Current Overview of Mushroom Production in the World

Edible, medicinal, and wild mushrooms are the three major components of the global mushroom industry. World production of cultivated, edible mushrooms has increased more than 30-fold since 1978. China is the main producer of cultivated, edible mushrooms. Lentinus edodes is now the world's leading cultivated edible mushroom with about 22% of the world's supply. Lentinula and four other genera (Pleurotus, Auricularia, Agaricus, and Flammulina) account for 85% of the world's total supply of cultivated edible mushrooms. Beginning in about 1997, China became the world's largest producer of Flammulina velutipes. On average, consumers now enjoy about 5 kg of mushrooms per person per year. Per capita consumption is expected to continue to increase as consumers become more aware of the healthful benefits of incorporating mushrooms in their diet. Much more research is needed on the bioactive components in mushrooms to determine their biological responses in humans.