Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM, Almond Mushroom, Mushroom of the Sun)
The almond mushroom is considered a special medicinal mushroom for numerous reasons. It is one of the few edible and medicinal mushrooms from South America, more specifically from the Brazilian rainforest. On account of its alleged healing properties, the mushroom is known there as “Cogumelo de Deus” (mushroom of god). After export to Asia, ABM was quickly adopted into Asian medicinal mushroom traditions. Today, the majority of ABM is exported from Asia. Unlike many other mushroom species, ABM does not grow on decaying wood, but instead requires specially fermented soil and unique cultivation methods. ABM is also known as the "almond mushroom" for its sweet, pleasant taste and also as the "mushroom of the sun" because it grows and flourishes in direct sunlight, unlike most other mushrooms.
Agaricus blazei Murrill has extremely high concentrations of long-chain polysaccharides including highly effective beta-glucans. The concentration of these polysaccharides is even higher in ABM than in reishi or shiitake. Studies of ABM consistently reveal the existence of previously unknown compounds within this mushroom that could have useful medicinal applications.
