How sustainable is mushroom production compared to other foods?
While specific comparisons vary depending on the metrics used, mushrooms generally outperform many other foods, especially animal products, in terms of sustainability. Their efficient recycling of agricultural byproducts, use of water and land, combined with low emissions, place them among the most sustainably produced foods.
Mushroom production aligns well with several UN Sustainable Development Goals and serves as a model for sustainable agriculture practices. Its contribution to circular economy principles makes mushroom cultivation significantly more sustainable than many other food production systems.
How much water is required to produce mushrooms?
Grown on a year-round cycle, with nothing added and in the absence of sunlight, mushrooms don’t rely on the seasons. They only need a fraction of the water required for other foods (Producing 1kg of mushrooms requires 15l whereas producing 1kg of beef requires 15,451l, and 1kg of avocado 1,000 litres).
What is the yield of mushrooms per square foot of growing space?
The high yield potential of mushrooms allows for efficient production with up to 30 Kgs of mushrooms produced per sq. meter of surface area per cycle. Mushrooms are grown indoor in vertically stacked layers, meaning a more efficient use of space and no soil degradation. Vertical farming not only saves farming land but also makes a year-round production possible.
Can mushroom cultivation help reduce agricultural waste? How are mushroom growing substrates recycled or reused?
Mushrooms exemplify the principles of a circular bio-economy industry – and yes, they help to reduce agricultural waste. Cultivated on a base substrate made from agricultural and organic waste, the mycelium (fungus) extracts resources from these otherwise unused substrates to grow a nutritious food. The mushrooms are harvested within five to six weeks, which also makes them an economic food to produce – and all from a fully recyclable farming process. At the end of the mushroom growing cycle the substrate is still nutrient rich and can be used as a soil conditioner for spreading on land.
Are mushrooms suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets?
Mushrooms are a sustainable and nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans alike. They contribute to a balanced diet while offering culinary flexibility and ethical eating choices.
Check out our favourite vegetarian recipes, amongst which the unforgettable Blue Cheese Mushroom Burger and our creamy Mushroom Gnocchi, and many more on our recipe page.
