Out of the chanterelle mushrooms available at the moment, around 75% of what the company is receiving are middle sized, with only 25% of the smaller size.
Smaller sizes are more expensive in Germany, around 1 to 1.50 EUR more per kilo compared to the medium sizes. This is partly to do with the fact that the harvest is more labour intensive. Average prices are currently around 6-7 euros per kilo due to more availability, compared to more than 10 euros per kilo this time last year.
"Germans prefer smaller Chanterelles as opposed to French consumers who prefer the bigger sizes. It is just a matter of preference really, the French believe that the longer growing time for the middle and larger mushrooms means that they have more flavour. However, German chefs prefer the smaller sizes for their dishes and are willing to pay the higher prices. I do think though that the middle sizes do have more flavour than the smaller mushrooms, and are not as expensive." shared Buschhaus.
The season has been good up to now. There is lot of production, and the good numbers are expected to continue through October.
Summertime peak season for Germany
As opposed to the other countries in western Europe, peak season for mushrooms in Germany is during the summer. This is the opposite to neighbouring countries where demand only picks up once the weather cools in September.
I ❤Mushrooms exports to Switzerland, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands, but 70% of supply is reserved for the German market.
Buschhaus said that he is seeing increase demand for more exotic mushrooms over the last few years, especially for Japanese varieties like the Eringi (King Oyster) and Shiitake. However, despite the increasing quantities of the popular Eringi, available in almost every supermarket over the past few years, white button mushrooms still remain king!
For more information:
Uwe Buschhaus
I ❤Mushrooms
Tel: +49 2302 623318
Fax: +49(0)2302 962184
Email: info@speisepilze.eu
www.speisepilze.eu