Mushrooms and Meat Unite in New Approach

CHATSWORTH, CA, June 11, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Mushroom Council is supporting a "Swapablilty" campaign to promote the health and nutritional benefits of mushrooms. The concept encourages consumers to substitute a portion of meat with a portion of mushrooms allowing for a healthful ingredient exchange.

"Mushrooms are an easy addition to many beef blends such as burgers, tacos and lasagna," explains Bart Minor, president of the Mushroom Council. "By using mushrooms in the dish, calories can be reduced without compromising flavor or texture. A burger can be made using 50 percent mushrooms with 50 percent meat for example."

Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free and very low in sodium, yet they provide important nutrients including selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin D. In addition to their nutritional value, utilizing mushrooms in classic beef recipes may be helpful for retailers as shifts in food trends continue.

According to the USDA, the 2011 estimated U.S. per capital beef consumption was at 57.4 lbs., down 13 percent from 10 years ago and down about 25 percent from 1980. Meat industry experts suggest that although some Americans still crave the "steak-eating experience" they want it at a cheaper price. The blend of mixing meat with mushrooms may help maximize retail sales as vegetarian trends increase and beef consumption decreases.

"Mushrooms aren't just a dinner item or side dish," explains Minor. "Because of their meaty texture and flavor, mushrooms are versatile and can be served at any meal. Consumers are interested in recipes using mushrooms as an ingredient for breakfast and lunch dishes including omelets and sandwiches."

The Council's "Swapability" campaign has helped pave the way for another trend in mushrooms: "Mushroom Mondays." This concept has the consumer adding mushrooms to all their meals on Mondays as an added opportunity to get a nutritious ingredient on the plate.

Retailers can capitalize on the increased awareness and benefits of mushrooms by promoting them in a Best Food Day ad. To help maximize sales for both mushrooms and beef, retailers should highlight the nutritional benefits of mushrooms and include a "Swapability" recipe for added shopping convenience.

For retailers interested in "Swapability" recipes to use in their ads, they can visit the Mushroom Council's website at www.mushroominfo.com/mushroom-swapability.

About The Mushroom Council:
The Mushroom Council is composed of fresh market producers or importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually. The mushroom program is authorized by the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and is administered by the Mushroom Council under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Research and promotion programs help to expand, maintain and develop markets for individual agricultural commodities in the United States and abroad. These industry self-help programs are requested and funded by the industry groups that they serve. For more information on the Mushroom Council, visit www.mushroomcouncil.org.