They require little space, energy and water to grow. You only need about 2 gallons of water to grow a pound of mushrooms. That may sound like a lot but when you consider a pound of avocados require 141 gallons while asparagus come in at 258 gallons per pound, it’s actually a drop in the ocean. In short, mushrooms are the environment’s best friend. If you are feeling concerned about your water usage, upping your mushroom intake is a good way to start feeling better about it.
Why You Should Eat More Mushrooms
Mushrooms Are One Of The Least Demanding Crops Around
Mushrooms Love Waste
Did you know that mushrooms are the recycling champs of the natural world? They are often fertilised using the waste generated from other areas of agriculture, meaning they are reducing food waste before they’ve even fully grown. That’s another easy win for the shroom. Pretty cool right?
Mushrooms Are A Source Of No-Guilt Protein
The protein you can obtain from mushrooms paired with the limited threats to the environment that their growing poses makes incorporating more of them into your diet a no-brainer. All the processes required in the production of soy, beef and chicken have a much greater impact, making them a far bigger threat to the equilibrium of the natural world. By subbing in mushrooms for these other products, or using them alongside meat and soy to bulk out your meals, you can obtain lots of protein at less of an ethical cost. If you sub in some mushrooms instead of meat into a recipe it also reduces the calories and fat content of your meal - a double win.
Let’s Talk Recipes
So there you have it. Not only do mushrooms support the planet, they’re a great source of vitamin B and folic acid. Make small changes in your sustainability journey by eating more mushrooms and the planet will thank you for it.
Give These A Try
1. Blend your mushrooms with lamb to make these lovely Mushroom and Lamb Koftes.
2. Or whack them in a pasta dish with this mushroom mac & cheese.