Draft:Mushroom Mycelium

Mushroom Mycelium refers to the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments known as Hypha. This structure acts as the primary growth phase of the fungus, enabling it to absorb nutrients from its growing medium, which is often a grain-based substrate when grown commercially. The term helps distinguish between mushroom products derived from mycelium and those made from the fruiting bodies, also known as mushrooms, which emerge from the mycelium during its reproductive cycle.

== Uses of Mushroom Mycelium == Mushroom mycelium is utilized in various fields, including environmental solutions, medicine, and consumer products:


 * Environmental Solutions: Companies such as Ecovative Design employ mycelium to develop sustainable packaging alternatives to plastics. Mycelium-based materials are biodegradable and can be grown into molds tailored to specific requirements.


 * Medicinal Applications: In the health sector, mycelium is utilized for its potential immune-supporting properties. For instance, Host Defense uses mycelium grown on grain substrates to produce a range of dietary supplements aimed at enhancing immune health.


 * Alternative Protein Sources: Meati Foods is developing applications of mycelium to create meat alternatives that are rich in protein and fiber. Their method allows for the cultivation of mycelium in controlled environments, producing products that are both sustainable and scalable.

The term “Myceliated Grain” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mushroom mycelium.” Generally, myceliated grain describes “Heading text,” a standard method to cultivate mushroom fruiting bodies, whereas “mushroom mycelium” refers to mycelium included as part of a final product.

== See also == Heading text