10 Facts About Mushrooms

Did you know….

• People have been eating mushrooms since Palaeolithic times.

• The Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms grew by magic, because of the way they could appear overnight.

• The “Iceman” discovered in the Italian Alps in 1991 (and thought to have died 5,000 years ago) was carrying dried mushrooms with him.

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• Mushrooms are the second most valuable fresh vegetable crop grown in Australia, after potatoes.

• More than 85% of Australian households purchase fresh mushrooms regularly; 55% of them buy at least once per week and 38% of primary grocery shoppers always have them on their shopping list. The average purchase volume is 457 grams.

• In the mid 1970’s most of the mushrooms eaten in Australia were sold in cans. Today Australians eat 95% of their mushrooms fresh.

• 88% of consumers love mushrooms in a stir-fry; 83% of consumers love mushrooms in a salad.

• About half the child population either like or love mushrooms and over 90% of people over the age of 25 either like or love mushrooms.

• 74% of mushroom eaters would probably order a mushroom entrée in a restaurant.

• 98% of mushroom eaters believe mushrooms add something special to a dish.