A more efficient method for producing glucosamine from microbial biomass such as, for example, fungal biomass is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for obtaining glucosamine from fungal biomass includes providing fungal biomass containing chitin, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, or mushroom. The fungal biomass is then reacted in an acidic solution with an acid concentration of greater than about 20% by weight and at a reaction temperature greater than about 60.degree. C. to convert the chitin to glucosamine. This reaction is performed for a period of less than 4 hours. The glucosamine is then separated from the acidic solution. In selected embodiments, dried fungal biomass is used to accelerate the reaction. This dried fungal biomass may, in some embodiments, have a moisture content of less than about 20% and in some cases less than about 13%.