The Stropharia Mushroom Farm: From Field Trip to Research Project
The Stropharia Mushroom Farm: Medicinal Effects of Mushrooms
When Jor’El’s stepfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he was devastated. At some point, his stepfather was going on 12 pills a day. Jor’El started looking away from medicine and towards natural sources to solve his stepfather’s condition. He started growing his own mushrooms and, soon enough, his stepfather went down from 12 to 3 pills per day. Jor’El’s assumption had been proven to him firsthand- mushrooms are not only a good source of protein, but also have a wide array of quite “magical” health effects.
Parkinson’s:
Like Jor’El noticed in his stepfather, many medicinal mushrooms have been found to have an effect on Parkison’s. Parkinson’s disease is a disease that affects the nerves and causes symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, impaired posture and balance, speech hanges, and much more. Once Parkinson’s develops, it cannot be remedied- not by any medicine or treatment. Also, the more it develops, the more debilitating Parkison’s gets. The best way to help the symptoms is to slow the development of the disease- which can be achieved with mushrooms like Lion’s Mane. The Lion’s Mane mushroom is a nerve tonic- it has been found to help with many conditions affecting the nerves- like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In various studies, it helped protect neurons from the damage inflicted by Parkinson’s, thus reducing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. Reishi mushrooms, another mushroom that Jor’El grows on his farm, are another type of medicinal mushroom with similar effects on Parkison’s as Lion’s Mane.
Heart Benefits:
Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) - There’s 202 known species in the family, all of which are edible oyster mushrooms, including Pleurotus ostreatus (or P. ostreatus), commonly known as the American oyster mushroom. There has been limited research done with a focus on humans however some research does suggest that eating oyster mushrooms may reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. These mushrooms have high levels of compounds that benefit heart health such as fibers called beta-glucans. These Beta-glucans are fermented by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids that can help reduce cholesterol production in your body. A 2020 review of eight human studies found that P. ostreatus intake helped lower blood sugar, triglycerides, blood pressure, and insulin levels, all of which could decrease heart disease risk.
Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) - Reishi is one of the most well-known and well-researched medicinal mushrooms. Researchers have reported that active compounds in reishi, especially triterpenes, can support blood pressure and cholesterol management and may also inhibit platelet aggregation and complement activation that cause dangerous blood clots. However, other research in healthy adults showed no improvement in these heart disease risk factors. A combined review of five different studies containing around 400 people found that consuming reishi mushroom for up to 16 weeks did not improve cholesterol. Similar to Oyster mushrooms, more research is required to determine the true heart health benefits of Reishi mushrooms.
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Lion’s Mane Mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) - Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, are large,white, globe-shaped fungi that have long, shaggy spines. Some lab research with animals has been done that shows lion’s mane extract reducing the risk of heart disease in several ways. None of these tests have been done with humans. Studies in rats and mice have found that lion’s mane mushroom extract improves fat metabolism and lowers triglyceride levels. Both obesity and high triglycerides are risk factors for heart disease so it is possible that this mushroom could reduce these risks. These same studies found the extract can help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream which causes hardening of the artery walls leading to heart attacks and strokes. Another compound found in Lion’s Mane, hericenone B can decrease the rate of blood clotting.
Cancer:
Mushrooms have been used for their healing priorities for thousands of years. Few of the specific kinds used to treat cancer are Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifoloa fondosa (miitake). As Jor’El discussed at the mushroom farm, medicinal mushrooms are said to contain polysaccharides that help destroy harmful tumor cells and to strengthen the immune system in general. Not only are such mushrooms listed above said to be helpful in fighting cancer, but they are also said to help heal a person after chemotherapy and radiation used to treat cancer. Continuing with the fact that medicinal mushrooms like reishi help in “pausing”/ slowing cancer, those who take them alongside chemotherapy are said to have lived longer and were able to tolerate more rounds of chemo compared to those who did not.
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Infection:
Mushrooms have been found to have many antiviral mechanisms, including boosting the immune system and attacking a virus directly.
