Availability of downgraded wheat for conversion to domestic raw materials in Pleurotus eryngii cultivation

Abstract

Clarification of risk in imported foods has led to raised awareness of consumers about food safety. Consequently, the retail and food-service industries treating mushrooms tend to focus on production information, including composition of the mushroom beds with value in domestic production. Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél. is well known as a good edible mushroom in Japan. However, composition of the mushroom beds depends on imported raw materials. We considered domestic raw materials that can substitute for the bran from imported wheat frequently used in P. eryngii cultivation. Thus, meal from domestic and downgraded wheat as a potential material on the cost and supply side was identified from the refinement process and domestic distribution. Practical P. eryngii cultivation with this wheat meal indicated that the yield per bottle increased significantly, with an increase in available fruiting bodies.