Mushroom paradise in Vienna: Nándor Albert's Mycorama delights the city!

Mushroom paradise in Vienna: Nándor Albert's Mycorama delights the city!

In Vienna, more precisely at Markthoffgasse 19, there is a small but nice shop that brings the world of mushrooms into our home in a very special way. Nándor Albert, a trained chef, runs the business “Mycorama” and is completely dedicated to growing and enjoying mushrooms. Inspired by his childhood collecting mushrooms with his grandfather, Albert gained a deep knowledge of the different types of mushrooms during his apprenticeship in the catering industry and through his experiences in London and Vienna. Its goal is not only to serve mushroom lovers, but also to raise awareness of the health-promoting properties of these fascinating organisms, as meinbezirk.at reports.

Mycorama's range is extensive: In addition to conventional varieties, Albert also grows special mushrooms such as the lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus. This mushroom has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Studies show that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even antimicrobial properties. It owes its health value to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and terpenoids, which not only support the nervous system but can also potentially act against neurodegenerative diseases. An overview of the health-promoting aspects of H. erinaceus can be read in detail at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Workshops and breeding kits

A special highlight are the workshops that Albert offers. For 120 euros per person you can learn how to grow mushrooms at home and then prepare them deliciously. The price includes a breeding set that gives participants the opportunity to start experimenting right at their own kitchen table. These workshops are held in English and have already been very well received, including by partners such as “Vegan Wolf” in Leopoldstadt. Plus, it's not just about theory: If the breeding set doesn't produce the desired result, you get a new one free of charge. If you don't want to jump into mushroom picking right away, you can also click through helpful explanatory videos on the Mycorama website and learn the art of mushroom cultivation from scratch.

The breeding time for many types of mushrooms is around two to three years, which requires a lot of patience. Albert has a good knack for creating the right atmosphere for mushrooms and would like to continue to inspire many people to discover the benefits of mushrooms in the future.

The nutritional benefits of mushrooms

Mushrooms are not only exciting to grow, they are also a real enrichment on the plate. They are rich in nutrients and contain valuable proteins, B vitamins as well as minerals and trace elements. They are also cholesterol-free, low in fat and consist of around 75% water, making them an ideal food for anyone who is watching their diet - regardless of whether they want to lose weight or not. According to dak.de they are valued by both vegans and vegetarians, often referred to as “meat of the forest”. The high fiber content ensures long-lasting satiety, but is also a challenge for the stomach, which is why thorough chewing is recommended.

However, caution is advised when collecting mushrooms: “If you are unsure, you should avoid consuming them,” say experts. Unfortunately, inedible or poisonous lookalikes also have their place in the mushroom world, and beginners are advised to focus on well-known species such as birch boletus, boletus and chestnut. The best chance of finding fresh mushrooms is in the fall, especially after rainfall.

Mushrooms are worth a culinary discovery and many restaurants in Vienna that specialize in local cuisine can offer their guests delicious dishes with mushrooms. Whether in casseroles, risottos or simply sautéed with a little oil and garlic - the possible uses are almost endless. The popularity of mushrooms is growing, and with offers like the workshops at Mycorama, it will be exciting to see how the Viennese population continues to discover the world of mushrooms for themselves. Be inspired and immerse yourself in the healthy and tasty world of mushrooms!