IT IS out of sync talking about mushrooms in the month of February. People would rather talk about roses or flowers, and going out on a date - ‘tis the month of love.
Besides, the season for mushrooms, as we have always known it is way far ahead in the rainy months of June to September.
During our younger days, when the mountains are yet green with trees and plants, and not covered by houses or converted to industrial uses, edible mushrooms growing wild on mountain slopes can be had or picked for free.
Yes, I like flowers, but I am just surprised about mushrooms being grown and available in February. And it is not just in February but all months of the year, which is good because mushrooms are considered as one of the best foods for the modern palate.
So, for the time being, let us talk about mushrooms.
Actually, when I first posted our activities on mushroom production on Facebook, this week, the reaction from readers around the region and by our overseas workers surprised me. Many of them expressed their interest to try it as a livelihood venture.
Success in growing mushrooms could mean a healthy love-sustaining life and also good income.
Mushrooms are often referred to as functional foods and have low sodium, fat, cholesterol, and calorie contents.
Aside from providing basic nutrition, mushrooms help prevent chronic disease due to the presence of antioxidants and beneficial dietary fibers such as chitin and beta-glucans.
One cup of chopped or sliced raw white mushrooms contain the following nutrients: 15 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2.2 grams of protein, 2.3 grams of carbohydrate, including 0.7 grams of fiber and 1.4 grams of sugar, according to the Brighton, UK-based “Medical News Today.”
It also reported that mushrooms are rich in B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and niacin B3). The B vitamins help the body to get energy from food, and they help form red blood cells.
Mushrooms are also the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D. Several other minerals that may be difficult to obtain in a vegan diet, such as selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus, are available in mushrooms, the report added.
As a diabetic, I like the fact that mushrooms also contain choline, an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Choline assists in maintaining the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, support proper fat absorption and reduces chronic inflammation.
There are many health benefits of mushrooms especially for those suffering from heart and diabetic problems.
Mushrooms can be grown even in small spaces in the backyard, away from fumes, kitchen exhaust, and smoke, according to Ms. Evangeline Balderama. Balderama is the assistant focal person of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Community-Based Mushroom Project. She said that there are two mushroom varieties – Oyster and Shitake - available at the DA-CAR and its satellite laboratories. Interested farmers can avail and grow these mushroom varieties.
In the Cordillera, it takes 4-5 weeks to grow Oyster mushrooms, for Shitake, 4-5 months.
The mushroom project started in September 2013, Aside from its two main laboratories at the Baguio Animal Breeding and Research Center (BABRC) in Baguio City and the at the Luna Research Outreach Station (ROS), Luna, Apayao, the Project has 12 satellite laboratories for the production of grain spawns for dispersed to interested farmers.
“Two hundred private individuals and 150 associations have already been trained by the Project on mushroom production,” Balderama said. Most of them grow mushrooms for their home consumption, she added.
The last group who requested for training are from Banga-an, Sagada, Mountain Province. The farmers are now selling their produce in the local market, she added.
The operation of the Community Mushroom Project is supported by the DA Rice Program and the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).
For further information on mushroom production, contact Mr. Wilfredo Tabugader, DA-ROS Luna, Apayao, CP # 0998500907, or Ms. Evangeline T. Balderama, DA-CAR Research Division, CP # 09192936018.
Meanwhile, for those who are situated in the provinces, the project’s laboratories are found in the following municipalities: Conner, Apayao; Sta. Marcela, Apayao; Lagayan, Abra; Lagawe, Ifugao; Kiangan, Ifugao; Bauko, Mountain Province; Tadian, Mountain Province; Paracelis, Mountain Province; Bakun, Benguet; Kibungan, Benguet; Tabuk, Kalinga; and Pasil, Kalinga.