3 EDIBLE WILD MUSHROOMS FROM NIGERIA - THEIR PROXIMATE AND MINERAL-COMPOSITION

The pilei (caps) and the stipes (stalks) of the button and early open- cap (cup) stages of Lentinus subnudus, Psathyrella atroumbonata and Te rmitomyces striatus were assayed separately for their proximate and mi neral composition. The differences observed in the contents of some of the proximate components seem to be related to species and mushroom p arts. P. atroumbonata was richest in crude and true protein, L. subnud us was richer in crude fiber, ash and carbohydrates. Mineral contents appeared to be dependent on type and parts of the mushrooms analysed. The three mushrooms were good sources of magnesium, zinc and iron. L. subnudus contained between 14.83 and 20.00ppm of iron, P. atroumbonata contained between 20.01 and 22.09 ppm and T. striatus contained betwe en 17.13 and 22.93 ppm of iron. The pilei of P. atroumbonata and T. st riatus are very good sources of zinc. Zinc contents for the pilei of P . atroumbonata were 63.81 and 64.94 ppm respectively. Zinc contents fo r T.striatus were 90.45 and 92.49 ppm respectively.