Fungi in food production (simplify) PDF

Preview

Summary

Fungi are widely used in the production of many foods and drinks. These include cheeses, beer and wine, bread, some cakes, and some soya bean products. ...

Description

Food Fungi are also important directly as food for humans. Many mushrooms are edible and different species are cultivated for sale worldwide. Fungi are also widely used in the production of many foods and drinks. These include cheeses, beer and wine, bread, some cakes, and some soya bean products. While a great many wild fungi are edible, some mushrooms are deadly if they are eaten such as 'Destroying Angel' and 'Death Cap'. They are even used as a meat substitute in products mimicking meat. Edible mushrooms are also common 'vegetables' that provide an important source of dietary fibre and complete protein: fungal proteins provide all of the essential amino acid. Moreover, some mushrooms used as food may have medicinal properties, providing a smattering of health benefits. Food Spoilage (Disadvantage) It has already been noted that fungi play a major role in recycling organic material. The fungi which make our bread and jam go mouldy are only recycling organic matter. Fungal damage can be responsible for large losses of stored food, particularly food which contains any moisture. Dry grains can usually be stored successfully, but the minute they become damp, moulds are likely to render them inedible. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fungi in Food Production Certain mushrooms are used in Chinese therapeutic medicine. They are also used in making of certain type of cheese to give it a special texture and unique flavour. Fungi are also used in the production of industrial chemicals which include gluconic, citric, malic and lactic acids and also in biological detergents in the form of lipases. Fungi are also used in cultured foods. For example, yeast used in the making of bakery items like bread. Special species of fungi are also used to produce alcohol through fermentation....