An overview of Polish and foreign literature concerning the chemical composition of edible mushrooms both cultivated and harvested in natural sites in Poland and abroad is presented. 100 g of fresh mushrooms contains 5.3-14.8 g dry matter, 1.5-6.7 g of carbohydrates, 1.5-3.0 g of protein and 0.3-0.4 g of fat. Mushrooms are a high valued source of mineral constituents, particularly potassium, phosphorus and magnesium and of vitamins of the B group, chiefly vitamins B₂ and B₃ and also vitamin D. The aroma of the discussed raw materials is based on about 150 aromatic compounds. The mushrooms can be a source of heavy metals and radioactive substances. They are also characterized by the occurrence of numerous enzymes.

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