Day of the Mushroom: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Day of the Mushroom (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Day of the Mushroom is celebrated on April 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Day of the Mushroom, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you might want to know about Day of the Mushroom.

📅 What day is Day of the Mushroom 2024?

In 2024, Day of the Mushroom is on Sunday, April 16th. It is the 3rd Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the exciting details and facts about April 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Day of the Mushroom is a special day celebrated on April 16th to honor all things related to fungi. A mushroom is the reproductive part of a fungus that can be found above ground, on soil, or on its food source. The classic example of a mushroom is the white button mushroom, which has a stem, cap, and gills underneath the cap. However, the term “mushroom” is also used to describe other types of fungi with similar characteristics, such as those belonging to the Ascomycota group.

📜 Day of the Mushroom History

However, it took time for Americans to become accustomed to and embrace mushrooms. The first mention of mushrooms in an American cookbook was in “The Virginia Housewife” in 1824. In the 1930s, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, which became a popular ingredient in casserole dishes, was introduced. There is even evidence of mushrooms being used for spiritual purposes dating back to 10000 B.C. Various cultures, including the Ancient Greeks, Mayans, Chinese, and Vikings, also utilized hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Today, humans regularly consume edible mushrooms, which has had a significant positive impact on agriculture and the economy in regions where they are cultivated. China is the largest producer of farmed edible mushrooms, accounting for more than half of global production. With a population of 1.4 billion people, the average annual mushroom consumption per person in China is six pounds. Poland holds the record for mushroom exports, with around 194,000 tons exported each year in 2014.

✅ Day of the Mushroom Facts

🔖 Fruiting bodies of mycelium
The primary organism in focus is the mycelium, rather than the mushroom itself.

🔖 Mushrooms can be edible

🔖 They breathe like humans do
Similar to humans, mushrooms also take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

👍 Why Is Day of the Mushroom Important

Some, if not the majority, of mushrooms are edible. That’s just another source of nourishment for us!

Edible mushrooms are also delightful, and they make an excellent vegan snack. Go get some today!

Mushrooms are plants, and as such, they are safe to eat. This is fantastic!

🙂 How To Observe Day of the Mushroom

⚡ Share the fun online

⚡ Go mushroom hunting
Participating in mushroom hunting on Mushroom Day is a fantastic suggestion. Depending on various factors, you have the possibility of discovering mushrooms either in your own yard or within the nearby woods.

⚡ Eat some mushrooms
Remember to use the hashtag #DayOfTheMushroom to share your mushroom-related adventures. Take part in the online debate.

📅 When is Day of the Mushroom?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Food holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Day of the Mushroom. So be sure to check back soon.