According to research done by the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Mushrooms can lower blood pressure and control cancer
Mushrooms are fungi and can be classified into three basic ecological groups, Mycorrlizal, parasitic and Saprophytic. Different mushrooms have different Nutrition values but generally they are rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins and low in cholesterol and fats, and are therefore healthy to eat.
Agaricus (Buttons):
This is the most common mushroom in the Kenyan Market. Their colour varies from white to brown as does the size, from small to extremely large. They are plump and dome shaped. Their flavor is enhanced through cooking.
Growing of this mushroom requires the preparation of compost made from cereal straws, supplemented with horse, chicken, and even cow manure. The material is stacked turned and watered to elevate the temparatures which encourage proliferation of thermo tolerant microorganisms which convert cellulose compounds into cellular proteins.
The compost is then pasteurized with elevated temps to neutralize pests by selectively favoring thermo tolerant fungi and actinomyces. Farmers in Kenya are growing- Strain Agaricus bisphorus which fruits at 19 to 20 degrees centigrade which proves difficult for many farmers as most of Kenya is Warm.
The institute for biotechnology research Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a warm weather strain- Agaricus bitorquis which fruits at 25 to 26 degrees centigrade, which farmers are finding easy to grow.
READ ALSO: Using Agricultural waste to grow mushrooms
Nutrition of Agaricus- Buttons :
Moisture : 88-90%
Crude Protein N x 4.48
Fat : 1.7 3.1%
Carbohydrates : 51.3 62.5%
Fibre : 8.0 10.4%
N-Free Carbohydrates U4.0 53.5
Energy (Kcal/100g dry Material)
Medicinal Value:
- Improves Immune System
- Alleviates Allergies
- Improves Kidney and Liver function
- Rich in fibre mops disease causing toxins from the digestive system
READ ALSO: Water hyacinth provides good substrate for mushroom farming
Pleorotus -Oyster:
This mushroom has convex cap expanding to broadly convex eventually flat and even upturned in age, 5 20cm in diameter. The colour is white to yellow or grey. The colour varies according to strain, lighting and temperature condition. Some strains grow in clusters while other form individuals.
This mushroom is gaining popularity in Kenya because of the ease of growing utilizing a big variety of agricultural wastes. When cooked, it has an intense flavour. (Pasteurization is done with steam or boiling water).
This is proving expensive for small farmers due to cost fuel, and farmers are adviced to use cheaper pasteurization methods of soaking material overnight in 3% solution of hydrated lime.
READ ALSO: Once jobless youths earn Sh4 million monthly from mushrooms
Nutritional Value:
Crude protein - 10 -30%
Vitamin C -30 144mg/100g
Folic Acid -65mg/100g
Potassium -306mg / 100g
Medicinal value:
Active ingredients LOVASTATIN”
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves kidney and liver function
- Cures gastrointestinal disorders
- Lowers blood cholesterol
- Relives pain in gout 100g/day.
Lentnus -Shiitake:
The cap of shiitake is broad, hemispheric expanding to convex and eventually plane at maturation. The colour is black brown at first becoming light brown in age.
Growing shiitake utilizes saw dust, chips, rice straw, bran buffered with Gypsum. Pasteurization of substrate requires elevated temps of 121°C for 4 5 hours which is a challenge to small growers. Methods suitable to small farmers are being developed at the University to make small growers afford growing shiitake.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein - 13 18%
- Niacin - 55mg/100g
- Thiamin - 7.8mg/100g
- Riboflavin - 5.0mg/100g
- Fibre - 6 15%
- Fat - 2 5%
Medicinal Value:
Active ingredient LENTINAN
- Improves immune system by activating the helper T cells
- Controls cancers
- Slows HIV virus by increasing the CD4 cells count.
This mushroom upon drying can be ground and put into capsules, or used to add value to other foods.
Reishi-Ganoderma:
This mushroom is conk-like or kidney like in shape. Its wood textured and will be 5 20cm in diameter, and has a shinny surface which is black brown. In nature, it grows on dead or dying trees. Its also found on three stumps and especially bear the soil interface and occasionally on the soils arising from buried roots.
Medicinal Value:
- Improves immune system activating the helper T cells.
- Lowers blood pressure
- Cures liver disintegration disease
- Controls cancers.
- Lowers Cholesterol
- Cures Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Cures Insomnia
- Slows ageing process.
- Improves well being by calming the nervous system.
Ganoderma can be consumed by grinding the dried mushroom which can be added to tea. It can also be boiled for 5 min, and extract used. 5gms is traditionally prescribed per day. A glass a day of the extract will maintain your health.
Advantages of mushroom production- why mushrooms?
- Kenyans are changing eating habits. Tourism Industry is growing.
-Mushroom growing is not rain dependant.
-It utilizes agricultural wastes as growing media.
-Subdivision and change of climatic patterns has made traditional crops like maize, tea and coffee unprofitable.
-Mushroom can easily be cultivated in urban areas.
- Mushroom growing requires little space.
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