Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc.About us:

Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc. is a start-up provider of gourmet mushrooms in the Philippines. Our mushroom farm is continuously being developed in Lipa City, Batangas. Its close proximity to the nation’s capital, Metro Manila, gives us an advantage to provide our key local market with the freshest quality mushrooms. Over the years Ministry of Mushroom, Inc. aims to not only provide a variety of fresh mushrooms and mushroom products to the global market, but also to be a proactive company in restoration of our planet through mycological applications and solutions.

Mission statement:

Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc. dedicates all its research, development, products and services to the promotion of innovative mycological applications and solutions while continuing to be profitable through the cultivation of high quality mushrooms.

Management:Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc. is lead by a dynamic team of young entrepreneurs, Marco Lobregat, Jose Javier Ortoll and Victor Manuel Sala, all passionate about mushrooms and mycological solutions. Whether developing products of the highest quality or building client relations and customer satisfaction, Marco, Jose Javier and Victor will help hone each other’s skills to be a fully optimized team. Jose Javier Ortoll and Victor Manuel Sala bring together their knowledge of mushroom cultivation and engineering to develop the green, efficient and sustainable mushroom farm. Marco brings his market knowledge and expertise in project management and international sales to ensure that the daily operations drive the company to continuous growth and success.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

Introduction to Agaricus brasilenis/Agaricus blazei and Ganoderma lucidum

Mycotopia: an environment wherein ecological equilibrium is enhanced through the judicious use of fungi for the betterment of all life forms.

Fungi: Ally of people and the planetWhile Mushroom consumption has long been known to improve health and well-being, growing mushrooms may be the best thing we can do to save the environment

We can capitalize on the mycelium’s (mushroom) digestive power to:

• decompose toxic waste and pollutants• control insect population• enhance the health of our forests• Increase the effectiveness of our agricultural lands

Medicinal MushroomsEach mushroom has a unique molecular architecture and chemistry. Many are known to have medicinal properties. For the last 30 years, scientists have been studying mushrooms for their effectiveness against cancer and other diseases and ailments.

Preliminary studies on mushrooms have revealed novel anti-biotics, anti-cancer, chemotherapeutic agents, immunomodulators and many other active ingredients that can be extracted.

Targeted Therapeutic Effects and Activity Against Specific Cancers

Therapeutic Effects

Activity Against Cancer

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi; Ling Chi)

Antibacterial, Anti-Candida; Anti-inflammatory; Antioxidant; Antitumor; Antiviral; Blood Pressure Moderator; Cardiovascular; Cholesterol Reducer; Immune Enhancer; Kidney Tonic; Liver Tonic; Lungs/Respiratory; Nerve Tonic; Stress Reducer

Leukemia, Lung,Lymphoma, Prostate, Sarcoma

Agaricus brasilenis/ Agaricus blazei(Himematsutake; Almond Portobello/ Cogumelo de Deus)

Antitumor; Antiviral; Blood Pressure Moderator; Cardiovascular; Cholesterol Reducer; Immune Enhancer;

Cervical/Uterine, Colorectal, Sarcoma

Intro to Ganoderma lucidum

Common Names: Reishi ( Japanese for “divine” or “spiritual mushroom”) Ling Chi ( Chinese for “Tree of Life Mushroom”)

Renowned for its health stimulating properties, this mushroom is depicted more often in Chinese, Korean and Japanese art more than any other . It is associated with royalty, health and recuperation, longevity, sexual prowess, wisdom and happiness.

Description

Similar to a conk or kidney in shape it has a woody texture and its cap can grow from 5-20 cm in diameter

It has a musty, mealy, fungal fragrance

Natural Habitat

Ganoderma lucidum is an annual mushroom that grows on a wide variety of woods like oaks, elms, beeches, palms and even plums.

It is normally found on stumps and occasionally on soils arising from buried roots.

The mushroom is widely distributed throughout the world, especially in sub-tropical regions and in temperate climates.

Growing Methods and Parameters

Ganoderma lucidum can be grown in a wide variety of methods. In South East Asia it is commonly found on diseased palm oil trees. Infectecd dead logs can be collected then placed in a shady and naturally moist areas.

Rapid Cycle System for indoor cultivation is often orchestrated by creating substrates from sawdust, woodchips, and molasses-enriched water then inoculated and grown in bags.

