Detecting new fungi with high protein content

Recently, MSc. Co Duc Trong - Center for Lingzhi and Medicinal Mushrooms has discovered two new fungi (Agaricus brasiliensis) that grow wild. It is the sunflower mushroom, which is the same as the fat mushroom, has a high protein content.

This is the first time scientists have discovered this fungus in Vietnam. Scientists hope to deliver from the original two individuals who will develop a fungus with native genetic resources for scientific research and production.

Hat of temporal mushroom is pink brown. There are very small scales on darker caps. Swipe the scales to reveal the same white flesh of the mushroom stalk. When still a bud, the maximum width of the mushroom cap is 4cm, the stem of the mushroom is 7-8cm high. When swollen to the ears, the width of the mushroom cap is 10cm. At that time, the mushroom was old, had fibrosis, had spores. The underside of the mushroom cap is dark brown. And the top is still pinkish brown, smooth, small scales almost lost.

Compared to other types of mushrooms, temporal mushrooms are a premium food because of their higher protein content, from 34 to 35% . That is 1kg of dried mushrooms containing 340g of protein. There are also many other minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin D . Fungus is fragrant and sweet. In addition, this fungus has medicinal properties. The anti-tumor effect of this fungus is very strong. This ability is up to 96%.

For the first time, two wild temporal mushrooms (Agaricus brasiliensis) that grow wild were discovered in Dong Thap - Vietnam.(Photo: H.Cat)

According to MSc. Co Duc Trong, the ecological condition of this mushroom is not clear . In fact, the climate in Vietnam is a hot and humid climate, while the Agaricus genus mainly grows in temperate regions, ie cold areas.

Therefore, the high mountains and northern Vietnam climate are more appropriate. Especially the sun mushroom species can grow at hot temperatures, from 25 - 26 ^o C. Therefore, the prospect of developing this precious mushroom is completely possible in hot conditions all year round like Ho Chi Minh City.

MSc. Trong added that he discovered this fungus growing wild in Thanh Hoa and Dong Thap districts because he has been experimenting with this fungus for over a year now with varieties imported from Japan. Experimental planting results obtained 5kg of dried mushrooms, equivalent to 50kg of fresh mushrooms.

MSc.Co Duc Trong, Research Center for Lingzhi and Medicinal Mushrooms, with experimental sunflower mushrooms.(Photo: H.Cat)

Similar to many other fungi, temporal mushrooms also contain some allergens, so it's best to cook them when eaten . In terms of sensory, mushrooms are considered good when mushroom ears are not crushed, scratched, correct standard colors of each fungus, not stick dust and dirt.

Sun mushrooms in the Brazilian market today have import prices from 100 - 200USD / 1kg dried mushrooms. The retail price in the Japanese market is 400 - 500USD / 1kg of dried mushrooms. The country currently growing this mushroom is Brazil and China the most.

In 1960, an overseas Japanese in Brazil, Mr. Takatoshi Furumoto, discovered the sunflower mushroom.Later, he sent the mushroom to Japan to study and a Belgian mushroom scientist Heinemann named Agaricus blazei Murrill, the same Agaricus blazei discovered by scientist W. Blazei in 1944 in the US state of Florida and by Murrill identify the name.However, by 2002 Wasser et al. Had extensive research on molecular morphology and biology, species identification in Brazil and species in Florida were two different species.Agaricus brasiliensis has been modified in Brazil.So far, it has not been recorded that this mushroom grows wild elsewhere, including Asian countries.

Sand incense