants for their growth and development. Without the presence of decomposing fungi, organic matter would accumulate in the soil, limiting nutrient availability and hindering the life cycle of terrestrial ecosystems.
Production of Medicines and Supplements
The medicinal function of mushrooms is one of the most important reasons why we love the funghi kingdom. Adaptogenic mushrooms are the stars of our products and that's why we want to tell you a little more about them.
Mushroom supplements have seen tremendous growth in recent years, especially due to their reputation for promoting health and wellness. For example, according to a 2020 survey, approximately 25% of adults in the United States have tried some type of mushroom supplement.
However, not only modern supplements come from mushrooms, but some of the most important traditional medicines come from the kingdom of fungi. Such is the case with penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic, which is produced by the fungus Penicillium notatum. Penicillin ushered in the era of antibiotics and revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. Its availability has saved countless lives and significantly reduced mortality associated with serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, septicemia, and endocarditis.
Food and Beverage Production
Although we know that edible mushrooms are one of the most used foods in different cuisines, such as French, Japanese, Italian, etc., mushrooms have nutritional properties beyond being just a delicious vegetable rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Fungi play an essential role in the production of a wide variety of foods and beverages through fermentation processes. Yeasts, a type of single-celled fungus, are a crucial component in the fermentation of foods such as bread, beer, and wine.
In addition to their role in fermentation, fungi can also influence cheese production. Some cheese varieties, such as blue cheese and camembert, are the result of the action of specific fungi during the ripening process. For example, in the case of blue cheese, it is deliberately inoculated with fungi from the genus Penicillium, which colonise the cheese and contribute to its characteristic pungent flavour and distinctive aroma. Similarly, fungi from the genera Geotrichum and Penicillium can be found on the rind of certain cheeses, where they play a role in forming complex flavours and protecting the cheese from the growth of unwanted bacteria.
