WATSONVILLE, CA - Mushroom soup, mushroom appetizers, marinated mushrooms, mushrooms chopped into hamburger patties, chopped into taco meat, into meat loaf–these are a few of my favorite ways to tap into the delicious and palatable flavors of mushrooms. And healthy options, to boot.

This coming year, Monterey Mushrooms is focusing on elevating the category and creating a win-win for retailers and consumers alike. Mike O’Brien, VP of Sales and Marketing, and Lindsey Roberts, Marketing Specialist, decided to take a few moments from their busy days to share the latest with me, as well as retail tips and a few tasty ideas for using the versatile veg. 

“Mushrooms are a key ingredient in cooking and may be used for both cold and hot applications,” Lindsey shares with me, adding that mushrooms bring both flavor and health benefits to a dish, and are a perfect meat substitute. “From appetizers to entrees, we have recipe ideas for all levels of cooks–from the beginner to culinary professional. These can be used in the produce department to draw in traffic and at home with consumers.”

When I asked Mike what tips and best-practices he has for retailers in terms of maintaining a fresh and eye-catching destination at retail, he suggests that Monterey Mushrooms retail partners create a destination category with signage and rotate stock for freshness. Watch for out-of-stocks as well and use complimentary items to create color breaks such as lettuce heads, fresh lemons, and bottled salad dressings. 

“And finally, promote!” he adds. “Retailers can engage customers in the mushrooms category through education. We know shoppers are going online for meal planning, and we have content available that our retail partners can link to, that includes buying information, cooking tips, and usage ideas. Mushrooms are a key-cooking ingredient; we know with inspiration that sales increase.”

So, what are some of these delightful options?  Here are a few to whet your palate…

CREAMY MUSHROOM SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE 

INGREDIENTS 

• Your favorite cream of mushroom soup (homemade recipe HERE) 
• Red pepper flakes
• 8 oz. Monterey® Baby Bella Mushrooms, sliced
• Crème Fraiche (homemade recipe HERE)
• 1 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh thyme

AND….

CREAMY MUSHROOM PUFFED SHELLS 

INGREDIENTS 

• Frozen puff pastry shells
• Your favorite creamy mushroom soup
• 8 oz. Monterey® Baby Bella Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh rosemary - 2 sprigs
• Sliced aged Swiss cheese - cut into strips
• A shot glass 

For preparation methods and additional suggestions, check out the Monterey Mushroom blog here and enjoy!

Monterey Mushrooms