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Locally-farmed mushrooms on the menu for winter health

3/6/2014

 

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Locally grown mushrooms ACT by Liz Posmyk
There are some ingredients that always go into my market basket, and mushrooms are right at the top of that list. Being one of the most versatile foods, mushrooms can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I will often add handful of mushroom morsels into a dish, for not only are they delicious, they also provide a rich source of antioxidants, are low in kilojoules, and contain a range of essential vitamins and minerals.

A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey highlighted the increase in vitamin D deficiency during winter, and the associated increased risk of poor bone health and chronic disease, due to poor levels of vitamin D. After my run-in with pneumonia last winter, my GP noted that my Vitamin D levels were too low (and my bone density was also problematic). He suggested I eat more mushrooms. I explained with a smile that this was not going to be a problem.

Australian research in 2013 confirmed that three standard button mushrooms exposed to direct midday sunlight could provide 100 per cent of an adult’s vitamin D requirement. I wrote about this exciting development back in October. Did you know that, as consumers, we can enrich fresh store-bought mushrooms by placing them in direct sunlight for one to two hours! Interesting, no? I've been doing this with mushrooms since I first learned about it.

Mushrooms are farmed on Canberra's doorstep and available locally...

These days consumers are greatly interested in knowing where their food comes from. My philosophy on food is to eat fresh and support local growers where possible. By purchasing locally grown produce, we as consumers can invest back into our local food supply and support the farmers and food producers in our region.

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where I live, shoppers have access to a wonderful assortment of fresh produce including apples, pears and quinces; free-range eggs; olive oils and olives; hazelnuts; salad and Asian greens; cherries and berries; and honey—all locally grown and produced. There are also two mushroom farms situated in the rural districts of Yass and Murrumbateman, just outside the Australian Capital Territory. 

Canberra Mushrooms, based at Yass, and Majestic Mushrooms in Murrumbateman, supply fresh mushrooms to greengrocers, independent supermarkets, food service outlets and weekly farmers markets.
White agaricus mushrooms
During June, residents of the ACT are urged to buy local and support mushroom growers located on the capital’s doorstep. Adding mushrooms to the menu during winter also gives us the opportunity to tap into a range of health benefits. As an additional incentive, ACT consumers who purchase locally grown mushrooms during June have the opportunity to enter a competition for a chance to win a year’s supply of local mushrooms to enjoy when eating in, plus $500 to enjoy mushrooms when dining out. For more information about the promotion visit the power of mushrooms web site and look for promotional fliers at your local greengrocer or independent supermarket.

Meet the mushroom growers on their farms...

Meeting local growers and seeing their operations opens ones eyes to the fact that farming is not a lifestyle, it's a major investment of time, effort and money. It has been years since I've visited a mushroom farm and I was very much looking forward to taking Peter along with me. Australian Mushroom Growers made it possible for us to spend a little time with the owners and managers at both Canberra Mushrooms and Majestic Mushrooms. Here are my postcards and morsels from those visits.
Digby Swan owner of Canberra Mushrooms
Digby Swan, owner of Canberra Mushrooms at Yass
At Canberra Mushrooms in Yass, owners Digby Swan and Tim McKinnon, employ some 20 staff. White agaricus buttons, cups and flats, as well as Swiss browns and portobellos, are grown in bags. Manager, Clint Smithers, explained that bag farming is an old technique. Once a week around 35 tonnes of fresh mushroom compost is delivered to the farm. The compost is pasteurised to make a selective growing medium, and this process takes a week. Mushroom spawn is infused with rye seed and then mixed into the compost in the bags, then machines press the bags into a compact shape. A thick layer of specialty peat moss is added to the top of the compost in each bag, and the bags are stored in a shed in which the temperature and humidity is strictly controlled by a central computer. A month after the compost is initially dropped off, the mushrooms are ready for picking. There are four sheds running each week, with the aim to harvest approximately eight tonnes of beautifully-fresh plump mushrooms, which are all cut, trimmed and packed by hand. And these fresh, plump mushrooms go to the marketplace within a day and can be on your dinner plate very soon after harvest.
Canberra Mushrooms in Yass growing process by Liz Posmyk
The growing process at Canberra Mushrooms
Rural vistas on a winter's morning from Canberra Mushrooms in Yass
Canberra Mushrooms is situated in Yass NSW

