Mushroom collection at the Socfindo Conservation garden

If one visits Socfindo Conservation, there is a small peculiar house that attracts the attention: it is a mushroom production facility where we host our collection of mushrooms and which we have nicknamed the “Mushroom House”. Our collection includes several types of mushrooms that are commonly cultivated for both consumption and treatment such as Yellow Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus), White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), Brown Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus cystidiosus), Pink Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus flabellatus), Black Ear Mushroom (Auricularia polytricha) and Ling Zhi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum).

Usually people consume mushrooms because it tastes good. For some vegetarians who may miss the meat consistency, mushrooms can be assimilated to a meat substitute because of their similar texture to meat. However, mushrooms health benefits are still unbeknown by a large part of the general public. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants that can slow down premature aging. Antioxidants work by protecting the body from cell damage caused by free radicals that can cause cancer and heart disease. In addition, antioxidants can also increase immunity. Ling Zhi mushrooms are usually extracted into powder to be taken as treatments against cancer.

Our Mushroom House at Socfindo Conservation is a place where our local community can learn about mushrooms, not only about the health benefits but also how to cultivate them. Mushrooms have an economic value and, requiring little start up investment, can transform into attractive potential business opportunities. Socfindo Conservation has collaborated with local Small Medium – Sized Enterprises, namely Rumah Ladang Mushroom to trial the development of various mushrooms species cultivation both for consumption and treatment.