The six new mushrooms are Black Hoof, Tiger Milk, Poria, Enoki, Wood Ear and Split Gill.
Nirmal Nair, CEO of Sempera Organics, told NutraIngredients-USA that the offerings are full spectrum like the rest of its offerings: a combination of fruiting bodies, sclerotia and mycelium.
“Some of the mushrooms don't create fruiting bodies while others do. In most of the cases, the mycelium have been shown to have abundance of bio-actives that we need,” he said. “Interestingly, for species such as tiger’s milk mushroom, sclerotia are sought after, not the fruiting bodies. This is the same for Poria cocos: the bioactives are largely present in sclerotia, not fruiting bodies.
“As consumers begin to view mushrooms as a holistic part of health and sustenance, they are attracted to what’s fresh and new,” added Nair. “These six new mushrooms we provide are sustainably cultivated in our indoor organic farm and can help brands create and fulfill their own wellness-product niches.”
‘Shroom boom
Interest in medicinal mushrooms continues to grow in the US. A recent analysis puts the global function mushroom category at $24.9bn, with a CAGR of 9.5% expected to reach $47.2bn by 2028 (Grand View Research, 2022).
“We are witnessing big growth in the functional F&B space, especially hot beverages, over 30% growth year-on-year,” said Nair. “Though Immunity has slowed down (since pandemic highs), other areas like Cognition, Sleep/Stress and Performance continue to draw consumers towards adopting mushroom-based solutions.
“The market has reacted with a unique range for mushroom dietary supplements from tablets, capsules, soft gels and shots including alternative delivery technologies such as chews, candies, fast melt and gummies too. What’s been traditionally an Asian market staple is slowly entering the North America food & beverage market and generating expectations of a $20 billion market cap by 2030 by some analysts.”
Nair added that the new mushrooms further enhance the company’s portfolio by bringing to the US the ability to deliver high bioactive ingredients grown using proven strains in its controlled environment grow technology.
More on the mushrooms
Black Hoof (Phellinus linteus) is a medicinal mushroom used in Japan, Korea and China for centuries and has often traditionally been consumed in the form of a hot tea. Research shows its ability to help support blood sugar health and weight loss as well as to manage appropriate inflammatory response.
Tiger Milk (Lignosus rhinocerus) has been consumed as part of a general health tonic. Research indicates that this mushroom supports upper respiratory function and helps promote immune health.
Poria (Wolfiporia cocos) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is reportedly showing promise for use in supplements supporting healthy brain function, immune function, digestion and sleep. Poria can also be included in chocolates, coffees and teas.
Enoki (Flammulina filiformis) is popular in Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisines. Enoki has been shown in some studies to help manage blood sugar and cholesterol as well as help support immune function.
Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula) is frequently used in Chinese cooking. Its bioactive component, diazane, has been studied for its antineoplastic properties. It is an immune-boosting mushroom that can also be used in formulas for promoting general resilience and well-being.
Split Gill (Schizophyllum commune) is an edible fungus that is often added to soups, shakes and prepared meals. It has been reported to exert antioxidant and blood sugar management activities.
