Valorization of agro-industrial residues for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida: yield, nutritional quality, and physicochemical assessment

Abstract Pleurotus spp. has the ability to colonize a variety of lignocellulosic residues, and its cultivation can be carried out in a rustic environment, in addition to its gastronomic value. The present study aimed at the production and physicochemical evaluation of P. ostreatus var. florida in formulations based on locally available substrates such as grain-free bean pod (BP), malt pomace (MP), and mesquite leaves (ML). The experiments were divided into four stages: evaluation of biological and productive parameters and physicochemical evaluation of the formulations and basidiomes. The BP presented 1.34% of non-reducing sugars and 2.17% of reducing sugars and 3.41% minerals and 1°Brix. The MP presented 1.83% of non-reducing sugars, 2.68% of reducing sugars, 3.41% minerals, and 1°Brix. ML presented 5.55% of minerals and 0.1°Brix. All formulations had a total cycle of up to 23 days. BP generated a larger cap diameter (4.5 cm) and a higher yield (21.66 g/bag) and MP + BP a higher biological efficiency (103.75%) and protein content (35.35%). The MP + BP and MP + ML formulations showed a C:N ratio of 17:1 and 13:1 and a higher protein intake of 34.35%, respectively. In this way, it was possible to optimize the production and characterize the nutritional quality of the mushrooms in the different formulations.