Edible mushrooms and sustainable development in Colombia

Abstract

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world after Brazil. Fungi are important components of this biodiversity. Currently, a total of 7,650 fungal species have been reported for the country, 382 of which have documented uses in various areas, highlighting their food potential due to their nutritional and organoleptic properties. The use of edible mushrooms has been part of the tradition of ethnic groups and peasants in the country. They have preserved the traditional knowledge and practices of using this biological and genetic resource until today. In recent years, the commercial use of edible mushrooms has increased, generating different bioproducts, such as basidiomas and ascomas, along with functional products, or bioactive compounds to be used as food additives and ingredients, among other uses. Wild mushrooms have an important potential for food purposes, especially because several species reported in the country have potential biotechnological use worldwide. Furthermore, one of the best ways to protect this biodiversity is through its sustainable use. In this sense, this chapter exposes the traditional use, nutritional value, marketing status, associated legislation, and patents related to Colombian edible mushrooms. Finally, the opportunities and perspectives of edible mushrooms are presented within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Colombia.