Producer
Hamakua Mushrooms
Contact: Bob and Janice Stanga
Address: PO Box 205 Laupahoehoe, HI, 96764
Website: www.hamakuamushrooms.com
About Us
Hamakua Mushrooms was started almost 20 years ago by Bob and Janice Stanga in Laupahoehoe on the Hamakua Coast. Today Hamakua Mushrooms employs 15 people in its indoor farm. The farm uses a Japanese method of growing mushrooms that ensures a consistent and exotic mushroom that grows and is harvested in a safe, sterile and climate controlled environment. Hamakua Mushrooms is passionate about providing wonderful tasting and healthy mushrooms for gourmet chefs and consumers alike.
Practices
Ali'i Mushrooms are a specialty and exotic mushroom, grown in a substrate of corncob, wheat bran and saw dust. Our mushrooms are carefully cultivated to grow out of a bottle, a method originally developed in Japan. The bottle cultivation method is how Hamakua Mushrooms developed their signature “Ali’i” mushroom. In keeping with sustainable farming methods, Hamakua Mushrooms recycles the substrate and sells to farmers across the island, this rich mixture boosts their crops growth. Our mushroom substrate ingredients are all organic, no animal products are ever used and our mushrooms are never sprayed with pesticides.
The Ali'i (pleurotus eryngii) is a fleshy, gilled mild flavored mushroom. This variety has also been called Royal Trumpet or King Oyster. A great meat substitute, it is the big kahuna of all mushrooms. Protein quality is nearly equal to animal derived protein. Also contained are carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, plus minerals, especially iron and antioxidants. This mushroom shows protection against cancer and high cholesterol. It has shown activity in the following areas: antitumor, immune response, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic.
The Ali'i has a wonderful nutty flavor, a resilient firm texture, and an amazing shelf life. Chefs in some of the country’s finest restaurants have remarked on its versatility and will often use it in place of wild mushrooms. It has a great range of flavor, depending on the preparation style. It can be sautéed, grilled, braised, stewed, or broiled. Unlike many mushrooms, the stem has the same wonderful texture and flavor as the cap – nothing is wasted. The stem may be sliced into medallions and prepared like seared scallop. The Ali'i offers endless opportunities for creativity!
The Ali'i (pleurotus eryngii) is a fleshy, gilled mild flavored mushroom. This variety has also been called Royal Trumpet or King Oyster. A great meat substitute, it is the big kahuna of all mushrooms. Protein quality is nearly equal to animal derived protein. Also contained are carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, plus minerals, especially iron and antioxidants. This mushroom shows protection against cancer and high cholesterol. It has shown activity in the following areas: antitumor, immune response, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic.
The Ali'i has a wonderful nutty flavor, a resilient firm texture, and an amazing shelf life. Chefs in some of the country’s finest restaurants have remarked on its versatility and will often use it in place of wild mushrooms. It has a great range of flavor, depending on the preparation style. It can be sautéed, grilled, braised, stewed, or broiled. Unlike many mushrooms, the stem has the same wonderful texture and flavor as the cap – nothing is wasted. The stem may be sliced into medallions and prepared like seared scallop. The Ali'i offers endless opportunities for creativity!