What are mushrooms?
What kind of room has no doors or windows? Yes Mushrooms. Mushrooms are umbrella-shaped organisms consisting of a stem and a cap. Mushrooms grow from a mycelium which is usually found on top of the ground and on plants that decay with time. They have different shapes like conical, bell-shaped, spherical, or even clustered in brackets. They often grow in dead trees and on the surface of the soil. The spongy layer beneath the cap contains the spore-bearing surface. The spores will be discharged when the cap becomes mature and young mushrooms are usually white.
Benefits of mushrooms;
1. It helps to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure
Mushrooms reduce cholesterol levels in our bodies. They also have antioxidant properties which lower blood pressure and help fight free radicals. This is by the help of nutrients like vitamin D, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid. These nutrients have an important role in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
2. Stronger immunity system
Mushroom helps in strengthening the immune system. It makes the body more resistant to diseases. They help in making the immune system more efficient by stimulating the production of antibodies, white blood cells, and lymphocytes which help in fighting against infections.
3. Helps in digestion
Mushroom has a laxative effect which helps in the proper and smooth functioning of the GI tract. They help to eliminate toxins and waste from the body which allows you to have a healthy digestive system.
Methods of growing mushrooms;
1. Mushroom growing kits
These are the easiest and most effective ways of growing mushrooms. They come in different shapes and sizes, some can be as small as your thumb while others can fill out entire shelves. The kits contain spores that will be used to grow the mushroom. They need humidity, warmth, and darkness for the best results.
2. Grow them in logs and soil
Create holes at the bottom and simply plant the mushroom in your log with the plastic cover to keep water away from it. Once you’ve started to see mushrooms start appearing, fill up the log with soil. Let it sit for a month or two before you cut off the top and enjoy your harvest!
While growing mushrooms in a moist environment, they possess a tendency to rot faster than those grown in dry environments. So choose a location that is suitable for your own needs.
3. Plastic cultivation method
All you need is your favorite variety of mushroom spores, a pot, and some plastic bags.
At first, you need to create the environment needed for your mushroom to grow. (humidity, warm and dark) Then put your plastic bags in the pot and then close it with a lid, Mushroom spores will start growing in the bags for about two days until it reaches about 2-4 inches. Then you simply take the plastic bags out and plant your mushrooms, replace them with new ones after 2-4 weeks.
Make sure that the temperature needs to be maintained at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or so, if it goes higher certain fungi will start growing on it, and then your mushroom won’t grow properly.
In summary, mushroom growing is very easy. Mushrooms are very nutritious and it also has positive effects on health. All you need to know is what conditions are needed for a mushroom to grow then grow it!