Shroom

Shroom is a slang term for mushroom, the fleshy fruiting body of a fungus. In biology, mushrooms are part of diverse taxonomic groups within the fungal kingdom, most commonly the basidiomycetes and ascomycetes. The mushroom fruiting body emerges from a network of hyphae and, depending on species, produces spores for reproduction. They vary widely in size, shape, color, and habitat.

Mushrooms are used as food worldwide; common edible species include Agaricus bisporus (button and portobello), Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster), and Lentinula edodes (shiitake). They can be foraged in the wild or cultivated. Some species have medicinal or culinary value beyond nutrition, while others are toxic or hallucinogenic.

Safety and legality: Many mushrooms are poisonous or hallucinogenic and can resemble edible varieties, so correct identification is important. Forage responsibly or rely on cultivated varieties. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are illegal in many jurisdictions; research on their therapeutic potential is ongoing and some places have limited or decriminalized use.

Nutrition and biology: Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, and provide fiber, protein, B vitamins, minerals such as selenium and potassium, and the vitamin D precursor ergosterol when exposed to ultraviolet light. They are often used as flavor enhancers or as a meat substitute in vegetarian diets.