Fresh gourmet mushrooms and growbags from our urban farm in the beautiful Tamar Valley, Tasmania

Why are mushrooms good for you and taste so great ?

The amazing distinctive flavour of mushrooms comes from their high content of free amino acids, especially glutamic acid, and numerous volatile compounds. Mushrooms are naturally free of gluten and cholesterol and very low in sodium. Mushrooms are low GI (glycaemic index) which means they travel through the digestive system slower and are good for those with diabetes or insulin resistance problems. Mushrooms are a great food choice because they are low in energy but high in nutrients and are beneficial for weight loss and can help to reduce chronic disease parameters.

The fibre in mushrooms contain beta-glucans which are not only great for your gut health but are also the reason why mushrooms are low GI. Beta-glucan is a soluble fibre that has been associated with improved bowel health, slower digestion which reduces blood sugar spikes and reduced cholesterol levels.

Mushrooms are a natural source of antioxidants that have been well researched. Antioxidants protect against oxidative stress and can help reduce inflammation which is the root cause of the chronic diseases we see so much of today. The more exotic mushrooms, such as the Lions Mane mushrooms, have higher amounts of unique antioxidants. Every mushroom is a little different so it’s good to have a variety of them in your diet. 

Did you know that you can put your mushroom in the sun and they will increase in vitamin D? Mushrooms are one of those amazing foods that give us a great assortment of micro and macronutrients, are great for our gut health and boost our immune system.

All nutrition information provided by Dr Sue Read who is a local dietitian, Microbiologist and Gut Health Professional based in Northern Tasmania, you can find her at

https://www.healthmap.online/

https://www.facebook.com/HealthMapAUST/


Our different mushroom varieties available to grow at home and to buy fresh:

Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) Easy to grow on your kitchen bench, they can have a different colour depending on environmental conditions like light and heat. They need a surprising amount of Oxygen (they respire like humans) so benefit from a light breeze as long as humidity is maintained. Very fast growers, can double in size daily

One or 2 small crosses are cut on the side of the bag and the mushrooms will grow out of these holes towards the Oxygen. Long stems and small caps indicate high Carbon Dioxide levels and low Oxygen. Very versatile mushroom for cooking, Oyster mushrooms are perfect on pizza, in risotto, paella and our Oyster Mushrooms have been on the menus in many top restaurants in Northern Tasmania.

Oyster mushrooms have beta-glucans fibres and can provide up to 10% of your daily required micronutrients (e.g. iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and selenium). Oyster mushrooms are also a great source of niacin (21% of your recommended daily intake), riboflavin (18%) and pantothenic acid (11%). 

King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Eryngii) These guys like it cold so need to be kept in an unheated room or garage, if they’re not growing they’re usually too warm so move them somewhere cooler. Unlike other gourmet mushrooms the stem is the best part so we grow vertically in the bag by removing the top of the bag just below the seal, this promotes a high level of carbon dioxide and a delicious meaty stem.

King oyster mushrooms are unique as they seem to have a positive effect on estrogen levels which has been linked to bone protection in menopausal women. King oyster mushrooms have also been linked to decreased cholesterol level and reduction in chronic disease parameters.

Nutrient Breakdown per 100g

Energy: 180.0 kJ

Macronutrients

Fat: 15.5kJ

Carbohydrates: 109.0 kJ

Protein: 3.3 g 

Fibre: 2.3 g

Micronutrients

Sodium: 18.0 mg

Omega 6: 40.0  mg

Calcium: 3.0 mg

Iron: 1.3 mg

Magnesium: 18.0 mg

Phosphorus: 120 mg

Potassium: 420 mg

Sodium: 18.0 mg

Zinc: 0.8 mg

Copper: 0.2 mg

Manganese: 0.1 mg

Selenium: 2.6 µg

Folate: 27.0 µg

Betaine: 12.1 mg

Choline: 48.7 mg

Niacin: 5mg