Growing mushrooms above ground and sprouting soybeans are two entrepreneurial efforts looking to make plant-based protein ingredients more nutritious, affordable and sustainable.

Mush Foods, Ltd., Rehovot, Israel, a portfolio company of the Strauss Group Kitchen FoodTech Hub founded in 2021, now offers a 50CUT mycelium protein ingredient system to reduce the animal protein content in meat products by 50%, said Shalom Daniel, co-founder and chief executive officer of Mush Foods. The ingredient requires no agricultural land and uses minimal energy and water, according to the company. Cultivation does not depend on season or climate.

A binder and whole protein, the mushroom mycelium needs no added binders and offers an umami flavor and a fleshy meat-like texture as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals, Mr. Daniel said.

The company so far has developed 50CUT beef and 50CUT chicken. Pilot plants will be built in the United States. Company plans are to launch sales in the first quarter of 2024.

Read the full article here.

Source: Food Business News

From September 18 to 22, 2023 it's the Fungal Disease Awareness Week.

Many people are affected by fungal diseases at various times in their lives. For example, inhaling mold spores can cause diseases such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis or valley fever.

Fungal diseases are increasing worldwide. This is due to the increase in the Earth's temperature which can allow infectious fungi in the environment to grow in new areas that were previously too cold. Changes in climate can also cause fungi to evolve, threatening the emergence of new fungal infections. For example, the Candida Auris epidemic (the hospital fungal infection!) would be the first to be caused by climate change. The fungus is known for its extreme resistance, its super-fast spread and the high mortality rate of patients who become infected with it.

Of course, not all molds are poisonous, but some molds are known to be capable of producing toxins (mycotoxins). Eating or inhaling these toxins can lead to a yeast infection.

Despite all we now know about how mold causes diseases, misdiagnoses still occur and can cost lives. Also the fact that people are increasingly becoming resistant, there are only limited available antifungal medications. This means that it is more common that fungal diseases cannot be treated.

This week should ensure that the world population becomes aware of the fact that inhaling or eating mold spores can have fatal consequences.

Source: Mushroom Matter

University of Queensland researchers are working with industry to develop biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags for use in mushroom farming, which could open lucrative opportunities in packaging and manufacturing.

Dr Nasim Amiralian from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology is collaborating with Queensland producer Scenic Rim Mushrooms to reduce the company’s reliance on plastic ‘grow bags’.

“Grow bags are widely used across the fungiculture industry, but most are made from non-biodegradable materials which can only be burned or sent to landfill,” Dr Amiralian said.

Please read the full article here.

Source: The University of Queensland

Mush Comb b.v. from Horst aan de Maas has been specialized in manufacturing machinery for the mushroom industry for 25 years. At Mush Comb, the machines are custom-made and designed in our own workshop. The machines are distributed worldwide. Due to our strong growth in recent years, we are looking for various skilled workers who can grow with our ambition. The company culture is characterized as open and informal. Due to the explosive growth in recent years, Mush Comb is looking for a:

Sales Engineer Mechanical Engineering

What we ask for:

• Completed vocational or higher professional education in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics, or a comparable completed education, or demonstrable experience at this level.
• Ambition in mechanical engineering, especially affinity with the Agro industry.
• Experience with 3D Solidworks and PDM system.
• Customer-oriented, enthusiastic, and proactive attitude.
• Good knowledge of Dutch and English language, both spoken and written.
• Ability to convert customer inquiries into a conceptual drawing that can serve as a visual aid for the sales department.
• Ability to convert the conceptual drawing(s) into a basic quotation calculation; knowledge of cost price calculation systems is a big advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in Ridder IQ is desirable but not a direct requirement.

What we offer:

• You will have a challenging position in a successful and dynamic organization that operates internationally and is rapidly growing.
• Mush Comb, as well as our second company Insect Engineers, aims for a sustainable world, so you will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and food waste.
• Within Mush Comb, you can continue to develop your own skills while striving for continuous improvement and development as a team.
• You will be part of an enthusiastic team with a pleasant working atmosphere and plenty of room for individual input and initiative.
• Naturally, we offer excellent employment conditions that are in line with the position, experience, and age.
• We provide a good pension scheme (CAO for Metalworking Industry).

Also, take a look at our website to get an impression of our company and activities.
Contact person: Maurice van Lit, phone number +31 (0)6 108 47 231.

