Mushrooms Pricing and Costs

Gain info on mushrooms production costs to meet the demand for nutritional value

Mushrooms are becoming recognized by consumers for nutritional value. Mushrooms are relatively high in protein and possess a wide range of essential amino acids. The Agaricus bisporus or white button mushroom is at the top of the list of cultivated edible mushrooms, but is thought to have lesser nutritional value than some exotic breeds. Shiitake mushrooms stimulate the immune system and help fight against infection and portobello mushrooms supply important nutrients such as selenium and copper.

Growing mushrooms for consumption and sale has become a popular trend. Mushroom production is very different from growing vegetables or green plants, but many farmers have accepted the challenge. Launching a commercial mushroom operation can cost between $50,000 and $250,000, depending on whether the grower starts with an appropriate building. Marketing mushrooms is also a possibility, rather than growing them. Here are some factors for consideration on mushrooms pricing and costs:

1. Choose a mushroom species that you will enjoy working with.

2. Choose an appropriate growing medium for producing spores.

3. Decide if you want to profit from your mushroom growing business and determine a market.

4. Locate accredited distributors of mushrooms or mushroom kits.

 

Locate mushroom growing kits for producing your own crop

If you buy a mushroom kit, you will be ahead of the game as the commercial mushroom grower has already begun the first steps of the growing process for you. You need mainly to provide a proper growth environment. Most commercial kits range in price from $20 to $30. These kits will start fruiting within a week and you can expect a harvest of 1 to 2 pounds of mushrooms per flush.
Try: Gourmet Mushroom Products offer organic mushroom kits ranging from around $15 to more than $75 per kit. Fungi Perfect offers a variety of organic kits from about $18 to slightly more than $30. They also have a children's garden kit for about $18. Gourmet Mushrooms offer education units ranging from about $20 to $40.

Contact mushroom wholesalers for discount prices

Perhaps you don't want to grow your own mushrooms but are interested in the marketing aspect of the mushroom business. Mushrooms can be purchased wholesale and distributed through your store or farm. Mushrooms pricing and costs vary. While fresh shiitake in Ohio may bring in $4 to $6.50 a pound wholesale, in San Francisco they may bring in $6.50 to $8 a pound. Study marketing costs in your area to set the best price for your distribution. Purchasing through wholesale mushroom producers can help you save money.
Try: Oyster Creek Mushroom offers wholesale and retail mushrooms. New Tiger International carries fresh or dried mushrooms ranging from about $6 to $15 per pound.

Locate a mushroom importer for exotic breeds

Many exotic breeds of mushroom are thought to have a higher nutritional value than their cousins in the can. Import exotic mushrooms for a minimal shipping fee. Locate an accredited importer to keep you in supply.
Try: Go to American Mushroom Hunter for a variety of wild mushrooms. Contact Mushroom Science for costs and fees of shipping mushrooms. Mushroom Science also carries dried organic mushrooms for about $16 per 4-ounce bag.

 

• New mushroom growers should become familiar with the various types of mushrooms before embarking on a mushroom growing project as some mushrooms do contain toxins.

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