The Fram2 SpaceX mission will carry an an Oyster mushroom culture into space. These fungi, grown in microgravity, will be compared to counterparts remaining on the ground in Florida. Mushrooms require no special fertilizers and relatively little water. Each day, they also double in size. Mushrooms, especially when exposed to UV light, are one of the few foods, naturally containing Vitamin D. This vitamin is important for astronaut bone health, compromised by weightlessness. Mushrooms are good sources of potassium (as are vegetables) but also of selenium and copper (found in nuts and seeds). Growing them in space, could provide astronauts with a reliable, nutrient-dense food source (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/26/perfect-space-crop-australian-company-to-attempt-to-grow-first-mushrooms-in-orbit). It's obviously important to establish potential sources of fresh food, especially for longer space flights. Oyster mushrooms appear to have lots of potential. Anyone can grow them in kitchen kits!
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