Oyster Mushrooms
The mushlon referred to as dhingri in India and oyster in the west, can be found in tropical, temperate and subtropical zones and they grow on decaying wood logs, tree trunks which have died or at least succumbed to decay, etc.
Oyster mushrooms have a quite different shell or spatula (oyster) looking body.
Oyster Mushroom Cultivation
The cultivation of the oyster mushroom in India started in the mid seventies owing to the nutritional benefits of high protein content which is much higher when compared to vegetables.
Oyster mushroom cultivation requires 25 degree Celsius for the case run (CR) or 30 degree temperature for the spawn run (SR) growth.
A humidity level of 85% is required.
Nutritional Value Of Oyster Mushrooms
This mushroom also contains many other nutritional benefits:
- Contains significant amounts of vitamins B and C.
- Contains folic acid acting to cure anemia.
- Contain high levels of potassium
- Are low in fats, carbohydrates and sodium.
- Contain an antibiotic compound called pleurotin.
Button Mushrooms
This mushroom is the most widely consumed mushroom in the world. Even though earlier the production was only confined to the winter months, technological advancements have made it possible for the production to continue throughout the year. White button mushrooms are one of the most popular varieties of mushrooms grown in the United States. The cultivation of button mushrooms first started in the 16th century. There were commercially driven advancements taking place as far back as the 17th century in European countries.
Button Mushroom Cultivation
The cultivation of button mushrooms requires a specific set up that cannot be accomplished in every environment. If a cooler climate is not available, button mushrooms require an indoor air-conditioned environment.
The temperature required for the best cultivation is around 20 degrees Celsius in a case run (CR) arrangement and the 25- 30 degrees Celsius in the spawn run arrangement. A relative humidity of around 90% is required.
Nutrition Value Of Button Mushrooms
The button mushrooms protein content is highly absorbable at 60% to 70% of protein assimilation. This is higher than any other commercially grown mushrooms.
The high amount of retene in the mushroom has an antagonistic effect on some forms of tumors resulting in the medicinal use of these mushrooms. Because of the high protein content, it is a great choice of protein source for people, especially vegetarians and vegans.
Milky Mushrooms
Milky mushrooms, botanically known as Calocybe indica, are one of the only mushroom species that are native as well as cultivated in the humid subtropical climate of India.
They are called milky mushrooms due to the pure white look of the mushroom resembling milk.
The Milky mushrooms are also known as Dhuth chatta and Swetha mushrooms, which were named for their white milky color, and their name stems from the ancient Hindu language of Sanskrit.
It is pretty common to see Milky Mushrooms growing wild along roadsides and in fields year-round. People love them because they have high nutritional values, have a long storage life, and they can be used for a variety of culinary purposes.
Milky mushrooms are becoming more popular in terms of commercial consumption in India. This mushroom is similar to the oyster in that it has a similar growing pattern. It grows best in warmer climates.
Milky Mushroom Cultivation
Milky mushroom cultivation requirements include a suitable hot tropical climatic area such as Tamil Hadu, a temperature range between 33 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. A relative humidity of 85% is required along with sufficient water.
Nutrition Value Of Milky Mushroom
Milky mushrooms have long been known for their high nutritional value.
Proteins make up the bulk of the mushroom, containing almost 6 times the carbohydrate content. It contains the 12 essential amino acids (EAAs) required by the body to sustain life.
It is low in fats, hence being an excellent item to consume when watching ones weight.
Milky mushrooms are low sodium content and high in potassium content, which assists in the management of high blood pressure.
Another very important nutritional value to note here is that milky mushrooms are rich in the antioxidant called ergothioneine which helps to reduce inflammation in organs of the body such as bone, kidney, liver, lungs and brain.
As well as being high in antioxidants and riboflavin, it is also high in selenium and other minerals that assist in protecting the body from the adverse effects of free radical damage.
Conclusion
Therefore, all three mushrooms are very similar in terms of proportion, mineral elements, and vitamins in each of them. However, they are quite different in their appearance, the conditions under which each mushroom can grow and the patterns of their growth, and the taste and flavor that each mushroom offers.