![]() | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (May 2024) |
Mycoprotein (lit. "protein from fungus"), also known as mycelium-based protein or fungal protein, is a form of single-cell protein derived from fungi for human consumption.[1]
Though these products derived from mycoprotein often are referred to as plant-based, this assortment is per definition wrong as the fungal kingdom, including mushroom-forming species as well as yeasts and molds, are separate from those of animals (Animalia) and plants (Plantae).[2][3]
With that said, mycoprotein should neither be confused with mushroom-based products, as the part of fungi grown for mycoprotein is the vegetative growth of the fungi, called mycelium, which can be compared to the roots of the organism.[4] Metaphorically, the mushroom and the mycelium are as similar as a fruit is to the roots of its tree.
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2024 (link)