Mushrooms get their Alkaline fasting green light" according to Wacker. Not only are they versatile in the kitchen, they also have health benefits and can support the body during alkaline fasting. This is because they contain hardly any acid-forming substances, are rich in protein and fibre and also contain numerous vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. These minerals can help to bring the body's acid-base balance into equilibrium and thus increase well-being.
Shiitake mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, which are said to strengthen the immune system and have antiviral properties. Oyster mushrooms are high in vitamin D, which is important for bones and the immune system. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and can therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Another advantage of mushrooms is that they are relatively low in calories and can therefore also help you lose weight. There are no limits to how mushrooms can be prepared. Whether as a mushroom soup, mushroom pan or in salads - mushrooms are extremely versatile.
Mushroom picking in the Ore Mountains
Here in the Ore Mountains, there are a variety of mushroom species that will make every mushroom picker's heart beat faster. The mushroom season in the Ore Mountains is at its peak in August and September in particular, as well as in autumn in general. The forests of the Ore Mountains offer a variety of mushroom species that are just waiting to be discovered by mushroom pickers. Here you can find porcini mushrooms, button mushrooms, chestnuts and chanterelles, among others. It's worth getting up early in the morning and searching the forest for mushrooms. However, make sure that you only pick mushrooms that you are sure are edible. Some types of mushroom, such as the green button mushroom, are highly poisonous.
To protect the environment, you should also ensure that you only collect as many mushrooms as you really need. Destroying mushroom spawn is also prohibited. When picking mushrooms, you should take care to pull the mushroom and its root out of the ground so as not to damage the mycelium, the actual mushroom organism. This allows the mushroom to grow again next year. Clean and careful storage is also important in order to preserve the mushrooms for a long time.
The history of fungi goes way back - even before mankind
Mushrooms have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. Even our Stone Age ancestors collected mushrooms and used them as food. Even in ancient times, mushrooms were prized as a delicacy and were seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury. In Roman cuisine in particular, mushrooms were prepared and savoured in a variety of ways.
In the Middle Ages, mushrooms were often used as a remedy in Europe, as they were said to have a healing effect. In the 18th century, mushrooms began to be systematically researched and categorised. The German naturalist Carl von Linné created his own classification system for this, which still serves as the basis for categorising fungi today. Today, mushrooms are widespread throughout the world and have become an indispensable part of the kitchen. Mushrooms are also valued in alternative medicine due to their diverse active ingredients and are used in the form of dietary supplements.
Fungi as the basis of our ecosystems
However, the history of fungi itself goes back much further to prehistoric times. Millions of years ago, fungi colonised the earth long before plants and animals existed. They played an important role in the formation of the first forests and helped to revitalise and stabilise the earth. Even today, fungi are still an important part of ecosystems around the world.
In many cultures, mushrooms have a spiritual significance and were used as a remedy. The ancient Greeks believed that mushrooms were created from lightning, while the Chinese revered them as a symbol of good luck and longevity. Mushrooms were also used in medicine to cure or alleviate illnesses. In ancient times, for example, mushrooms were used to treat pain and inflammation. Today, mushrooms are grown all over the world and used in many different ways, from culinary use in the kitchen to the production of medicines and cosmetic products. The history of mushrooms is a fascinating journey through time and shows how important these organisms are for life on earth.
Here you will find information on the Alkaline fasting programme; here to the Fasting hike.
