Mushrooms are considered “the fruiting body” of fungi. They don’t contain seeds, but they do contain spores, which serve similar reproductive responsibilities. The main difference between spores and seeds, as dispersal units, is that spores are unicellular, and seeds are multicellular.

Mushrooms are a beautiful and delicious source for excellent nutrition. Some of the best edible mushrooms include the crimino, portabello, shiitake, maitake, oyster, and white button. These mushrooms provide exceptional nutrition, being a good source of dietary fiber, protein, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, selenium and copper manganese. (1) (2) 

Mushrooms have been used to relieve illnesses for thousands of years. Some of their medical applications include their use to disrupt viral disease, inhibit bacteria, reduce blood fat levels, lower high blood pressure, and reduce pain. Mushrooms are also known to be anti-cancer, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory. (3)  On top of all that, fungi and mushrooms contribute to the health of our entire ecosystem, and have many ecological applications, such as their use to clean up oils spills.

Another beautiful thing about mushrooms is that they can be easily cultivated at home in almost any climate. The process of preparation is quite simple and takes no longer than a few weeks.

You can find free information online on how to cultivate all types of mushrooms. My favorite books include “Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation” by Tradd Cotter and “Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms” by Paul Stamets.

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Sources: 
(1) http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2482/2
(2) http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2488/2
(3) http://thelightcellar.ca/the-healing-power-of-medicinal-mushrooms/