Many different foods are made with mushrooms.
September is national mushroom month! This month, we learn all about mushrooms.
What is a mushroom?
Mushrooms are a type of fungus [an organism that is not a plant or animal]. The part of the mushroom that grows above the ground is called a fruiting body. The fruiting body is the reproductive structure. The part of the mushroom that grows underground is called the mycelium.
Why are mushrooms important?
Have you ever seen mushrooms growing in a forest? Mushrooms play an important role in ecosystems. They are decomposers [organisms that break down dead plant and animal material].
We can eat some types of mushrooms. But be careful! Many types of mushrooms are poisonous. Never pick and eat wild mushrooms unless you are with an expert.
How can you celebrate mushroom month?
During national mushroom month, you can try new foods with mushrooms. It is also a good time of year to take a hike and find different types of mushrooms.
In Pennsylvania, people celebrate with a mushroom festival. They have a reason to celebrate. Mushrooms are the number 1 crop in the state. Pennsylvania grows more than 500 million pounds of mushrooms each year.
What Can You Do? How will you celebrate national mushroom month?
Photo Credit: (t)Bob Gibbons/Alamy Stock Photo, (b)AlexeiLogvinovich/Shutterstock
