Why Eat Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are increasingly becoming popular due to their usefulness and powerful health benefits. Their popularity will continue to soar in today’s health-conscious society because they pack a nutritious punch. Nonetheless, consumers need to be cautious with mushrooms as some species are toxic in nature. It is for this reason that consumers are always advised to buy mushrooms from reputable shops only. Mushrooms are enjoyed as delicacies by the various tribal groups in Nigeria. They are called ‘Olu or Ogiri Agbe’ in Yoruba, ‘Naman Kaza’ in Hausa, ‘Ero’ in Igbo, ‘Utun’ in Ishan, ‘Fatar’ in Arabic, ‘Ijov’ in Tiv, ‘Oru’ in Igala and ‘Mkpifia’ in Ibibio, among others. Nigerians also utilise mushroom-forming fungi as folk medicine. Oyster and shiitake mushrooms are some of the common edible mushrooms that were successfully cultivated in Nigeria on small-scale basis. The mushroom resources in Nigeria are grossly under-exploited for addressing economic and industrial development. ...