Growing ParametersSpawn Run:Incubation Temperature: 21-27ºC Relative Humidity: 95-100%Duration: 10-20 daysCO2: tolerated up to 50,000ppm or 5%Fresh Air Exchanges: 0-1 per hourLight Requirements: n/a

Primordia(“Antler”) FormationIncubation Temperature: 18-24ºCRelative Humidity: 95-100%Duration: 14-28 daysCO2: 20,000-40,000 ppmFresh Air Exchanges: 0-1 per hourLight Requirements: 4-8 hours at 200-500 lux

Primordia (“Young Conk”) FormationIncubation Temperature: 21-27ºCRelative Humidity: 95-100%Duration: 14-28 DaysCO2: 5,000-2,000 ppmFresh Air Exchanges: as required for maintaining desired CO2Light Requirements: 12 hours on/off at 500-1,000 lux

Fruitbody DevelopmentIncubation Temperature: 21-27ºC Relative Humidity: 90-95%Duration: 60 daysCO2: less than 2,000 ppmFresh Air Exchanges: as requiredLight Requirements: 12 hours on/off 750-1500 lux

Fruitbody Development: Two crops in 90-120 days

Biological Efficiency:Formula: 1lb of fresh mushrooms grown from 1lb of dry substrate is 100% biological efficiency (B. E.)

Considering the host substrate is moistened to approximately 75% water content, 100% B.E. is also equivalent to growing 1lb of fresh mushrooms from 4 pounds of moist substrate

Biological Efficiency and Yield PotentialAverage yields of 125-200 grams wet mass (mushrooms) from 2,200-2,300 grams of wet mass (substrate) in 90 days via the Rapid Cycle System have been reported. The biological efficiency is therefore between 5-9 %.

A study on the cultivation of Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) on sawdust of different tree species was published by The National Mushroom Development and Extension Center of Bangladesh late last year. It showed the highest biological efficiency came from mixed sawdust - 11% followed by sawdust from Mangifera Indica (Mango) – 10.25% .

Form Sold to MarketDried, whole mushrooms have been used traditionally in Oriental medicine. However many other forms are marketed like pill, tea and tincture forms.

Ginseng and Ling Chi are often extracted and combined, in liquid form.

Syrups and wine additives for flavor and health benefits are also popular.

Nutritional ContentCalories /100g: 376Protein g/100g: 15.05Fat g/100g: 3.48Polyunsaturated fat g/100g: 0.50Total unsaturated fat g/100g: 1.20Saturated fat: g/100g: 0.27Carbohydrates: g/100g: 71.00Complex Carbohydrates: g/100g: 69.30Sugars g/100g: 1.70Dietary Fiber g/100g: 66.80Cholesterol mg/100g: 0Vitamin A IU/100g: 0Thiamine (B1) mg 100g: 0.06Riboflavin (B2) mg/100g: 1.59Niacin (B3) g/100g: 12.40Pantothenic Acid (B5) mg/100g: 2.70Vitamin C mg/100g: 0Vitamin D IU/100g: 66Calcium mg/100g: 37Copper mg/100g: 1.30Iron mg/100g: 13.0Potassium mg/100g: 760Selenium mg/100g: 0.014Sodium mg/100g: 6

Medicinal Properties

Beta-glucans (polysaccharides) isolated from this mushroom reportedly stimulate the immune system

Studies have shown that the beta-glucans stimulate the production of helper “T” cells which attack infected cells of the body.

More than 100 distinctive polysaccharides and 119 triterpenoids have been extracted. Many of which demonstrate immonomodulatory properties.

Triterpenoids are steroid-like compounds that inhibit cholesterol synthesis, allergic responses and histamine levels.

Lanostanic triptenoids from Ganoderma lucidum have been shown to be anti-inflammatory in the treatment of arthritis

Consumption of Reishi helps respiration since it enhances the oxygen absorbing capacity of the alveoli, thereby enhancing stamina - showing properties for fighting Chronic Fatigue Syndome.

Shows low toxicity even in high dosages

Intro to Agaricus brasilenis/ Agaricus blazeiCommon Names: Himematsutake, Brazilian blazei, Cogumelo de Deus (Mushroom of God), ABM, Royal Sun Agaricus, Almond Portobello.

This mushroom was first discovered as a novel species by an American mycologist in Florida then rediscovered by associates of Japanese coffee growers, which was well known upon the locals.

Japanese mycologists pioneered the cultivation of this species from specimens collected in Brazil and are credited for bringing this species to the forefront.

Since 1995 this mushroom has grown in popularity and today it is the center of a $600 million (U.S.) industry.

Description

A classic Agaricus species, like the White Button or Portobello, but grander, its cap grows from 7-25 cm. broad. It imparts strong scents of almonds, especially during cooking.

Natural Habitat

First collected in northwest of Sao Paolo City, Brazil, this mushroom is a commonly found in fields and mountainous areas.

They grow in soils that with plentiful debris, in mixed woods, well-composed soils, and along forest edges.

It prefers warmer temperatures and light.