As the sun's warm embrace blankets the earth, a quiet wonder emerges beneath the forest canopies, in fields, and even in our own backyards. Mushrooms, those enigmatic and diverse organisms, have their own story to tell during the summertime. From vibrant hues to hidden ecosystems, let's embark on a global adventure to explore how mushrooms flourish during this magical season.

1. Bountiful Forests of North America
In North America, the summertime brings forth a bountiful display of wild mushrooms. From the iconic morels to the majestic chanterelles, forests come alive with a myriad of shapes, colors, and flavors. Enthusiastic foragers take to the woods to harvest these gastronomic treasures, while fungi experts study their ecological roles. The diverse landscapes of the continent offer a playground for mushrooms, showcasing the symbiotic dance between these fungi and the trees they call home.

2. European Forests
Across the Atlantic, European forests present their own captivating tales of summertime mushrooms. The enchanting forests of France, for instance, are famous for their delectable truffles. Skilled truffle hunters and their faithful dogs work tirelessly, seeking the precious fungi hidden beneath the earth. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's woodlands come alive with fairy tale-esque mushrooms, like the iconic fly agaric, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape.

3. The Fungi Fiesta in South America
In the lush rainforests of South America, a fungi fiesta unfolds during the summer months. These tropical forests, teeming with life, harbor an incredible diversity of fungi, many of which remain undiscovered by science. These mushrooms play vital roles in the ecosystem, breaking down organic matter and supporting the balance of the rainforest.

4. The Magic of Asian Fungi
Across Asia, a rich tradition of mushroom cultivation and consumption has been practiced for centuries. From the revered shiitake to the intriguing lion's mane, Asia's mushroom culture is deeply intertwined with its culinary heritage and traditional medicine. The summertime in Asia brings forth an abundance of mushrooms, enriching the regional cuisine and adding a burst of umami flavor to dishes.

5. Hidden Gems in Australia
Even in the arid landscapes of Australia, mushrooms find a way to thrive during the summer months. Fungi like the desert truffle emerge from the sandy soil, revealing the adaptability and resilience of these organisms. In this challenging environment, mushrooms play a unique role, contributing to the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

From the mystical forests of North America to the rainforests of South America, the summertime mushroom stories from around the world reveal the incredible adaptability, diversity, and significance of these organisms. As we enjoy the warm months, let's take a moment to appreciate the hidden wonders beneath our feet - the mushrooms that quietly remind us of the magic of nature and its ceaseless cycles of life and renewal. Whether foraging for a culinary delight or simply reveling in the beauty of these fungi, the summertime offers a perfect opportunity to connect with the fascinating world of mushrooms.

Mushroom growers are known as the “ultimate recyclers” in the agriculture industry, using byproducts and waste from other sectors to make compost. Through the recycling of agricultural crops and byproducts, mushroom farms have a smaller environmental footprint than almost any other agricultural operation.

At Mush Comb, we are committed to a sustainable world. We contribute by manufacturing customized machinery. We understand that each mushroom business is unique, with its own set of needs and challenges. That's why we offer more than just standardized machinery. We have delivered machines to over 50 countries and have satisfied customers worldwide.

Our team works closely with you to design and develop machinery that seamlessly integrates into your operations, optimizing efficiency and productivity. Whether you're a small producer or a commercial operation, our customized solutions are tailored to meet your specific requirements. We provide full project consultancy, installation, maintenance, and support for our machines.

Visit our website or contact us at +31 (0)77 398 3929 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about our services.

Exciting news! GROWTIME is launching a new range of protective clothing and aprons specifically designed for mushroom pickers. These innovative products promise enhanced safety, comfort, and productivity on your farm.

Excellence in every stitch: clothing for modern farms

Discover our premium protective clothing, including women’s mushroom picking T-shirt, crafted with a soft yet resilient blend of cotton, elastane, and viscose. It's available in a range of colours and sizes to match your farm's branding and cater to various climate needs.

That’s not all! Don't miss our meticulously designed women's mushroom picking pants. Their perfect blend of cotton and polyester ensures comfort for long hours of work, while the sewn-in elastic waistband provides freedom of movement.

Reusable & breathable: GROWTIME’s new picking aprons

We've also launched exceptional mushroom picking aprons. Crafted from polyester, the women's apron offers superior protection against dirt and grime. Our unisex apron, perfect for all personnel, boasts high reliability and breathability. Both versions can bewashed and reused, ensuring significant cost savings.

Choose GROWTIME, leaders in mushroom farm solutions, for superior durability, functionality, and innovation in every product. For more information about our new line of clothing, check out our blog post that introduces them in detail!