Question

Which fungi are non-edible?

Answer 1

Hint: The most common edible fungus is the mushroom or Agaricus. The non-edible fungus is those fungi which produce toxins like phallotoxins and amatoxins. The consumption of this fungus can even lead to death.

Complete answer:
The fungus/Mushroom is one of the most favourite foods worldwide. The button mushroom is the most edible mushroom eaten. The mushrooms belong to the class Agaricomycetes. Mushrooms are spore bearing fruiting bodies which have a cap-like structure on a stalk.
The fungi are of two types edible and non-edible. The non-edible fungi are also called the poisonous fungus or toadstool.These are colourful but non-edible. They have a physical appearance of a toad sitting hence named. They produce various toxins like phallotoxins and amatoxins. The example of this fungus is Amanita pantherina, Fly agarics, Amanita phalloides. A phalloides is also called the death cap mushroom.
The symptoms after eating toadstool appear after 5-24 hours. Some common symptoms include loose motions, vomiting, kidney failure, convolutions and even death.
Hence, toadstools are non-edible fungi.

Additional Information-
Mushrooms grow above the soil. Other edible mushrooms include morels, Ganoderma, Phallus etc. The mushrooms are eaten only after being cooked. They are a rich source of proteins, fibres and antioxidants. They have several disease fighting properties as well.

Note-
The fungi are spore bearing organisms which are present everywhere. The most commonly found fungus is the bread mould. The fungi also p[lay a significant role in the food industry. Fungi like yeast is used in the cake industry as it releases carbon dioxide as a result of fermentation which softens the dough. The yeast is also used in the wine industry as the fermentation yields ethanol.