Background: Data of mushroom nitrate content from scientific studies is limited. There have been two such recent investigations (mainly regarding certain cultivated species). To obtain comparable analytical data, we analyzed 134 samples of 54 taxa gathered and prepared by our department.
Results: The mushroom species were evaluated according to their nutritional types: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal and wood-decaying groups. Low and relatively invariable contents were found in the mycorrhizal (216.5 mg kg(-1) dry matter (DM) and wood-decaying groups (228.6 mg kg(-1) DM), but in the saprotrophic group we observed a wide variability (151.4-12 715 mg kg(-1) DM).
Conclusion: A considerable nitrate content was found in samples of seven 'accumulator' species (Clitocybe nebularis, C. odora, Lepista nuda, L. personata, L. irina, Macrolepiota rachodes and M. procera). The toxicological relevance of daily uptake of acceptable nitrate content via mushrooms only is not presumable, but the 'accumulator' saprotrophic species can be 'contributors' to our nitrate intake in foods.
Keywords: accumulator species; edible mushrooms; food; fruiting bodies; human nutrition; nitrate content.
© 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.