Nutritional Status of Cultivated Mushrooms of Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

This investigation provides the proximate screening of nutrients and minerals present in the four cultivated mushroom species sold in the markets of Kathmandu valley. The cultivation practices include all the exotic mushroom species introduced from India, Japan and China. They are Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus djamor. All these mushrooms are cultivated in the corners of Kathmandu valley and brought to the vegetable markets such as Asan, Kalimati, Balkhu and Lagankhel for sale. The result of the analysis indicated that the mushrooms are good sources of Crude Protein (23%to 46.3%), Carbohydrate (28% to 50%), Fat (2.4% to 4.2%), Fiber (11.9% to 17.9%), Ash (6.3% to 18.3%) and moisture (79% to 93.3%). The nutrient contentvaries widely among the mushroom species. The result showed that the mushrooms are good source of nutritionally important minerals including Phosphorus (100.7mg to 837mg), Calcium (11.82mg to 165mg) and Iron (6.07mg to 52mg) per 100g on dry weight basis. GC- MS result analysis suggested that mushroom samples are free of pesticides. Based on the result of this study, it is suggested that these mushroom species are nutritionally good without any human hazard.