Wild food from exotic conifer plantation and meadows in Patagonia (Argentina): nutritional and bioactive properties of edible mushrooms

Aim of study: Exotic conifer plantations and grasslands with livestock farming constitute widely distributed and extensive anthropized landscapes in Patagonia, Argentina, hosting a diversity of wild edible mushroom species that remain underexplored nutritionally and functionally. This study measured the chemical composition and bioactivity of exotic wild edible mushrooms (WEM) from Patagonia (Argentina). Area of study: The study was conducted in Chubut, Neuquén and Rio Negro provinces of Patagonia, Argentina. Material and methods: Seven WEM species from anthropized meadows and pine plantations [Agaricus campestris L., Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray, Leucocoprinus leucothites (Vittad.) Redhead, Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer, Suillus lakei (Murrill) A.H.Sm. & Thiers, Suillus luteus (L.: Fries) Gray and Rhizopogon roseolus (Corda) Th.Fr.] were assessed regarding their proximal composition (fatty acids, organic acids, soluble sugars, phenolic compounds, and ergosterol), their antioxidant activities (TBARS [Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances] and OxHLIA [oxidative haemolysis inhibition assay)], and antimicrobial activities. Main results: Carbohydrates ranged from 39.00 g/100 g dw (dry weight) in A. campestris to 79.20 g/100 g dw in S. luteus. Significantly higher values were found for total fat in S. lakei (3.90 g/100 g dw), Lactarius deliciosus (3.84) and S. luteus (3.80). Crude protein was highest in A. campestris (32.6 g/100 g dw) followed by Leucocoprinus leucothites (18.80 g/100 g dw), while energy was higher for Lactarius deliciosus and S. luteus (396.70 Kcal/100 g dw and 396.00 Kcal/100 g dw, respectively). In total, 27 fatty acids were identified and quantified; polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs) were the main group, with high amounts of linoleic acid (C18:2), present in all species. The most effective extracts regarding the antioxidant capacity (TBARS) were those of A. campestris and S. lakei. The antibacterial effects were particularly pronounced against Yersinia enterocolitica while the antifungal activity was strongest against Aspergillus brasiliensis, with the extracts of S. luteus and A. campestris being the most effective, respectively. Research highlights: Pine plantations and grasslands from the Andean Patagonian region host numerous WEM that can be used as an alternative source of food, with high nutritional and bioactive benefits. They can help to achieve food sovereignty, and enhance activities such as mycogastronomy, mycotherapy, mycotourism and the production of functional foods from these environments.