MONTEREY, Calif. — Monterey Mushrooms plans to launch a 40-ounce foodservice pack of diced mushrooms for blended burgers.
The company debuted a smaller package for retail in October and will begin offering the larger item for foodservice in January.
Mike O’Brien, vice president of sales and marketing, said restaurants that want to offer blended burgers can save money in several ways by getting the mushrooms pre-cut.
“In the back end of the restaurant, if you did want to do a blend ... that’s labor,” O’Brien said. “But what about workman’s comp? People don’t talk about workman’s comp. While you’re chopping up and you slice your finger, that’s a workman’s comp. We take all the work out of it for you.”
The company also ensures more than a month in shelf life through a process that includes pasteurizing and blanching the diced mushrooms.
Getting chefs on board will help grow the foodservice interest in diced mushrooms, O’Brien said.
“The key is getting the chefs involved, when the chefs are the ones that drive the menus ...” O’Brien said. “The chefs, once they know it’s available, I think they’re going to see some things really click.”
Blended burgers have grown in popularity as a healthier alternative to meat-only options. Proponents also note that blended burgers are more environmentally sustainable.