Australian Mushrooms has teamed up with Nutrition Research Australia (NRAUS) in a new nutrition education program, calling on food industry professionals to help uncover ways Australian mushrooms could solve some of the nation’s biggest nutrition problems.
The Australian Mushrooms research program will engage key players in the food industry, including hospitals, aged care, quick service restaurants, and food manufacturers to identify opportunities for Australian mushrooms to be included in menus, to improve health outcomes.
Before the program kicks off, Australian Mushrooms would like to find out what the current level of mushroom usage and knowledge is within the industry, calling on food industry professionals to tell them what they know about the mighty mushroom via a survey.
By completing the survey, participants will have the chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards and will pass on valuable insights to the mushroom growers and nutrition researchers aiming to improve the health of Aussies.
As consumer demand trends continue to lower their intake of animal foods, the NRAUS aims to spread awareness of mushrooms as a nutritious option that could hold the key to supporting nutritional needs, and lead to several improvements in the health of Australians.
NRAUS CEO Dr Flavia Fayet-Moore says that as a fungi, mushrooms have a unique set of nutritional properties that are found across different food groups, including vegetables, grains, nuts, and meats, as well as unique bioactive compounds not commonly found in animals or plants.
“With their characteristic umami and meaty taste profile, mushrooms are a unique nutrient rich plant-based food, making them an extremely valuable ingredient on cafés, restaurants, and establishments’ menus, in an environment where flexitarian and vegan diets are on the rise,” says Dr Flavia Fayet-Moore.
She adds that pre-COVID, research showed that around one in four Australian adults, and likely higher now, has Vitamin D deficiency, an issue that increased mushroom consumption can help tackle.
To help find out more and take part in the Australian mushrooms survey here.