Are You Getting the Whole Mushroom
or Just the Grain?
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium: Know the Difference
Not all mushroom supplements deliver the whole mushroom. Some are made from mycelium grown on grain instead of the mature fruiting body—the part of the mushroom traditionally valued for its nutrient density.
While both parts are part of the fungal organism, their composition and benefits are different:
Fruit Body
The visible mushroom that develops above ground. It’s rich in beta-glucans, enzymes, antioxidants, and secondary metabolites studied in wellness research.
Fruiting bodies are what have been traditionally consumed and studied. Mycelium-on-grain products, on the other hand, can contain significant amounts of starch and fewer beneficial compounds.
Mycelium on Grain
The root-like structure grown on sterilized grain. It often contains more grain than mushroom, and has lower levels of the active compounds found in fruiting bodies.
Commercial mycelium is usually grown in sterile lab conditions on rice, oats, or other grains. It is harvested before forming a mushroom, leaving much of the product as the grain substrate itself.
Because it’s not separated from the grain, 50–70% of the final dried product can be starch, with naturally lower levels of beta-glucans and antioxidants compared to the fruiting body. This production method makes it cheaper and faster but less nutrient-dense.
Understanding Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
Fruiting Body (Whole Mushroom)
- This is the visible part of the mushroom: the cap and stem.
- Rich in health-supportive compounds such as:
◦ Beta-glucans – studied for immune modulation
◦ Antioxidants – support against oxidative stress
◦ Polysaccharides, ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D2), plant sterols
◦ Naturally occurring enzymes, trace minerals, and B vitamins - Used in traditional wellness practices and cited in most scientific research.
Mycelium (The Root Network)
- Grows beneath the surface or inside a substrate (usually grain).
- Plays a role in fungal growth and survival but is often harvested before a mushroom forms.
- Commercially, it’s grown on grains (like rice or oats) and not separated—resulting in a blend of fungus and filler.
Why This Matters
Many consumers think they’re getting a whole mushroom. In reality, they may be consuming a blend of mycelium and grain starch.
What this can mean:
- Lower potency – Mycelium contains significantly less beta-glucans.
- Higher starch content – Often 50–70% of the product is grain.
- Weaker results – The compounds studied for wellness are primarily in the fruiting body.
What to Look for on the Label
To ensure you’re getting a true mushroom product:
- Look for "fruiting body" clearly stated
- Avoid products listing "mycelium on grain" or "mycelial biomass"
- Choose brands that specify beta-glucan content, not just “polysaccharides”
- Look for clean, natural sourcing—not just lab-grown material
What We Use at Desert Forest Nutritionals
We use only the complete fruiting body of the Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) mushroom, just as it grows in nature. That means:
- No mycelium grown on grain
- No added starch or filler
- Just the mature cap and stem, harvested at peak bioactivity
Our ABM mushrooms are cultivated in Brazil, just outside the Atlantic Rainforest, in nutrient-rich, uncontaminated soil—then extracted using a slow, multi-phase process that preserves every natural compound.
What’s Really in Your Mushroom Supplement?
| Feature | Fruiting Body Extract(Real Mushroom) | Mycelium | Mycelium Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Source |
Mushroom cap + stem |
Mycelium + grain
|
Same as biomass |
|
Growing Environment |
Outdoor or controlled natural setting |
Sterile lab, fast production on grain |
Lab-grown on grain or liquid media |
|
Contains Mushroom Cap/Stem |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Contains Added Grain or Starch |
No |
Yes (often 50-70% Starch) |
Yes (unless specified otherwise) |
|
Beta-Glucan Rich |
High levels |
Low levels |
Low levels |
|
Polysaccharide Type
|
Mostly beta-glucans (immune-active)
|
Mostly alpha-glucans (inert starch) |
Mostly alpha-glucans
|
|
Backed by Traditional Use |
Yes (used for centuries) |
No (industrial method) |
No |
|
Used in Most Clinical Research |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Production Time |
3–4 months to grow + 3 weeks to extract |
1–2 weeks from lab to final product |
1–2 weeks from lab to final product |
|
Transparency in Labeling |
Usually disclosed |
Often hidden or unclear |
Often unclear |
“Fruiting bodies take 3–4 months to grow, while mycelium products can be produced in weeks. Time matters when nutrient density matters.”
The Bottom Line
- Fruiting body extracts contain the nutrients, enzymes, and beta-glucans associated with mushroom wellness support.
- Mycelium-based products may be cheaper and faster to produce—but often lack key compounds and clear labeling.
- Real results require real mushrooms.
Why Time Matters: Quality Can’t Be Rushed
Cultivating real ABM mushrooms takes 3–4 months, followed by 3 weeks of careful extraction to preserve full-spectrum compounds.
In contrast, mycelium biomass can be grown and processed in just 1–2 weeks, but at the cost of potency, depth, and nutritional integrity.
Invest in What Matters
At Desert Forest Nutritionals, we believe the best things take time. That’s why we never rush nature or cut corners with fillers. When you choose our ABM extract, you’re getting a product made with real mushrooms, grown over months—not manufactured in days.
Because when it comes to your health, every detail counts.
