Learning Thru Research

The Pharaoh's Curse

Aspergillus niger, also known as “black mould”, this ubiquitous fungus is highly infectious. It commonly grows on the surface of vegetables and can cause lung diseases in animals if inhaled.

Kingdom: Fungi

Genus: Aspergillus

Species: A.niger

It is a useful mini-factory for production of many chemicals like food additives such as citrate and gluconic acid. Aspergillus derived enzymes are used in the production of high-fructose corn syrup, and pectinases for wine clarification.

Unfortunately, it also produces many dangerous compounds such as powerful ochratoxins. They may have caused the death of Lord Carnavon , the British archaeologist involved in the discovery of an ancient Egyptian tomb. The black mould was found on mummies and on the numerous vegetables, meats, and other foodstuffs left for the Pharaoh in the afterlife.[1]

Surprisingly, it is also used in fermentation of leaves to make Pu-erh tea, known as the dark tea in China.

As can be guessed from the Tomb findings, the mould is notorious for growing on almost anything: Dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles. It is not fazed by temperature fluctuations either, it tolerates and even thrives in near freezing conditions as well as in hot weather.[2]

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[1] “Egypt’s ‘King Tut Curse’ Caused by Tomb Toxins?” Accessed March 10, 2017. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/05/0506_050506_mummycurse.html.

[2] machnicn. “Aspergillus Niger: Not Your Everyday Mold | The Fungal Kingdom.” Accessed March 10, 2017. http://blogs.evergreen.edu/fungalkingdom/aspergillus-niger-not-your-everyday-mold/.