There’s a Fungus Among Us and we aim to find out all about it at the Cedar Park Farmers’ Market, Saturday, February 7, 2015!

Join us as we celebrate the the vegetable that defies all seasons, the MUSHROOM, in all of it’s photogenic, nutritious, and delicious varieties!

Our Market Sprouts!, and adults, alike, will learn all kinds of interesting facts about mushrooms. For instance, did you know that

• Mushrooms are also called toadstools.
• Mushrooms are a fungus, and unlike plants, mushrooms do not require sunlight to make energy for themselves.
• The mushroom is a very nutritious food. Differing species can be a good source of vitamin B along with essential minerals such as copper and potassium, while their fat, carbohydrate and salt content is very low.

• Traditional Chinese medicine has utilized the medicinal properties of mushrooms for centuries.
• Modern studies suggest mushrooms can be useful for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while also helping to reduce blood pressure, moderate blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, enhance the immune system, reduce stress and help in fighting many types of cancer.
• A single Portabella mushroom can contain more potassium than a banana.
• Mushrooms are made up of around 90% water.
• The mushroom is used in many cuisines throughout the world and it is known as the “meat” of the vegetable world.
• Most mushrooms grown for human consumption today are done so in controlled, sterilized environments. The most popular type representing 90% of mushrooms consumed in the US is the White button mushroom. The brown version of Agaricus bisporus called the Crimini, and its mature version, Portobello, are both popular edible mushrooms too.
• The worlds largest producer of edible mushrooms is China which produces about half of all cultivated mushrooms.
• Mycophagist is the term used for people who collect mushrooms to eat from the wild. The act of collecting these mushrooms is known as ‘mushroom hunting’, or ‘mushrooming’. There are a few mushroom varieties found in the wild that are highly poisonous. A number of these look like common edible species, therefore it can be risky collecting wild mushrooms without good knowledge for identifying mushrooms.
• There are over 30 species of mushroom that actually glow in the dark. The chemical reaction called bioluminescence produces a glowing light known as foxfire. People have been known to use these fungi to light their way through the woods.
• In the Blue Mountains of Oregon is a colony of Armillaria solidipes that is believed to be the world’s largest known organism. The fungus is over 2,400 years old and covers an estimated 2,200 acres (8.9 km2). Above ground the honey mushrooms are short-lived but the underlying mycelium (branch like vegetation) lives on.
• Before the invention of synthetic dyes, mushrooms were widely used for dyeing wool and other natural fibers. Mushroom dyes are organic compounds and produce strong, vivid colors.

Reference: Science Kids: Fun Mushroom Facts

We’ll also share samples of all kinds of tasty mushroom-based treats at the market, including Mushroom Tamales from Tamale Place, Mushroom Pizzas from the Artisan Pizza Oven, and a demonstration, plus tasty bites, by Chef Maggie Perkins of Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms, Easy Herbed Mushroom Saute, and Cream of Mushroom Soup, all made courtesy of mushrooms donated by our vendors, Cedar Creek Mushrooms and Kitchen Pride Mushrooms.

Our Market Sprouts! will learn how mushrooms are grown, courtesy of Cedar Creek Mushrooms, and we will also have giveaways, courtesy of Kitchen Pride Mushrooms!  We can’t wait to see you there!

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