Mushrooms are decomposers or live in symbiosis with the plants

Mushrooms are something very special. In natural medicine, they are used as a remedy. They are also used in many ways in domestic cooking. And yet most people know very little about them.

There are two types of fungi with different structures: scientists refer to one species as so-called destructors, ie decomposers. The other lives in symbiosis with the plants.

Different types of mushrooms. Image: Alain Wacquier - fotolia

Mushrooms clean up the forest
Destructors degrade weak or dead organic matter in nature. This is the case, for example, when a tree has fallen over. "Cultivated mushrooms such as mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms belong to the destructors", explains the federation of German mushroom and culture mushroom growers. Therefore, the fungi can also be grown and, depending on the type of fungus, grow on a substrate of horse manure, straw or wood chips.

The other species lives in symbiosis with the plants. These are called mycorrhizal fungi. The special feature: The mushrooms grow their roots around the roots of the plant. It does not tapping the plant, but supplies the plant with water and minerals. As compensation, the plant supplies the fungus with carbohydrates. The mycorrhizal mushrooms include the mushrooms or chanterelles.

Lots of vitamin B and minerals
Eating mushrooms are very healthy for humans. Mushrooms, oyster mushrooms or shiitake are rich in essential B vitamins riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) and biotin (B7). Mushrooms are also one of the few non-animal food sources for vitamin B12. Especially vegans should therefore eat more mushrooms. (Sb)