#NationalMushroomDay

Mushrooms have an ancient beginning dating to over 1 billion years ago when fungi split from the lineage that produced animals. Early fossil evidence shows giant fungus-like organisms called Prototaxites dominated land 400 million years ago, standing over 20 feet tall before trees existed.

For centuries, mushrooms were classified as plants because they grow out of the ground. However, in 1969, biologist Robert Whittaker formally separated them into their own distinct kingdom. Whittaker discovered that mushrooms lack the core traits of plants. Instead, he classified mushrooms into a kingdom of their own called Kingdom Fungi, which is considered to be one of the major kingdoms of life alongside animals (Animalia) and plants (Plantae).

Did you know?

White Button, Cremini, and Portobello mushrooms are actually the exact same species of mushrooms known as Agaricus bisporus. The difference lies in the stage of maturity when harvested.

White Button mushrooms are harvested during the youngest stage. This mushroom have mild flavor and are cheap to purchase. They work well in raw salads, on pizzas, or lightly sautéed.
Cremini or Baby Bella mushrooms are brown, slightly firmer, and have a richer flavor than white buttons. They are used best in soups and stir-fries.
Portobello mushrooms are a fully mature Creminis. They have large caps with exposed gills underneath. They are known for their deep, smoky flavor and have a dense, meaty texture. Portobello mushrooms make a great choice for grilling and as a vegetarian burger option.

The culinary world celebrates mushrooms for their ability to pair well with just about anything. Adding garlic, shallots, thyme, or rosemary complements the earthy profile of mushrooms. Butter, heavy cream, and olive oil help carry the mushroom flavor molecules directly to the palate. Mushrooms act like sponges, absorbing other ingredients while keeping their distinct earthy flavor intact.

NATIONAL MUSHROOM DAY CELEBRATION IDEAS

Visit a local farmers market or an Asian grocer to purchase mushrooms locally. Encourage people online to shop local and give the mushroom farmers a shout-out on social media using the hashtag #NationalMushroomDay.
Swap coffee for mushroom tea. Start your morning with a mushroom brew that focuses on improving your health.
Pick up an indoor mushroom grow kit and grow your own mushrooms at home. This is a great hands-on way to watch mushrooms transform into full fruiting bodies in real time.
Connect with your local "mushroom" society or nature center for an autumn mushroom identification walk. Take the time to learn about the different types of wild mushrooms and learn the difference between consumable mushrooms and poison mushrooms.
Instead of trying a single dish with mushrooms, create a few dishes using the different varieties of mushrooms.

HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL MUSHROOM DAY

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Three years later, in 1993, the U.S. Mushroom Council officially started celebrating National Mushroom Month.

National Mushroom Day originated in Australia as an industry campaign driven by commercial growers, restaurants, and health professionals to promote mushroom farming, local culinary uses, and nutritional benefits. The Australian Mushroom Growers Association (AMGA) spearheaded the October 15 celebration to highlight mushrooms and educate consumers.