07-08-2013, 01:00 PM
Systematic studies on wild edible mushrooms in Jammu and Kashmir
ABSTRACT
Mushrooms are commercially very important as they have potential food and medicinal value. They are a good source of digestible proteins, minerals and vitamins. In addition, their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-coagulant properties are well recognized. The use of edible mushrooms for human consumption is probably as old as man himself. Wild edible mushrooms have been collected and consumed by people since thousands of years. The rate of consumption of edible mushrooms in many countries has increased in recent years due to their flavor, palatability and nutritive value. Hence, it becomes imperative to explore the treasure of these mushrooms. In the present communication, sixty species of wild mushrooms are described and illustrated.