Did you know that there are over 14,000 species of mushroom? Wow! We know that not all are edible (about 70-80 are poisonous), but there are some very unique mushroom varieties, and and so much great trivia, too! Here’s 5 of our favorite mushroom facts.
- Portabello, Cremini, and button mushrooms are loaded with tons of nutrients. In fact, you’ll get more potassium out of a portabello than a banana! The three are actually the same mushroom, picked at different stages.
- Truffles are not mushrooms, and it’s more than simply taste that separates the two. They are both in the fungi kingdom (Yes, there’s so much fungi discovered that it’s now it’s own kingdom!), but truffles are actually tubers. The difference is that they grow underground, and are only able to be found in the wild, and they are not easy to attain. This is why they are such a high cost delicacy. In fact, white truffles can be sold for as much as $3600 a pound!
- The largest mushroom in the world, nicknamed Humongous Fungus (actual name Armillaria Solipides), is in Oregon, and it spreads over an area of 3.7 miles, and even overtakes the part of the forest where it lives. Though it can be found in other parts of the world, this particular fungus in Oregon is the largest.
- The Super Mario Brothers type of mushroom are actually a real thing. If the skin is eaten, it can give the perception that you or your surroundings are larger! Though eating the Amanuta Muscaria wouldn’t be wise. Along with a bit of reality distortion, you may lose your equilibrium.
- There is a mushroom that dissolves itself within hours after picking. The Coprinus Comatus is considered a delicacy, but will turn black before your eyes if you don’t cook it quickly.
Love ’em or hate ’em, mushrooms are one very interesting fungi!