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We know that buying organic food is important for our health. When it comes to mushrooms, it’s important to understand that most organic mushrooms, available in markets, are cultivated; meaning they are mostly grown indoors with a controlled environment. In order to maximize yield, growers remove all micro-organisms and pests. They may be genetically identical, but they do not develop defense mechanisms as wild mushrooms do, so they are devoid of any real medicinal properties. When cultivated mushrooms are grown outdoors, they are able to develop these same defenses at wild mushrooms.

The stronger a mushroom smells and tastes, the stronger the medicinal effect. Outdoor mushrooms are often strong-smelling and tasting, while cultivated indoor mushrooms often have little smell and less taste.

My research has taught me that supermarket mushrooms are mostly grown indoors. They look clean and well-shaped and are priced higher than wild mushrooms. As a result, I have begun to forage myself, buy mushrooms from foragers or choose non-organic wild mushrooms from selected stores.

Wild mushrooms are also rich in Vitamin D, a hot topic today. If you place fresh mushrooms in the sun for 4 hours you can greatly increase the Vitamin D2 level, which will remain the same for a week or so.

The other option is to incorporate wild mushroom powder in your diet. Note that almost all Mushhroom powders are grown indoors, so you must research where you can find wild Mushroom powders that contain medicinal properties. Mushroom powders are more concentrated and easy to store for longer periods than fresh. Like fresh wild mushrooms, they provide a wide array of medicinal benefits including increasing immune functioning, better digestion, brain enhancement and slowing the aging process. Choose Reishi, Shiitake, Matsutake, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps.

Photo: Wild Turkey Tail Mushrooms, growing in Lagunitas, CA 2021