Date
Wednesday
Apr
16

April 16

Day of the Mushroom

Get ready to go mushroom crazy on the Day of the Mushroom! From savory dishes to unique crafts, there's endless ways to enjoy these delicious fungi.

Yearly Date
April 16
Type
Day

Introduction

Prepare to go on a culinary adventure on April 16 as we celebrate the delicious and versatile ingredient of mushrooms on Day of the Mushroom! Did you know that mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years? They are also a great source of essential nutrients and can add depth of flavor to any dish. From button to shiitake to portobello, there is no shortage of variety when it comes to these fungi. So let's take a moment to appreciate all that this humble yet powerful ingredient has to offer – both in taste and in health benefits.

Day of the Mushroom Timeline

1650s
Mushroom Cultivation Begins
Mushroom cultivation is believed to have started in France during the 1650s when gardeners discovered they could grow them in composted horse manure.
1700s
Cultivation Spreads to Europe
The cultivation of mushrooms spread across Europe during the 1700s with the farmers growing them in cellars and caves.
1871
Cultivation Starts in America
Mushroom farming was first introduced in the United States in 1871 in Pennsylvania, where it quickly gained popularity.
1926
Shiitake Farming Innovation
The first log cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms was innovated by Japanese farmers, a method that remains popular today for organic production.
1980s
Exotic Mushroom Popularity
During the 1980s, with the rise of gourmet cooking, the popularity and availability of various exotic mushroom types increased.
2002
Institution of Day of the Mushroom
The American Mushroom Institute instituted the "Day of the Mushroom" to celebrate and promote the benefits and culinary uses of mushrooms.

How to Celebrate Day of the Mushroom

1

Go mushroom picking

Take a nature walk and go mushroom picking! This is a great way to celebrate the Day of the Mushroom and you might even find some delicious edible mushrooms to cook with.

2

Cook a mushroom feast

Challenge yourself to cook a variety of dishes that feature mushrooms as the main ingredient. From mushroom risotto to stuffed mushrooms, your taste buds will thank you for celebrating the Day of the Mushroom in such a delicious way.

3

Host a mushroom themed party

Invite friends over for a mushroom themed party! Decorate with mushrooms, serve mushroom appetizers and cocktails, and maybe even have a mushroom hunt or trivia game.

4

Visit a mushroom farm

Take a day trip to a local mushroom farm and learn about how mushrooms are grown and harvested. This is a unique way to celebrate the Day of the Mushroom and gain some knowledge about this versatile ingredient.

5

Create mushroom art

Get creative and make some mushroom art! From painting to sculpting, let your imagination run wild and express your love for mushrooms through art.

Why We Love Day of the Mushroom

A

Mushrooms add unique and delicious flavors to dishes

Mushrooms come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. They can add a earthy, savory taste to dishes like pastas, pizzas, and soups. Plus, they are versatile enough to be used as the main ingredient or simply as a topping.

B

Mushrooms have many health benefits

Not only do mushrooms taste great, they also have numerous health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, high in protein and fiber, and packed with important vitamins and minerals. Adding mushrooms to your diet can improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity, and regulate blood sugar levels.

C

Mushrooms are sustainable and environmentally friendly

Mushrooms require less water and energy to grow than other crops, making them a more sustainable food choice. They also have the ability to act as natural pesticides, reducing the need for harmful chemicals. By choosing mushrooms, you are making a positive impact on the environment and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Day of the Mushroom Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 15
Saturday
2024
Apr 15
Monday
2025
Apr 15
Tuesday
2026
Apr 15
Wednesday
2027
Apr 15
Thursday