Ethnomycological Investigation in Serbia: Astonishing Realm of Mycomedicines and Mycofood

Author: mycolabadmin
2021-04-29
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Summary

This research documents traditional knowledge about mushrooms in Serbia, showing how local people use various fungi species for food and medicine. The study reveals that older generations have extensive knowledge about identifying and using wild mushrooms safely and effectively. Impact on everyday life: • Provides safe identification guidelines for edible wild mushrooms • Documents traditional preparation methods for cooking mushrooms • Identifies potential new sources of natural medicines • Helps preserve cultural knowledge about mushroom use • Supports sustainable foraging practices

Background

Ethnomycology investigates traditional knowledge and cultural effects of fungi-human relationships through time. While mycology has a strong tradition in Europe, ethnomycological studies have been scarce, particularly in the Balkan region despite its rich biological and cultural diversity. Serbia, as part of the Balkans, represents an ideal area for ethnomycological research due to its fungal richness and limited previous investigations.

Objective

The study aimed to document traditional fungal knowledge in Serbia by identifying various fungal species used for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The research sought to fill gaps in ethnomycological knowledge by collecting data on fungal identification, edibility, medicinal properties, and preparation methods.

Results

The study identified 85 fungal species belonging to 28 families. The Boletaceae family had the highest representation with 14 species, followed by Russulaceae (11), Agaricaceae (8), and Polyporaceae (8). All reported species except four were noted as edible, with only 15 species declared medicinal. Male participants reported higher fungal knowledge than females, and the 61-80 age group demonstrated the most extensive species knowledge. The most commonly reported species included Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus leucotrichus, Boletus persoonii, and Cantharellus cibarius.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable documentation of ethnomycological knowledge in Serbia, particularly among elderly populations. The research reveals a strong tradition of fungal use for both food and medicine, with detailed preparation methods and applications recorded. The findings suggest a need for further ethnomycological studies to preserve traditional knowledge, as usage was mainly recorded among older populations.

Published in:Journal of Fungi,
Study Type:Ethnomycological Survey,
Source: 10.3390/jof7050349