Titled, Healthy Snack: Oyster Mushroom Crackers, DA-BAR kicked off its 2023 monthly seminar series with Dr. Emily A. Soriano, project leader of the oyster mushroom project funded by the bureau. The said seminar was held on 19 January 2023 through Cisco Webex and Facebook Live.
Best served in pasta and omelets, oyster mushroom is known for their nutritional content such as antioxidants and fiber that can control blood sugar and avoid inflammatory effects. With this, Dr. Soriano and her project staff were able to formulate mushroom crackers made with cassava flour, salt, sugar, and black pepper to provide an alternative snack for vegetarians or people with pre-existing health conditions. These mushroom crackers also contribute to even out high demands for plant-based food.
“Lumilitaw na ang mushroom ay nagtataglay ng iba’t ibang klase ng bitamina. Mayroon itong mataas na porsiyento ng iron, calcium, at B-complex na makikita rin sa isang multi-vitamins,” said Dr. Soriano as she also explained that processing oyster mushroom will not compromise its health content, hence, its nutrients are more concentrated.
Implemented by DA-Central Luzon, livelihood opportunities were expanded as this was an offshoot project from the previously conducted Community-Based Participatory Action Research on Upland Vegetable-Mushroom Farming. The product, through technology transfer, was able to reach out to several cooperatives and associations such as the Binbin Women Gardeners’ Association (BWGA) located in General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.
The BWGA is an indigenous peoples women's group that earns through upland farming. However, participatory rural appraisal revealed that the majority of the members have an average monthly income of PhP 5,000 which is considered below poverty threshold. In line with this, the BWGA has adopted the oyster mushroom technology, later on, capacitated on processing mushroom crackers from raw sourcing to packaging.
Currently, the BWGA is a manufacturer earning PhP 1,800 weekly by processing 5 kilograms of mushroom crackers. This serves as an opportunity for other cooperatives, associations, and individuals looking for additional income.
Fried mushroom crackers weighing 50 grams can be sold at PhP 80 with an investment and net profit of PhP 32.50 and PhP 47.50, respectively. This also has a return on investment (ROI) of 146.15%.
Meanwhile, unfried mushroom crackers weighing 100g can be sold at PhP 75 with 97.37% ROI. For 250g, ROI is at 124%.