Brasília, February 5, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Company) wants to popularize the production and consumption of mushrooms in Brazil. Rich in proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates and low in fat, mushrooms are still unfamiliar to Brazilians, whose per capita annual consumption amounts to only 30 grams, compared, for example, with over 2 kilograms in France. "Unfortunately, as a result of the high cost of the commercial product, mushrooms are not part of the culture and nutritional regime of the Brazilian population," regrets Embrapa researcher, Arailde Urben.

In 1995, Urben introduced in Brazil a Chinese technology (Jun-Cao) that makes it cheaper to produce these fungi, which, besides being nutritious, possess medicinal properties that enable them to function as allies in the treatment of many diseases that affect the immunological system. Jun-Cao uses grass instead of the tree trunks and sawdust used in conventional modes of cultivation.

Since then, the scientist has given over 30 courses around the country and trained about 650 producers who now use Jun-Cao technology to produce mushrooms. The first course in 2004 will be held February 11-14, at the Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology headquarters in Brasília. (DAS)