This article features top tips to help you find the right dried mushroom supplier. It will begin by explaining the popularity of dried mushroom and the large demand for it around the world. It will also look at the many uses and benefits of dried mushroom. Next, this article will outline the various types of mushroom, naming some of the most commonly found ones. As well as explaining the type of people and businesses that typically purchase dried mushrooms, this piece lists key considerations and questions that you should ask any supplier. By following the points in this guide, you can be confident that you will make the right decision. It will also help you develop long-lasting relationships with suppliers, making cooperation simple and effective.
Popularity of dried mushroom
Dried mushrooms have been consumed around the world for long periods of time. In fact, they were consumed in ancient Mexico as well as in the time of the Romans and their popularity has continued to grow since.
One of the main reasons that mushrooms became so well known was that they are easy to grow, requiring only a small amount of water, land and electricity to be made. This means they can be grown in many places around the world and because they can be easily transported, people quickly began to enjoy their delicious taste.
From this point onwards, the popularity of dried mushrooms has risen even more as people around the world purchase it to keep in their food cupboards and food fanatics order meals in restaurants that include this incredible ingredient.
The high demand for dried mushrooms means that every dried mushroom supplier has seen more people looking to purchase it. It also means that those that buy dried mushrooms are able to make a profitable investment, as the demand means it is unlikely to go to waste.
Uses of dried mushroom
There are countless recipes that can include dried mushrooms. Traditionally, food such as risotto included them, as they were an easy and tasty edition to meals.
Mushrooms can be put into dishes or they can be rehydrated by leaving them to soak in a bowl of water. Typically, mushrooms can be added into cooking at any stage. This means they can be fried, boiled, added into liquids, or even added on top of recipes as a garnish. Because they are so versatile, the opportunities are endless.
There are many different recipes that include dried mushroom, including:
- Soups
- Casserole
- Bolognese
- Rice
- Polenta
- Steak dishes
- Dumplings
- Stir-fry
- Macaroni cheese
- Noodles
- Pasta
As you can see, cuisine from around the world features dried mushroom, making it a very popular purchase as many people and businesses love to buy from a dried mushroom supplier.
Types of dried mushroom
There are more than 50,000 species of mushrooms on the planet. Here are some of the most popular and best known.
Shiitake – This is one of most popular, making up around 25% of the world’s mushroom production. They have a strong, earthy flavour and have a meaty texture when eaten.
Champignon – These mushrooms are another popular type, with an intense taste and chewy texture.
Black fungus – These have a soft surface and relatively crunchy inside, with a bitter and sweet flavour. In terms of appearance, these are a darker colour and often look almost black.
Straw mushrooms – These are grey and have a more mild flavour, as well as having a slippery and soft texture.
Morel – A morel mushroom is one of the most sought-after types of mushroom. They have a firm texture with a nutty taste, standing out from many other types of mushrooms.
Chanterelles – These have an earthy, peppery flavour with a fruity scent.
Porcini – Porcini mushrooms have a strong and intense taste, with a slight nutty flavour. The stem of the mushroom is somewhat more tough than the mushroom’s cap, however both are delicious.
The benefits of purchasing dried mushrooms
Buying from a dried mushroom supplier means you are able to choose from a wide range of this wonderful ingredient.
Choosing dried mushrooms instead of fresh ones brings many benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that dried mushrooms last for long periods of time. Lasting between 6 and 24 months, there is a far longer shelf life for dried mushrooms than there is for fresh ones. This makes them easy to transport from anywhere in the world, making sure those buying mushrooms can purchase the perfect kind of mushrooms to meet their objectives.
In addition to this, the longer shelf life also means that those buying from a dried mushroom supplier will have less waste, knowing that the product they are purchasing does not have to be sold, used or consumed within a short period of time. This means it can be easily kept in storage until it is needed and takes the pressure off using it very quickly. It lasts for even longer amounts of time when the products are kept in cool, dry environments in airtight containers.
Dried mushrooms are also cost-effective to purchase and transport. First, they can be purchased affordably meaning buyers do not have to spend irrational amounts of money purchasing mushrooms. In addition to this, where they have been dried, they are often lighter meaning the cost of transportation can be cheaper due to the weight reduction this brings. All of this means that you do not have to spend a lot to receive large quantities of mushrooms.
In terms of flavour and texture, these are believed to be enhanced through the process of drying, meaning they often taste stronger and have a more meaty, chewy texture that can really make a meal more exciting and flavoursome. Again, this is a benefit as it means smaller quantities may be required to flavour dishes. For mushroom lovers, this is even more appealing making them a highly desirable product to purchase.
