Edible Potential of Wild Mushroom Astraeus hygromatricus (Pers.) Morg.

Wild edible fungus, Astraeus hygromatricus was analysed for its nutritional and anti nutritional contents. 11.71% and 4.66% protein content was recorded in outer part and inner part of the fruit bodies, respectively which is comparable with other edible mushrooms. Fruit bodies contain high carbohydrate content i.e., 29.48% and 35.41% in outer and inner parts respectively. The ash content of A. hygrometricus is low (2.5%). Fungus samples are good source of minerals such as P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. Two major vitamins i.e., water soluble vitamins, ascorbic acid and thiamine, were also found to be present in both inner and outer parts (3.26 and 0.26 mg/100g).