Processed mushrooms are mainly used by pie companies and the catering industry who requires mushrooms to have a longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms. The mushrooms are pre- sliced which makes them very convenient and easy to use. Mushrooms are cooked through a blancher and then sliced. Brine is added as a preservative and they are then stored in plastic buckets. Shelf life is between 14 and 21 days if kept at 4 degrees Celsius.
Usually 2nd grade mushrooms are used in a combination of White, Brown and Stems. Whole Buttons are also available for catering in certain niche markets. Country Mushrooms is the only company in South Africa that processes mushrooms in this way.
Packaging is available in 6 kg and 7.5 kg for Sliced mushrooms and 6 kg for Whole Buttons.