Into war - against pollution!

In the war against ocean pollution, environmentalists have turned to the humble mushroom. Mushrooms have a unique ability to take dead things and make them pretty again by turning decomposed matter into nutrients. In fact, they’re so adept at tearing down and rebuilding chemical compounds that even oil spills are no match for their natural abilities.

In November 2007, when an oil tanker sprang a leak in San Francisco Bay, 58,000 gallons of oil seeped into the water and beaches. A group of local activists decided to take the clean-up into their own hands, using a technique originally developed to dispose of used motor oil. They headed for the shore and laid out mats made of human hair that were covered in oyster mushrooms. The hair quickly soaked up all the oil, while the mushrooms digested the dangerous chemicals. Within 12 weeks, only harmless compost remained.

The process is so simple and cost-effective that grass roots organizations and local governments are now calling for it to be recognised as a way to clean up contaminated soil on old factory sites.

Mushrooms help prevent breast cancer?

We hear much about the healthy properties of our humble mushroom - and we're always wary about broadcasting food advice based on its value to medical science - but now we hear that mushrooms are being promoted as one of eight ingredients that can help prevent breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for one in three of all women cancer cases diagnosed. While age (over 65) and family history are unchangeable factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, there are other factors that can be controlled.

One of the ingredients reputed to assist prevention is Vitamin D3. This vitamin helps control cellular growth and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. According to holistic healing and natural health author Donald R. Yance Jr., "Vitamin D3 may also inhibit the activity of hormones such as estrogen in breast cancer, thereby decreasing its spread."

A University of Birmingham study also found that vitamin D3 encourages healthy breast cell growth while making cells more resistant to toxins.

One way to get vitamin D3 is through sun exposure--one study found that safely exposing your skin to the sun reduced the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40 percent. If that is not possible, you can get vitamin D3 in salmon, tuna, cod fish, cod liver oil, egg yolks, shrimp and some wild mushrooms.

March Recipe of the Month

Check out our delicious new recipe of the month - see right.

Don't forget too to check out our archive of recipes here..

Threat to Cumbria's last mushroom farm

Cumbria's last mushroom farm is on the brink of closure because of cheap imports and rising costs. Brindle Farm, near Carlisle, was started 30 years ago but low prices and high input costs forced him to get a full-time job four days a week in to subsidise the farm.

A major decline in the last five years has seen the number of mushroom farms in the UK drop to around 60.

And the problem?

Yes, you've guessed it Polish mushrooms!

Mushroom tells us spring has arrived!

A mushroom that isn't usually seen in Britain for months has emerged in February for the first time on record. Half a dozen Shaggy Inkcaps have burst forth in South Devon after days of sunshine.

Professor Alan Gange, an expert on fungi from the University of London, said: "I am quite astonished by their appearance now and can only assume it is because of the extraordinarily warm weather.

"I have checked our database of 58 years' worth of data and this is the first report of this species fruiting in the spring.

"In our data, the earliest recorded date for the species is June 11."

So, spring is here is it?

Have they looked out of the window??

Is nothing sacred????

Two highly distinctive ornaments have been stolen from a garden in the Midlands Two 3ft-high stone mushrooms!

Police say the mushrooms, which are quite heavy (no!! really?), were bought from a company in the south of England when the owners were on holiday and are not known to be made in the Midlands.

For goodness sake – where are they?

They must be found!