There’s nothing like an eclectic mix of chefs, scientists, environmentalists, winemakers, artists, and writers to give you food for thought.

That’s just what was served up in heaping portions at the recent Taste3 conference in Napa. Organized by the Robert Mondavi Winery, it offered two days of thought-provoking ideas, achievements, and stories.

Below are some intriguing bits of information gleamed from the more than 40 speakers who attended from all over the world. And if these pique your interest, tickets for next year’s Taste2, July 17-19 already are on sale.

* Of all the animal, mineral and vegetable kingdoms, humans are apprently most closely related to mushrooms.

* Funghi were the world’s first micro-organisms.

* Mushrooms may be tasty to eat, but they’re also being studied as natural pesticides to eliminate critters like carpenter ants, and to combat diseases such as SARS, West Nile Virus and small pox.

* For every 100 sensory transmissions that reach the brain, about 65 come from the eyes, 20 from the ears, about 14 from touch, and only 1 from smell or taste.

*  Which country is the world’s largest producer of sustainable sea salt? Answer: Indonesia.

* Ever wonder why roses are planted at the ends of vineyards in Napa Valley? Answer: Their health can offer the first indication of whether problems lurk with the vines.

* In four years, there will be more almond trees in California than bees to pollinate them.

* Local honey is the most carbon-efficient way to sweeten your food. After all, pure cane sugar from Hawaii has to travel a whole lot farther.

* Belgium subsidizes citizens who put in home gardens. The country also has a 3-free-chickens per household subsidy. It’s all to encourage people to raise more of their own food at home.

* The average food in the United States travels 1,200 to 2,500 miles to get to your plate.

* What treat can’t astronauts live without? Answer: M&Ms. They fly on almost every space mission.

* Having no gravity affects what can easily be eaten in space. Sticky foods and tortillas are preferred foods. Crackers are not.

* Studies have shown that if you feed tasty and attractive food  to post-surgical patients, their recuperation in the hospital shortens by about three days.

* Studies also have shown that patients recovering from surgery who had a window view of trees from their room had shorter hospital recuperation stays.

* What food has the greatest impact on mood? Answer: Chocolate.