Nutrition, safety, market status quo appraisal of emerging functional food corn smut (huitlacoche)

摘要: Abstract The inequitable availability of food compared to burgeoning population has propelled the search for novel candidates as well revival relegated nutrient sources. In this context, kingdom fungi hold immense prospects. Fungus constitutes a highly paradoxical domain. Many members group are consumed functional and appreciated their medicinal values; whereas some species recognized pathogens animals plant; incriminated sources mutagenic mycotoxins; spoiling agents; allergens. basidiomycota Ustilago maydis is member with both traits. It dreaded etiological agent corn smut, gall disease maize crop. On other hand, it being delicacy (huitlacoche or truffle) since ages recently, its popularity risen immensely. This dual, conflicting behavior motivated author explore nutritional composition dietary safety. Functional prospect enigmatic fungus been estimated from multiple angles, by gleaning credible information literature. Also, lacunae in field have shown production scale-up strategies suggested. With profusion scarce toxic contents, appears be safe edible fungus, worthy cultivation.