Oyster mushrooms: a revolutionary food

Author: Paola Yáñez Arias
Video/Photo: Amextra, A.C.

One of Amextra’s biggest commitments is to promote food sovereignty and income-generating activities within the communities we serve. Because of this, we teach about the production and consumption of oyster mushrooms in the regions of Los Altos, Ocosingo and Palenque, in the state of Chiapas. 

The oyster mushroom is a highly nutritious and delicious edible mushroom. It is enjoyed in many parts of the world because of all of its properties and benefits, for its smooth texture and rich flavour. In addition, it is easy to grow throughout the entire year, which makes it a great crop. Among its various qualities are: 

According to National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) research, despite the ease in which these species can be cultivated, there are some factors that optimize the process. When growing them, it is essential to maintain an optimal temperature range, which ranges between 18 and 28 degrees celsius. 

Other important factors are humidity and light. In the case of humidity, it should vary between 60% and 90%. If it is not within these parameters, the fungi could grow incorrectly or die. The amount of light the fungus is exposed to is also decisive, as the crops need to be grown in the dark. 

At Amextra, we saw a great opportunity in the oyster mushroom, which is why its use and production is implemented in marginalized indigenous communities through our Salud y nutrición (health and nutrition) as well as in our Generación de ingresos (income generation) program. 

The beneficiaries of the project are taught by the Amextra environmental coordinators how to cultivate, care for, and maintain the mushroom for their own consumption and commercial sale. With the Amextra Nutrition promoters, they are shown how to consume them and implement them in their diet. This directly helps the families: they can enjoy this nutritious food without affecting their economy; and also, they can generate an extra income.  

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