Jude Horrill and Brent Williams, operators of Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms in Levin, have introduced a coffee blend incorporating lion's mane and cordyceps mushrooms. The duo, who transitioned from corporate IT careers abroad to mushroom cultivation in New Zealand, have focused on producing oyster and shiitake mushrooms for eight years. In response to the economic climate, they explored new avenues to enhance their business model.
Horrill explained their approach: "So we have a food import license and we're importing from a very high-quality producer." This strategic move allowed them to incorporate mushroom extracts not cultivated locally. The coffee, launched with these exotic mushrooms, is positioned as a potential daily supplement. Studies suggest that this blend might support cognitive function and mental clarity.
Aside from coffee, Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms offers powdered mushroom extracts, including lion's mane, reishi, and chaga, for various applications. "We're very big into our functional foods, which provide health benefits other than straight nutrition," Horrill noted, emphasizing the processing methods involved, such as in their pickled oyster mushroom kimchee.
In addition to supplements, their commercial kitchen produces pickled and fermented items. These include pickled oyster mushrooms and an oyster mushroom risotto with black garlic. They also ferment quince, seasoned with gochugaru, white pepper, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
The company has received recognition for its culinary creations, winning silver medals for its kimchee and mushroom risotto at food awards. Despite expanding into supplements, they continue to offer popular grow-your-own oyster mushroom kits, maintaining a connection to their original market offerings.
Source: RNZ