The use of mushrooms for medical purposes can be tracked to 5000 BCE. The properties found in mushrooms like the reishi and lion’s mane are known to treat and even cure many illnesses. With the Covid-19 pandemic, many look to mushrooms like the maitake, agaricus, and lion’s mane, which, according to the Allergy Research Group, “enhance the body’s antimicrobial activity against viruses and have anti-inflammatory properties”. This is an example of how these can be used to treat Covid-19 and other lung illnesses. It was also proven by the Scandinavian Journal of Immunology that these mushrooms can treat those who suffer from IBD or Irritable Bowel Disease.
Growing Process: Nadia, Caitlynn, Sophia, Mason
https://southfloridareporter.com/magic-happens-at-the-stropharia-mushroom-farm-in-naples/
https://namyco.org/growing_mushrooms_at_home.php
Lionsmane: Caitlyn
Most mushrooms at the Stropharia Mushroom Farm have a similar growing process but each mushroom turns out very different in the end. Lionsmane mushrooms start with a colonization stage of 2-3 weeks when the mycelium spreads through the substrate. After they are fully colonized and placed in a fruiting chamber, the beginning stages of the mushroom, which are called pins, appear in 2-3 days. Depending on the temperature, the lionsmane continues to grow and is ready to harvest in 7-14 days. In the wild, lionsmane mushrooms grow on decaying hardwood trees through the northern hemisphere. At home, they can grow indoors on a hardwood substrate or outside on logs.
Oyster: Sophia
#1 choice for new growers, hobbyists and even farmers. In fact, almost any small-scale farm will inevitably be growing some version of the Oyster Mushroom. Most species of Oysters require huge amounts of fresh air intake. If they don’t get enough, they’ll form thin stems and tiny caps. Oysters also have a relatively high spore load. If left too long before harvest, they’ll cover your grow room with billions of small spores. In general, this is harmless- but there are many reports of people with high exposure developing allergic reactions to the spores. Additionally, high spore loads can clog up fans and other equipment. Some species of Oyster mushrooms actually need to be enjoyed within 3-5 days of harvest- otherwise they will start to smell and be hard to sell. Oysters are fast growing, beginner friendly, are easy to get, and lots of varieties are available.
Reishi: Nadia
In general, there is a mushroom growing process that is the same for most mushrooms at the Stropharia Mushroom Farm. First, the mushroom cultures start in a syringe which is then put onto grain to start the mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn produces Mycelium which is the “root” structure for the mushrooms. This process must be completed in a sterile environment, such as a Sterile Air Flow Hood. Once the spawn is produced, it can be “re-used” in petri dishes or other grains to keep the Mycelium growing for longer periods of time, as well as to amplify the earlier process. Once enough mycelium is produced, the spawn transfer happens, once again in a sterile environment, and the spawn proceeds to its final growing process in a substrate. Once the mushrooms have matured, they can be harvested. Different mushrooms are harvested for different purposes. Reishi mushrooms, for example, are known for their medicinal properties. They were first recorded in ancient China and given the nickname “The Mushroom of Immortality”.
Shiitake: Mason and Ramsey
The growing process for most mushrooms has many similarities. The growing process for the Shiitake mushroom is a little different. At the end of this process, you should have a block weighing around 5 lbs. Then, the sawdust pallets should be placed in some sort of container that allows for mixing. Then, water needs to be added to the sawdust and mixed until the sawdust is broken into a sawdust like texture. Then, add the correct amount of bran and it needs to be evenly mixed throughout the sawdust. After, add the mixture to a grow bag which is specifically made of poly propelyne which is made for the sterilization process. The top of the bag needs to be folded down with a filter in between the gussets. The filter prevents contamination during cooldown after sterilization. Pressure sterilize the bag for 2.5 hrs under a laminar flow hood. Cool down the blocks for 8 hours. Let the mycelium take over the block and this may take 10-21 days (about 3 weeks). After this the block should begin to pin from the top and you should have Shiitake mushrooms ready to be harvested in no time.
https://learn.freshcap.com/growing/growing-shiitake-mushrooms/
COOKING MUSHROOMS!
Calista Honick, Skye Worland, Julia Reilly
Recipes:
https://thegreenloot.com/vegan-mushroom-recipes/
Benefits of eating mushrooms!