Health benefits of dried mushrooms
Dried mushrooms bring many health benefits, as well as being a tasty addition to any meal. They contain barely any fat and only 1 gram of protein per ounce, meaning they can be added into any recipe to add flavour and make the meal more appealing, while keeping it healthy and low calorie.
Buying dried mushrooms also means people are able to enjoy many nutrients, including:
Protein – This helps the body to build and repair, also helping to give people strong hair and nails.
Enzymes – These help the body to function smoothly, helping with digestion as well as working to destroy toxins.
B vitamins – Including B vitamins such as niacin, this can improve the functioning of the skin and brain, lowering unhealthy cholesterol and protecting from conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Vitamin D2 – This helps the body to absorb calcium effectively, making sure bones are strong.
Antioxidants – Selenium and polyphenols are found in dried mushrooms, which can reduce the risk of cancer, helps with cognitive health, boosts the immune system and helps to assist digestion.
Who might buy dried mushroom?
The enormous popularity has meant that there is enormous demand for dried mushrooms around the world. Many people and businesses purchase from a dried mushroom supplier, including:
-Chefs and catering businesses
-Companies that sell ingredients
-Health companies
-Food suppliers and those that sell ready meals
Things to consider when choosing a dried mushroom supplier
There are many points to consider when deciding which supplier to work with.
Minimum order quantity – This should be looked at, making sure the smallest order suits your requirements. You should make sure that if you have to downscale your operations that your chosen supplier can still meet your needs without this being a problem.
Maximum order quantity and production capacity – Look at the highest quantity that a supplier can provide at any one time, understanding how often they can send more and in what capacity. Think about any plans you have to increase your order sizes and make sure this falls within the production capacity of your supplier.
Source – If the source or origin of your products is important, make sure you know where it is grown and sourced. This information can then be shared across your business, proudly sharing the origin of your dried mushrooms.
Packaging – Take the packaging into consideration, looking at whether you will receive individually wrapped small packets of dried mushrooms, or enormous bags. Some people may be more concerned about eco-friendly packaging, while others might prioritise more strong packaging. Think about your storage space and any restrictions you may have, making sure you choose a dried mushroom supplier that can meet your needs. As an example, some might send small boxes of your product, while others might send large pallets.
Shelf life – Each supplier’s page should list their product’s shelf like. When purchasing, you should make sure that this meets the length of time that you need it to last. After all, nobody wants a stale product by the time it comes to delivery or usage.
Appearance – There are various sizes of mushrooms and different colours, depending on the type of mushroom you choose. Some will be whole while others may be cut or even crushed into tiny pieces. Make sure the appearance of the dried mushrooms is suitable for what you need.
Flavour – The type of mushroom you choose will play a large part in determining its flavour. Think about this when choosing.
Samples – Request a sample from potential suppliers to make sure you like the product before agreeing to purchase a large quantity. By doing this, you can taste it yourself and experience the texture, helping you to make an informed purchase.
Certification – Within the food industry, there are many certifications that can help to give you confidence that you are buying from a hygienic, safe and professional supplier. Certifications can include HACCP, BRC, FDA and ISO.
Port – Often, it is important to know which port products come from. This can be for logistics purposes, helping to understand the place it will be shipped from.
Payment terms – Before you are able to pay, you must make sure there is a secure, suitable method of doing this. Payment terms can include L/C, D/P and T/T.
Price – One of the most important deciding factors when choosing a dried mushroom supplier is price. You must be able to afford the products, so this will influence most people’s decision. Often, the price can vary depending on the supplier and quantity being ordered, so it’s worth asking suppliers any questions you have in relation to price.
How to choose the perfect dried mushroom supplier
The first step to finding your ideal dried mushroom supplier is to head over to a website such as Made-in-china.com where you can browse through endless suppliers.
Look at the desirable aspects of each supplier and the service they offer. Make sure you ask all the questions you need to know the answers, considering all of the previously mentioned points in this article. If you have any queries, make sure you ask the suppliers, as this will help you to make the right decision.
It is worth finding your favorites and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Often, this will also help you to work out what is most important, as well as allowing you to make a great business decision.
Once you have chosen your supplier, it may be worth looking back at this article to see if there are other suitable suppliers. Often, it can be worth looking around for other suppliers to see if there are any that offer a better service or more reasonable prices. By regularly checking back on marketplaces and looking at new suppliers, you can be certain that you are working with the right business.
These tips should help you to choose the perfect dried mushroom supplier, creating working relationships that last for many years. All that’s left to do now is to begin your search. Have fun finding your supplier!