Helen and Ian Chu of Majestic Mushrooms by Liz Posmyk
Helen and Ian Chu, owners of Majestic Mushrooms at Murrumbateman
For the past eight years, Ian and Helen Chu from Majestic Mushrooms, have been growing mushrooms on their property at Murrumbateman. Their fascination sparked when they visited a mushroom farm in Windsor. 'It was so different to other kinds of farms. I fell in love with the idea straight away,' Helen, a former teacher, explained. I came home and began researching. The more I read about it, the more fascinated I became', Helen said. 'Every day is different' Ian, who swapped his job as an engineer to become a mushroom farmer, says. 'It's not as though you are looking at the same crops. The mushrooms are different, the pickers are different. It's never a boring job.' The Chus grow white button mushrooms, flats, Swiss browns and portobellos on a large-scale, high-tech hygienic operation in growing rooms with row upon row of purpose-built tiered metal shelves. The 'phase 3' compost is bought in from a specialist maker, so there's no 'lead time' for the compost. The Chus explain that this way they can 'focus on the art of growing'. Layers of specialty peat moss are added to the compost on the racks and the first flush of mushrooms appears within 16 days. Rainwater is collected from the roof space and used to maintain water levels. The growing conditions are carefully maintained by Ian via computers, but he also keeps a watchful eye on the activity in the sheds. All of this results in high quality, perfectly produced, delicious tasting mushrooms.
Majestic Mushrooms in Murrumbateman
The growing sheds and growing process at Majestic Mushrooms
Majestic Mushrooms in the rural area of Murrumbateman
Majestic Mushrooms is situated in Murrumbateman

The fascinating growth cycle of mushrooms...

As Peter learned from our farm tours, there's more to growing mushrooms than simply buying a kit and placing it into a dark place in the shed. Mushroom farming involves a detailed scientific process: top quality compost or substrate, fresh spawn (which will develop the mycelium growth), peat moss casing (often imported from overseas), correct temperatures and moisture levels, disease control, careful thinning, and, finally, painstaking harvest and sorting all done by hand. That said, it is also a fascinating and joyful experience to watch mushrooms grow, especially given that they can double in size within 24 hours! 
The growing cycle of mushrooms by Liz Posmyk

Add a handful of mushroom to your meals for good health this winter...

A selection of locally grown Mushrooms by Liz Posmyk

This post is sponsored by Australian Mushrooms Growers and I have enjoyed cooking with a bounty of fresh locally-grown mushrooms thanks to the generosity of Digby Swan at Canberra Mushrooms and Ian and Helen Chu at Majestic Mushrooms (thanks so much!). Watch this space for a few of my mushroom recipes, coming soon. For a wide range of tasty mushroom recipes, visit the Power of Mushrooms recipe page below.
Tasty Mushroom Recipes from the Power of Mushrooms

Where to buy locally-grown mushrooms in the ACT...

Capital Region Farmer's Market, Choku Bai Jo stores, Fyshwick Markets, Belconnen Markets, Freddy Frapple in Weston, Go Troppo Fruit Market in Jamison, Freska Fruita in Phillip, Jalal Halal in Mawson, Jardin Fresh Life at the Hyperdome, Supabarn Express and Supabarn stores, The Food Forum at Westfield, Majestic Fresh in the city and selected IGA supermarkets.

Tell me dear readers, do mushrooms feature on your menu regularly? Are there mushrooms farms in your part of the world?
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
2/6/2014 09:16:30 pm

We love mushrooms in our household. But can you believe that some people don't like them? Crazy! :)

Lizzy
2/6/2014 10:42:48 pm

So true, Lorraine! : )

Donalyn@TheCreeksideCook link
3/6/2014 03:16:18 am

I love mushrooms, and we live not far from one of the biggest mushroom growing areas here in the states. Running out is one thing that will have me at the store in no time, to stock up again! Loved this article - just tons of interesting info - thanks!

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:50:56 pm

Thank you so much... and how interesting that you live so close to a key mushroom growing region!

e / dig in hobart link
3/6/2014 11:15:52 am

i'm ashamed to admit i don't eat enough mushrooms. i do like the neat round little white ones - some of the larger ones can have too straong a taste for me.
tassie apparently grows some amazing mushrooms -the fancy, delicate asian style ones - but to find them in the shops is difficult. they must all be grown for export.
thank you for a wonderful tour of those two growers - i love meeting the farmers thru your interviews, lizzy.

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:52:26 pm

Oh wow, Elizabeth, I didn't realise exotic mushrooms were hard to source down there. Thanks for your kind words!

celia link
3/6/2014 12:10:36 pm

Lizzy, what a great post! I love mushrooms, and I remember you writing about sunning them last year - must remember to do that with my next batch. You've got some great growers down there too! :)

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:52:42 pm

Celia, thanks so much! We sure do!

Francesca link
3/6/2014 12:32:41 pm

That is amazing news about boosting Vitamin D. i never knew that before. excellent! I refuse to take supplements for Vitamin D,

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:53:20 pm

Hi Francesca, if I may give you one piece of advice... if you find you are D deficient, do take some supplements....

Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas link
3/6/2014 01:09:51 pm

I love mushrooms but the child doesn't. So I cook them anyway just to torture her :) Do you have any problems with the mushrooms drying out by exposing them to the sun?

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:53:38 pm

No Tania, they are not out there for long enough. : )

Maureen link
3/6/2014 01:20:57 pm

My vitamin D is really low as well but I eat lots of mushrooms AND take a supplement AND try to sit outside in the sun, exposing my arms when I can. Maybe I just need to eat MORE mushies and I'm happy to do just that. :)

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:54:07 pm

Me too, Maureen.... my D and Calcium are both too low... as indicated by my newly broken foot!

Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy link
3/6/2014 03:31:37 pm

Thanks for the interesting read. We love mushrooms! Since I found out healthy benefits of mushrooms a couple of years ago I have also been using them more often on meals. I have the filling for my Family Beef and Mushroom Pie cooking on the stove right now :-)

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:54:30 pm

Wonderful! Kyrstie, I feel lost if there are no mushrooms in the fridge!

InTolerant Chef link
3/6/2014 04:50:59 pm

Aren't we so very blessed indeed too have such great produce on our very doorstep! Very informative indeed thanks Lizzy :)

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:54:45 pm

Bec, thanks so much... and we surely are!

John @ Kitchen Riffs link
3/6/2014 04:53:42 pm

I don't buy mushrooms each week, but we use plenty! Their flavor is great, and they work so well in all by themselves or as ingredients in dishes from almost any cuisine i can think of. Good read -- I learned a lot. Thanks.

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:55:09 pm

John, thank you so much... and they are a versatile food, aren't they!?

Hotly Spiced link
3/6/2014 06:18:22 pm

This has been very informative Lizzy, and next time I buy mushrooms I'll be sure to let them have a sunbathe. I too, have low Vit D levels so I certainly add mushrooms to my diet xx

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:55:22 pm

Thanks Charlie xox

ela@GrayApron link
3/6/2014 06:22:53 pm

Those are some beauties there. Portobello mushroom are a rare thing here and I miss them a lot...Great post.

ela h.

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:55:35 pm

Oh Ela, they are delicious, aren't they!

Mandy The Complete Book link
3/6/2014 11:04:17 pm

Oh I LOVE mushrooms!
Have a wonderful day Lizzy.
:-) Mandy xo

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:55:48 pm

Me too, thanks Mandy, have a good weekend xo

MM Happy Forks
4/6/2014 10:13:19 am

Great article, but remember that mushrooms shouldn't be only source of Vitamin D, generally it's not easy to take 100% of this vitamin from food (also sun is a good source).

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:55:58 pm

Got it!

Jennifer Milk and Honey link
5/6/2014 08:16:07 pm

Clint and I love mushrooms, but unfortunately it's one of the few things my kids don't like much yet. I'm hoping that will change in the future. Meanwhile, more for us.

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:56:18 pm

Oh... do you chop them up real fine and pop them into dishes anyway?

kellie@foodtolgow link
5/6/2014 09:43:57 pm

Thanks for the reminder about the Vitamin D connection with sunning our mushrooms! This is funny to read this today as we are having supper here for 8 and I just found out that one person doesn't like mushrooms. That's my starter off the menu ;/ I look forward to your mushroom recipes, Liz.

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:56:33 pm

Kellie, thank you : )

Eha
6/6/2014 03:39:54 pm

Better late than never!! Absolutely love mushrooms [especially Portobellos, Swiss Browns and many of the Asian varieties] and feel deprived when I cannot see any in the fridge. Since I have to shop on line, I just hope these have but a short carbon footstep!! Used to grow my own in the laundry in boxes readymade - wonderful experience in winter time but have not seen any around this year . . . ?

Eha
6/6/2014 05:49:28 pm

Oh Liz - you are a catalyst for me!!!! Spent about ten minutes on research on line and now have both a box of whites and one of Swiss Browns on the way :) !!

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:57:31 pm

Oh Eha... good for you! xo

Lizzy
6/6/2014 08:57:18 pm

Hi Eha, I used to grow them too... such a joy to do that... but have had no success lately! I hope you are feeling ok?

Eha
7/6/2014 12:17:49 am

If anyone is still coming back on this post - please DO take a vit D3 supplement!! Most doctors advise 1000 mg in summer and double in winter. It is NOT just for stronger bones, but to avoid heart, stroke and diabetic problems [Am not trying to be smartypants - I am actually studying this and getting daily info :) !

David Scott Allen link
9/6/2014 01:10:29 am

Liz - I had no idea that you could put mushrooms in sunlight to increase the vitamin D levels! That is great info. It is hard to grow mushrooms in the desert, but there is a local company who has learned to grow oyster mushrooms, and they are working on shiitakes, as well. I buy some every time they come to the market.

Lizzy
10/6/2014 09:53:32 am

Hi David, I didn't realise you lived in the desert! Yes, this is a good thing, isn't it! Better still, research has shown that mushrooms are great help for prostate cancer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mmHJGRsOR0&feature=youtu.be


Comments are closed.

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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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