- Mushrooms are a great source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
- They can decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- They're also great sources of Selenium, Vitamin D, and iron.
- The more sun they get, the more vitamin D you get to eat!
- Mushrooms can help regulate cholesterol.
- They are a good source of potassium and B vitamins
- Consider going vegan because certain mushrooms can substitute for meats based on taste. With all of the environmental benefits of giving up meat, mushrooms can provide an alternative that is healthy and keeps these certain tastes in your diet.
What mushroom tastes like what meat
- Portobello and the pink oyster mushroom taste like bacon
- Lions Mane and Chanterelle mushroom taste like crab meat
- Shiitake mushrooms have a pronounced duck or turkey flavor when cooked and are commonly sautéd
- Laetiporus Sulphureus and Cremini can be substituted chicken
- Enoki mushrooms taste like white fish
- King Oyster mushrooms shred perfectly into “pulled pork”
These are all made with mushrooms!
PS: Visit Jorel Schustrin to get more cooking recipes and insight on the process of developing them :)
Visit his Instagram @stropharia_mushroom_farm and buy some of these awesome mushrooms!
Environmental Benefits of Mushrooms
“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global livestock production makes up 14.5 percent of all anthropogenic (human caused) emissions – 7.1 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent per year” (“How”). Considering carbon dioxide is one of the most significant causes of global warming, the meat industry is having a detrimental effect on the environment. NASA scientists predict a rise in sea level, serious heat waves, shrinking glaciers, and a temperature uplift between 2.5 and 10 degrees F within the next century, as a result of climate change (“Effects”). As the public begins to learn more about meat products and their effects on the environment, meat substitutes are becoming more popular. More people than ever are switching to plant-based diets or are trying to reduce their meat consumption. Mushrooms are now commonly being used as a replacement for many meat products. At Stropharia Mushroom Farm, mushrooms that can be prepared to taste like lobster and steak are grown. It is estimated that if Americans were to go without meat for one day a week, 100 billion gallons of water, 1.4 billion animals, and $147 billion would be saved each year (“What”). By using less resources and releasing less carbon dioxide, consuming mushrooms instead of beef or pork, etc. one out of every seven days could have such a beneficial impact on the planet and its habitants.
Mushrooms are the primary decomposer. This is because of mycelium, which is a root system. It helps the mushrooms grow and find nutrients. Mycelium also has the ability to cleanse pollutants from soil and water. It can, also, eat its way through systems that are bad for the environment. Mycelium can actually help other plants grow stronger by helping their roots reach nutrients further down in the soil. In addition, Mushrooms can be used to kill sickness in other plants because they live off the bacteria that makes other plants sick. This beneficial substance that mushrooms have helps forests prosper and can make life greener for everybody.
The mycelium from mushrooms can be used as a sustainable alternative for housing insulation. The sterilized mycelium prevents mushrooms and other organisms from growing, and you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy your sustainable insulation, while also reaping the benefits that come from it. It produces little to no toxic waste as a benefit, and it reduces the amount of chemicals that we are inhaling in our homes. The chemicals that we breathe can contribute to respiratory problems and rashes on our skin. Although mushroom insulation isn’t currently being produced on a large scale, the future is filled with sustainable housing insulation.
Lion’s Mane Shiitake
Works Cited
American Mushroom Institute. www.americanmushroom.org/main/sustainability/.
Accessed 24 Jan. 2022.
Energy Vanguard. 17 July 2013, www.energyvanguard.com/blog/
is-mushroom-insulation-the-world-s-greenest-insulating-material/.
NASA. 13 Jan. 2022, climate.nasa.gov/effects/.
Nelson, Brooke. "What Would Happen If Everyone Stopped Eating Meat One Day a
Week?" Reader's Digest, 17 Dec. 2021, www.rd.com/article/
no-meat-once-a-week/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.
Plant Based News. 12 Sept. 2021, plantbasednews.org/opinion/the-long-read/
emissions-meat-industry/.
"6 Ways Mushrooms Can Help save the Planet." Archive, 5 Jan. 2017, crclr.org/
article/2017-05-01-6-ways-mushrooms-can-help-save-the-planet.
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