ISMSNEWS Blending in
B
lendability is a new term coined within the American mushroom industry to describe the emerging practice of mixing finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat to produce a lower calorie alternative meat product that is well sui- ted to the production of a number of culinary favorites like ham- burgers. The effort to bring this to a commercially successful outcome dates back to work sponsored by the US Mushroom Coun- cil and the Mushrooms and Health Global Initiative (MHGI).
Research originally funded in the US explored the effect of blen- dability on weight loss and calorie intake and user satisfaction. A one year clinical study in 2013 suggested that a blended mushroom and meat product (as high as 50%) was not only healthy, but was often preferred over its 100% meat alternative. But such good science needs to have commercial applicability if it wants to be of value to the industry, and so the MHGI, under the umbrella of the ISMS, began to explore ways in which to bring this research to the market. Additional research was carried out and work began on recipes, as well as marketing and promotion. Today,15% of the public schools in the US include “The Blend” in their school lunch program. Food service suppliers have inclu- ded blended products in their offerings and top chefs are adding blended items to their menu both for culinary value and as a low calorie offering.
Blendability serves as an example of how ISMS works as an umbrella organization, working behind the scenes to facilitate the science of mushrooms on a global basis. By working at the basic level, and then later, spreading that knowledge and helping to support the use of the science with applied research in the marketplace, ISMS scientists contribute to the continued growth of our industry. The blendability effect will continue to grow as ISMS scientists from around the world compare results and explore additional research opportunities based on the original work. Already work on the micronutrient benefits of blended products is being con- ducted, as are studies on blending many different varieties of mushrooms to provide unique flavors and textures. There is even work on developing higher caloric value mushroom products, as a means of providing nutrition in impoverished countries where meat is not readily available.
Finally, it must be noted that the blendability effect extends to our mushroom community itself. Beginning with the MHGI, the ISMS umbrella sought to engage as many as possible in the inter- national mushroom community. Because, by blending our ideas, our cultures and combining our scientific resources, our industry affords itself the greatest opportunity for success.
Mark Wach
CULTIVATIONTIPS ADVISIE The enduring battle
By Jos Hilkens
AdVisie ‘the mushroom growing consultants’, Herkenbosch
hilkens@mushroomconsulting.nl
Photo: AdVisie
Sciarids and phorids often crawl from room to room. They have all the time in the world and are masters in fi nding the smallest openings. After a number of years, wear, the natural working of materials and damage means that rooms are no longer properly sea- led. So implement extra measures to prevent insects - and infections - from spreading. If the farm already has problems with bubble, cobweb or green mould, sciarids and phorids can easily transport spores from one room to another. The pressure of these pests can rapidly rise; if you notice one, there are already hundreds in reality. And just a single pest can carry hundreds of spores. Keeping on top of the situation in the fi rst week after fi lling is crucial. The weak links are often the small and large access doors; poorly closing rubber seals or badly hung doors. Spraying a form of adhesive foam around the doors is by far the best method, but yellow sticky tape around the doors will also work eff ectively 24/7 for weeks. Other ways to signal and catch the pests are sticky traps and light traps. These are available in a multitude of versions, or creative growers can make their own. Use charts to monitor the pressure in each growing cycle and intervene when necessary.
MUSHROOM BUSINESS 19
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