What Are Enoki Mushrooms?
The term “enokitake” refers to a type of edible fungus known by several names and forms. In Japanese, it is called enokitake or enoki, being the name of one of the plants the fungus grows on. These names are also used in English. Other common names for this unique fungus include velvet foot, golden needle, and winter mushroom. The official scientific name is Flammulina velutipes, though older texts may refer to it as Collybia velutipes due to its resemblance to an unrelated species. Various other scientific names have also been used historically.
Regardless of the name, enokitake is prized for its flavor, its availability in the wild during winter when few other fungi bear fruit, and its numerous health benefits. Its believed to be effective against a range of conditions, from cancer and dementia to gastric ulcers. Research supports many of these health claims, making enokitake a valuable addition to both culinary and medicinal practices.
Description and Identification of Enokitake Mushrooms
Edibility: edible; choice
Cap: up to 10 centimeters across, big, orange to reddish-brown when growing in the wild, and very small and white when produced in cultivation.
Gills: broad, adnate, white to yellowish. Enokitake Mushrooms.
Spore print: white
Spores: smooth, ellipsoidal, 6.5-10 x 3-4μm: inamyloid
Scent: No distinct scent
Habitat: saprophytic on hardwoods
Stem: when wild-grown, short, tough, velvety, often brown at the base and paler near the top. When cultivated, very long, thin, and white or whitish.
Enokitake mushrooms grow wild in Eastern Asia, Western Europe, and much of North America. They feed on the dead wood of various hardwood species. Sometimes, the wood is underground or part of a living tree, so the fruiting bodies are not always found on visible stumps.
The fruiting bodies of enokitake have the typical morphology of gilled mushrooms, with a central, vertical stalk or “stipe.” The color and shape can vary significantly between cultivated and wild-grown mushrooms. Cultivated enokitake, grown in jars or sacks away from light, are long, thin, and tightly clustered. They have a mild taste and a slightly gritty texture.
Foragers should exercise caution when picking enokitake in the wild, as they can be confused with the highly toxic Deadly Galerina, which sometimes grows on the same substrates. The most noticeable difference is that enokitake has white spores and gills, while Deadly Galerina has brown ones.
Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Enokitake
Enokitake mushrooms are believed to alleviate a variety of diseases, including:
- Specific cancers
- Dementia
- Hypertension
- Thrombosis
- Stomach ulcers
- Liver issues
- Inflammation
Enokitake also boasts a remarkable nutritional profile, particularly notable for what it lacks: cholesterol, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. It is rich in niacin (vitamin B3), phosphorus, dietary fiber, and contains significant amounts of vitamins B5 and B1. While enokitake does contain protein, its high water content means a large quantity would be needed to meet daily protein requirements.
Cancer
Epidemiological studies in Japan have shown that people who produce enokitake mushrooms have a significantly lower cancer death rate compared to the general population. These individuals consume more enokitake, often obtaining damaged, unsalable products for free. Subsequent research has identified several compounds in enokitake with cancer-fighting properties:
- FIP-fve: Prevents liver cancer in mice.
- Flammulin: Recognized as an anti-tumor agent.
- Stable hemagglutinin: Inhibits the proliferation of leukemia L1210 cells.
- Water-based extracts: Effective against various types of breast cancer cells, including estrogen-independent breast cancer, in cultured cell studies.
Microbiological Activity
Antibacterial Capabilities of Enokitake
In vitro investigations have shown that several compounds in enokitake mushrooms possess antibacterial properties comparable to some types of penicillin. However, the concentrations of these compounds can vary significantly depending on the age and genetics of the mushroom.
Lipid and Cholesterol Reduction
In one study, enokitake powder and water extract were administered to hamsters on a high-fat diet. The mushroom significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels, likely due to the presence of dietary fiber and other beneficial compounds.
Other Advantages
Research has uncovered additional applications for this mushroom:
- Vascular Health: Compounds produced by fermenting enokitake or found within the mushroom show promise in preventing vascular diseases and their symptoms.
- Hypertension: Enokitake contains substances already used to treat aspects of hypertension, supporting both traditional uses and research suggesting it can lower cholesterol.
- Neurological Health: Polysaccharides from enokitake improved learning and memory in rats with chemically induced cognitive issues, suggesting potential benefits for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Ribosome Inactivating Proteins
Enokitake mushrooms contain ribosome inactivating proteins, which have various beneficial properties, including the ability to combat the HIV virus and strengthen the immune system. While this does not mean it can treat HIV, it indicates potential for further research. Biochemists have studied enokitake compounds for their antioxidant and immunomodulatory capabilities, though they have not yet been explored as therapies.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of fresh, raw enokitake mushrooms in mice are being researched. Cooked or processed mushrooms seem to have reduced anti-inflammatory activity.
Liver Protection
Several studies suggest that compounds in enokitake can prevent liver damage. However, the primary goal of this research is to use it as a source for medicinal compounds, rather than providing direct insights into the health benefits of consuming the mushrooms.
Dosage
Enokitake is widely consumed as a culinary mushroom and is generally safe. There is no established dosage for specific health benefits, as most studies have not involved animal or human testing. It is recommended to consult a licensed healthcare professional for guidance if you wish to explore the potential benefits of enokitake.
Side Effects and Toxicology of Enokitake
Raw enokitake mushrooms contain a toxin called flammutoxin. While it is unclear if consuming the mushroom could result in an unhealthy dose of flammutoxin, heating the mushrooms eliminates this toxin. Therefore, to be safe, it is recommended to consume only a small amount or to cook them thoroughly.
There is also a concern about bacterial contamination in enokitake mushrooms. Some bloggers advise against serving them to expectant mothers due to this risk. However, these warnings seem to stem from a single voluntary recall by one mushroom grower following a routine health check several years ago. Enokitake mushrooms suppliers in Sydney.
Enoki mushrooms do not appear to be any more or less likely than other foods to harbor harmful bacteria. There are no additional warnings at this time, and the mushroom is being researched as a safer alternative to several prescription medications. Generally, it’s considered safe, though some individuals may develop intolerances or reactions.
One word of caution: the chemical composition of enokitake can vary significantly depending on the mushroom’s age, genetics, and type of processing (if any).
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