The Aztecs considered mushrooms the food of the gods. Many Asian civilizations have cultivated them for thousands of years, and the Romans liked them with honey—although the reign of Claudius was ended by a mushroom that wasn’t so sweet. This video unearths the historical and culinary magic of the forest-floor fungi, presenting little-known food facts and incredible mushroom recipes. The program explains the present-day British fascination for unusual Japanese mushroom varieties, and shows how growers produce mushrooms year-round—while Chef Paul Merrett reveals his secrets for creating a perfect warm mushroom salad and the ultimate mushroom risotto. Produced by the Open University. (30 minutes)