Edible mushrooms are well-positioned to capitalize on consumer interest in better-for-you foods that focus as much on flavor as health. While most consumers enjoy mushrooms largely for the flavor, the recognition of mushrooms as bearers of powerful chemical compounds that help protect against and even mitigate disease is triggering a surge in interest from product developers.
Among culinarians, mushrooms are among the top ingredients for incorporating umami sensory notes in food formulations. Versatility and utility to improve the nutrient density of meals also have bolstered mushrooms’ popularity as a component of the global diet.