Nitrate content in a collection of higher mushrooms

BACKGROUNDData of mushroom nitrate content from scientific studies is limited. There have been two such recent investigations (mainly regarding certain cultivated species). To obtain comparable analytical data, we analyzed 134 samples of 54 taxa gathered and prepared by our department. RESULTSThe mushroom species were evaluated according to their nutritional types: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal and wood-decaying groups. Low and relatively invariable contents were found in the mycorrhizal (216.5mgkg(-1) dry matter (DM) and wood-decaying groups (228.6mgkg(-1) DM), but in the saprotrophic group we observed a wide variability (151.4-12 715mgkg(-1) DM). CONCLUSIONA considerable nitrate content was found in samples of seven accumulator' species (Clitocybe nebularis, C. odora, Lepista nuda, L. personata, L. irina, Macrolepiota rachodes and M. procera). The toxicological relevance of daily uptake of acceptable nitrate content via mushrooms only is not presumable, but the accumulator' saprotrophic species can be contributors' to our nitrate intake in foods. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry