As 2021 approaches, there are signs that mushrooms will be one of the top trending food choices for the year ahead.
Consumers today are looking for customizable foods, beverages, and dietary solutions that will help them meet their unique nutrition and personal health goals. With consumer shifts and the on-going pandemic, we are expected to see more plant-based and plant-forward foods. This is where mushrooms come in. According to the Huffington Post, mushrooms will be the next big vegetable trend, and here are some reasons.
1. Shoppers buying mushrooms at a record pace.
According to the American Mushroom Organization, they have seen a surge in mushroom sales and an on-going stable demand. Additionally, sales data from supermarkets reveal that it is on the top three on the list of items that increased sales in the same period in 2019. Mushroom weekly sales are reported to increase, ranging from 20-40% throughout the spring and summer.
2. Consumers plan to continue eating mushrooms in the future.
Aside from data showing the increase in sales, consumer reports also show that mushrooms have a staying power that can last for a long time. Based on a survey conducted on mushroom consumers, 25% of them plan to cook more with fresh mushrooms, even "after things get back to normal."
3. Ideal take out food.
Mushrooms are also considered an ideal take out food according to chefs. They are used to help meals retain flavor and moisture, particularly in mushroom and meat blended dishes. Owner of Burgh'ers Brewing, Fiore Moletz, says that take outs have become more critical than ever for the food business. She adds that meat and mushroom burgers are now more popular than ever, thanks to mushrooms helping the patty remain juicy and tasty during travel.
4. Key ingredients for the plant-forward movement.
Analyst for NPD Food and Beverage Industry, Darren Seifer, says that we are being introduced slowly to eating more protein without more meat. At present, food choices like a veggie burger or an egg substitute that tastes like meat or egg are accessible to anyone. These are referred to as plant-forward options.
This is the term for dishes that put plants in the center, like a blended burger patty created from a mix of mushrooms and ground beef or turkey. This is an essential point as 25% of consumers are interested in eating less meat. Mushrooms are an ideal ingredient in plant-based dishes or blend with meat because of its umami flavor and meaty quality.
5. Good for the immune system.
According to Science Daily, there are thousands of mushroom species worldwide, and there are some that are mainly used for culinary and health values. These mushrooms help boost the immune system because they are packed with nutrients your bodies need.
Selenium - This is a trace mineral that helps your body make particular proteins called antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent cell damage in your body.
Vitamin D - Also referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin,' you can get it from sunshine, supplements, and the food you eat. It mainly helps build and maintain strong bones by allowing the body to absorb calcium.
Vitamin B6 - This is known to convert food into usable energy while helping form neurotransmitters, red blood cells, proteins, and DNA.
