PhilRice in partnership with the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), launched the book Mushroom Feast: A Collection of Filipino Mushroom Recipes, in Cabanatuan City, February 22.
The book aims topromote mushroom production as an important component of Palayamanan Plus, an integrated, intensified, and diversified rice and rice-based farming system.
Mushroom production serves as an additional source of income for farmers through the development of high-quality food and production of feed supplement and organic fertilizers from spent mushroom substrates.
To promote the production and use of mushroom, PhilRice conducted various cooking competitions and optimized the recipes from culinary students and enthusiasts in collaboration with the Department of Hospitality Management of CLSU. Hence, this book was produced showcasingdifferent mushrooms cultivated in the country, particularly in rice-based farm areas. It features 9 appetizers, 16 main dishes, 4 desserts, and 8 snacks recipes.
“In this book, we want to promote locally-cultivated mushrooms as a gourmet ingredient and nutritious food. This can be used as reference for culinary students, gastronomes, vegetarians, and health-conscious individuals,” said Rosaly Manaois,head of PhilRice’s Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division .
“A unique selling point of this cookbook is it pushes mushroom to the mainstream, recognizing it as a key ingredient in cooking,” said Janine Siggaoat, managing director of JFS Publishing Services, who reviewed the book during the launch.
She added that the recipe book creates an appeal to eat locally and sustainably produce mushroom ― that it has outstanding health benefits, a loyalty reward to local farmers by putting money back to the domestic economy; it helps improve food security by making mushroom locally available; and it creates less carbon footprints, thus helping protect the environment.
“Aside from serving as an alternative source of income for farmers doing diversified rice and rice-based farming systems, mushroom is nutritious and has good culinary value. We hope that the readers learn and appreciate the value of this local ingredient,” said Roger Barroga, acting deputy director for administration of PhilRice.
Guests and representatives from the different universities in Central Luzon who participated in the book launch had a taste of some recipes such as mushroom and curry empanadita, mushroom sisig, and the mushroom cupcake.
The recipe book can be purchased from PhilRice’s Business and Development Division, Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. For orders, you may email bdd@philrice.gov.ph or contact 63 (44) 456-0277 local 601. The book will also be available soon in some bookstores in Manila.