Growing Methods and ParametersAgricus brasilenis/ Agaricus blazei can be grown similarly to white button mushrooms but with more light and warmth.

In Brazil, mound culture of this mushroom has been practiced for the last 20 years. This mushroom benefits from soil microflora and warm temperatures making it ideal for outdoor cultivation.

Mounds of leached cow manure or other supportive compost can be inoculated then planted with cover crops to promote growth. Good companions are kale, zucchini, squash, potatoes, melons and other leafy vegetables.

Growing Parameters

Spawn Run:Incubation Temperature: 21-27ºC Relative Humidity: 90-100%Duration: 28-40 days on compost; 60-90 days on sawdustCO2: less than 5,000ppmFresh Air Exchanges: 1 per hourLight Requirements: n/a

Primordia Formation (after applying in 1.5 – 2 in. casing)Incubation Temperature: 21-24ºCRelative Humidity: 80-90%Duration: 18-24 daysCO2: 400-800 ppmFresh Air Exchanges: 5-7per hourLight Requirements: minimal, 100-200 foot-candles

Fruitbody DevelopmentIncubation Temperature: 24-27ºC Relative Humidity: 75-85%Duration: 4-8 daysCO2: less than 2,000 ppmFresh Air Exchanges: 5-7per hourLight Requirements: minimal, 100-200 foot-candles

Fruitbody Development: Two crops in 90-120 days

Biological Efficiency and Yield Potential

Current biological efficiencies are estimated at 50-75% on supplemented sawdust. 1 lb (.5kg) of mushrooms can be harvested from 5 lbs (2.5kg) of substrate.

For outdoor cultivation, biological efficiencies may be less, but given the expanse of compost beds that can be laid out inexpensively in humid, subtropical and tropical environments, together with other companion crops, outdoor cultivation can be proportionately more profitable.

Form Sold to Market

The Agaricus brasilenis/ Agaricus blazei mushroom is sold in quantity and in many different forms: fresh, dried, powdered, extracts, capsules, teas and tablets, just to name a few.

Nutritional ContentCalories /100g: 362Protein g/100g: 35.19Fat g/100g: 3.39Polyunsaturated fat g/100g: 1.51Total unsaturated fat g/100g: 1.72Saturated fat: g/100g: 0.37Carbohydrates: g/100g: 47.70Complex Carbohydrates: g/100g: 26.50Sugars g/100g: 21.20Dietary Fiber g/100g: 21.00Cholesterol mg/100g: 0Vitamin A IU/100g: 0Thiamine (B1) mg 100g: 0.26Riboflavin (B2) mg/100g: 2.40Niacin (B3) g/100g: 58.50Pantothenic Acid (B5) mg/100g: 14.20Vitamin C mg/100g: 0Vitamin D IU/100g: 737Calcium mg/100g: 36Copper mg/100g: 4.28Iron mg/100g: 1.9Potassium mg/100g: 5200Selenium mg/100g: 0.35Sodium mg/100g: 43

Medicinal PropertiesA potent medicinal mushroom that produces beta 1, 6-glucans and beta 1, 3-glucans, which are polysaccharides currently being studied for immunopotentiation. Literature and more current studies show bet-glucan levels of 9-14% and approximately 27% total polysaccharides.

Its unique beta-glucans promote natural killer cells and are selectively cytotoxic to tumor cells. This mushroom has been the subject of numerous analyses isolating constituents, both numerical and immunomodulatory for the treatment of cancers.

Overview of Techniques for Mushroom Cultivation1. Preparation and pouring of agar media

into perti dishes.2. Germination of spores and isolation of

pure mycelium.3. Expansion of mycelial mass on agar

media.4. Preparation of grain media.5. Inoculation of grain media with pure

mycelium grown on agar media.6. Incubation of inoculated grain media

(spawn).7. Laying out grain spawns into trays or

Inoculation of grain spawns into bulk substrates.

8. Casing – covering substrate with moist mixture of peat and other materials

9. Initiation: lowering temperature, increasing humidity to 95%, increasing air circulation, decreasing CO2 or introducing light.

10. Cropping: maintaining temperature, lowering humidity to 85-92%, maintaining air circulation, C02 and/ or light levels

Sources:Stamets, P., 2005. Mycelium Running: how mushrooms can save the world. Ten Speed Press, Berkley California.

Stamets, P., 2000. Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms. Ten Speed Press, Berkley California.

Stamets, P. and Chilton, J.S., 1983. The Mushroom Cultivator. Agarikon Press, Olympia, Washington.

Hossain K., Srker N.C., Kakon A.J., Khan A.S., and Ahmed S., 2009. Cultivation of Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) on Sawdust of Different Tree Species

* All images were found online through Google Images and are considered free to use.