Mushrooms

Mushrooms were grown commercially for the first time in 1600 in France.  The first book on commercial production of mushrooms was written by Tournefort, a Frenchman, in 1707.

In the Philippines, attempts at growing edible mushrooms started in 1916.  Most people eat mushrooms for their flavor, but mushrooms are also known to be rich in protein.  Furthermore, mushrooms have medicinal properties and can also be used as animal feeds.

There are 19 to 22 edible mushroom species in the Philippines, but only 4 species are grown commercially:

1. Champignon (Agaricus Bisporus) is the earliest and most cultivated mushroom in the world.  It grows best in cool climates like Baguio and Cagayan.  Rice straws supplemented with horse or chicken manure are used as mushroom beds.

2. Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) ranks second to champignon in terms of world production.  One of the most popular mushrooms can be culrivated easily on rice straws which constitute the number one agriciultural waste in the country.  Dried banana leaves, banana peelings, abaca wastes, corn leaves, hyacinths, bagasse and jute sacks also make suitable beddings.

3. Taingang daga (auricularia) was introduced from China some 400 years ago.  It was made popular as a condiment for various Chinese dishes.  Furthermore, taingang daga can be used as a remedy for dropsy and sore throat.

4. Abalone or oyster mushrooms (Plewrotus) grow on wood, crushed corn cubs, cereal straws and sawdust.  These mushrooms are usually used as condiments for soup, gravy and sauces.

According to Dr. Tricita Quimio, a mushroom expert at the University  of the Philippines at Los Baños, Laguna, large species of Pleurotus are grown commercially in Cagayan Valley and Tagaytay City.

For those who might be interested in mushroom culture, the Technological Resource Center (TRC) of the Philippines gives out free information brochures.