Daily Current Affairs : 2-November-2023

In a recent development, the picturesque village of Thalavoor in Kerala has gained prominence due to the launch of a unique mushroom coffee brand named ‘La Bae.’ This groundbreaking initiative has been made possible with the invaluable support of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, marking a significant milestone in the local agricultural landscape.

Project ‘Koon Gramam’ and Mushroom Cultivation:

The success of ‘La Bae’ has inspired the Thalavoor panchayat to embark on the ambitious ‘Koon Gramam’ project. This initiative aims to expand mushroom cultivation in the region, fostering economic growth and sustainability. To achieve this goal, the local body has initiated training programs for approximately 100 farmers, equipping them with the necessary skills to cultivate mushrooms. These cultivated mushrooms will be procured to sustain the production of the popular La Bae coffee.

Varieties of Mushrooms Used:

La Bae distinguishes itself by incorporating a diverse range of mushrooms into its coffee blends. The following varieties are carefully selected for their unique flavors and health benefits:

  • Button mushrooms
  • Oyster mushrooms
  • Milky mushrooms
  • Lion’s mane mushrooms
  • Turkey tail mushrooms
Understanding Mushroom Coffee:

Mushroom coffee, a burgeoning trend in the beverage industry, involves a meticulous process. Mushrooms undergo a drying and extraction process, where beneficial compounds are extracted and blended seamlessly with regular coffee. Notable mushrooms commonly found in these blends include Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s mane, and Cordyceps.

Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee:

Mushroom coffee offers a plethora of health benefits, making it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers. Some of the advantages associated with mushroom coffee include:

  • Improved Immunity: Turkey’s tail mushrooms have demonstrated immune-boosting properties, potentially enhancing overall immunity.
  • Cancer Prevention: Certain mushrooms, including Lion’s mane, Reishi, Turkey’s tail, Chaga, and Cordyceps, exhibit supportive properties for cancer patients. These mushrooms can assist in alleviating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
  • Antiulcer Properties: Studies conducted on rats have indicated that Chaga mushrooms possess antiulcer properties, suggesting their potential in combating ulcers.
  • Anti-Allergenic Effects: Chaga mushrooms have shown promising results in suppressing immune cells responsible for allergic reactions to certain foods, indicating their anti-allergenic potential.
  • Heart Health: Reishi extracts have shown promise in reducing blood cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Important Points:
  • La Bae Mushroom Coffee Launch in Thalavoor, Kerala:
    • Recently launched in Thalavoor village, Kerala, La Bae is a mushroom coffee brand developed with support from Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
    • Represents a significant milestone in the local agricultural landscape.
  • Project ‘Koon Gramam’ and Mushroom Cultivation:
    • Success of La Bae prompts Thalavoor panchayat to initiate ‘Koon Gramam’ project, aiming to expand mushroom cultivation in the region.
    • Around 100 farmers undergoing training to cultivate mushrooms for La Bae production, promoting economic growth and sustainability.
  • Varieties of Mushrooms Used in La Bae Coffee:
    • La Bae incorporates diverse mushroom varieties for unique flavors and health benefits:
      • Button mushrooms
      • Oyster mushrooms
      • Milky mushrooms
      • Lion’s mane mushrooms
      • Turkey tail mushrooms
  • Process of Making Mushroom Coffee:
    • Mushroom coffee involves a meticulous process of drying and extracting beneficial compounds from mushrooms.
    • Extracted compounds are blended seamlessly with regular coffee, creating a unique and health-conscious beverage choice.
  • Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee:
    • Improved Immunity:
      • Turkey’s tail mushrooms in La Bae coffee demonstrate immune-boosting properties, enhancing overall immunity.
    • Cancer Prevention:
      • Certain mushrooms like Lion’s mane, Reishi, Turkey’s tail, Chaga, and Cordyceps provide supportive properties for cancer patients, alleviating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
    • Antiulcer Properties:
      • Studies suggest Chaga mushrooms possess antiulcer properties, indicating potential in combating ulcers.
    • Anti-Allergenic Effects:
      • Chaga mushrooms suppress immune cells responsible for allergic reactions to specific foods, highlighting their anti-allergenic potential.
    • Heart Health:
      • Reishi extracts in La Bae coffee show promise in reducing blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Promising Future for Thalavoor Community:
    • La Bae mushroom coffee and the ‘Koon Gramam’ project signify a bright future for local farmers and consumers, promoting health and well-being in the community.
    • These initiatives contribute to the economic growth of the region, establishing a sustainable agricultural model for the future.
Why In News

A mushroom coffee brand, La Bae, was recently launched in the picturesque Kerala village of Thalavoor, offering a unique blend of rich coffee flavors and the goodness of mushrooms to delight coffee enthusiasts.

MCQs about La Bae Mushroom Coffee

  1. La Bae mushroom coffee brand was launched in which village of Kerala?
    A. Thiruvananthapuram
    B. Thalavoor
    C. Kochi
    D. Kozhikode
    Correct Answer: B. Thalavoor
    Explanation: La Bae mushroom coffee brand was launched recently in Thalavoor village, Kerala.
  2. What is the primary objective of the ‘Koon Gramam’ project initiated by Thalavoor panchayat?
    A. Promote tea cultivation
    B. Extend mushroom cultivation and support local farmers
    C. Introduce a new variety of traditional coffee beans
    D. Establish a fish farming community
    Correct Answer: B. Extend mushroom cultivation and support local farmers
    Explanation: The ‘Koon Gramam’ project aims to expand mushroom cultivation in the region and provide support to local farmers.
  3. Which mushroom variety is NOT used in the production of La Bae mushroom coffee?
    A. Lion’s mane
    B. Shiitake
    C. Button
    D. Oyster
    Correct Answer: B. Shiitake
    Explanation: Shiitake mushrooms are not mentioned in the essay as one of the varieties used in La Bae mushroom coffee.
  4. What is the unique process involved in making mushroom coffee?
    A. Fermentation of mushrooms
    B. Blending mushrooms after boiling
    C. Drying and extracting beneficial compounds from mushrooms
    D. Adding mushroom powder directly to coffee beans
    Correct Answer: C. Drying and extracting beneficial compounds from mushrooms
    Explanation: The mushroom coffee involves a meticulous process of drying and extracting beneficial compounds from mushrooms, which are then blended with regular coffee.
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