Mycophilia

April 4, 2019 10:15 AM - by Eugenia Bone

An incredibly versatile cooking ingredient containing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and possibly cancer-fighting properties, mushrooms are among the most expensive and sought-after foods on the planet. Yet when it comes to fungi, culinary uses are only the tip of the iceberg. Throughout history fungus has been prized for its diverse properties—medicinal, ecological, even recreational—and has spawned its own quirky subculture dedicated to exploring the weird biology and celebrating the unique role it plays on earth. In Mycophilia, accomplished food writer and cookbook author Eugenia Bone examines the role of fungi as exotic delicacy, curative, poison, and hallucinogen, and ultimately discovers that a greater understanding of fungi is key to facing many challenges of the 21st century.

Engrossing, surprising, and packed with up-to-date science and cultural exploration, Mycophilia is part narrative and part primer for foodies, science buffs, environmental advocates, and anyone interested in learning a lot about one of the least understood and most curious organisms in nature.

posted by Homo neanderthalensis (1 comment total)

Everything you wanted to know about mushrooms but were afraid to ask. This is another in my "kindle to shelf special" category, where I read this on my kindle and was so enthralled that when I saw a sale copy at my local book store I snapped it up. It's a fascinating look at mushrooms as food, mushrooms as medicine, mushrooms as... everything! A easy to read deep dive into the world of fungi.
posted by Homo neanderthalensis at 10:18 AM on April 4, 2019 [1 favorite]