Nutritional status of certain wild edible mushrooms from the eastern ghats of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The nutritional composition of mushrooms provide them the status of health food as they are considered an important source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of some wild edible mushrooms (Russula parazurea, Volvariella volvacea, Calvatia  bicolor, Agaricus bitorquis, Tricholoma caligatum and Termitomyces  eurrhizus) found along the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Among the selected mushrooms, the highest dry matter and ash content was recorded by Termitomyces eurrhizus followed by Agaricus bitorquis. The fat content was highest in Calvatia bicolor and Russula parazurea whereas Agaricus bitorquis contained maximum levels of protein and least total carbohydrate level when compared to other mushrooms. The levels of Mg (1063.8 µg/ g), Mn (55.59 µg/g) and Fe (499.0 µg/g) were highest in Termitomyces eurrhyzus; Cobalt content (0.75 µg/g) in Agaricus bitorquis; Cu levels (51.71 µg/g) in Russula parazurea and Zn content (89.45 µg/g) in Clavatia bicolor were the highest among the selected mushrooms. As, Sn and Al concentrations were below the detection limit.