Studies on Chemical Composition and Nutritive Evaluation of Wild Edible Mushrooms

Abstract

<em>Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus bitorquis are among most favorite mushrooms of the world. Mineral contents, proximate composition and fatty acid profile of these mushrooms were determined for evaluation of their dietary value. Na, K and Li contents were high, while Cr, Cu, Pb, Co, Zn, Mn and Ni concentrations were low in both Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus bitorquis. Proximate analysis showed that both mushrooms have sufficient quantity of protein, lipids, carbohydrates and cellulose. Gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters revealed that linoleic acid (44.19 %) and oleic acid (40.13 %) were the dominant fatty acids in Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus bitorquis respectively</em>