“Our mushroom-derived products address the reality that there is a sizeable population of carnivores who are simply not willing to compromise on beef’s rich taste, nutritional boost, and textural experience,” explains Shalom Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Mush Foods.“50CUT is tailored specifically for hybrid meat products to satisfy flexitarians and carnivores with the unique sensation they crave, while easing the impact of global meat consumption.”
The Perfect Blend
The product tailored specifically for blending with beef is composed of three edible mushroom mycelium species. “By combining different types of mycelium we can create a unique ingredient which perfectly pairs with the particular taste, formability, texture, aroma, and even colour of beef,” notes Dan Levanon, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Mush Foods. “Once you add 50CUT to ground beef, it acts like a sponge and absorbs all the water, juiciness, fat, aromatic compounds, and assumes the visual appearance of the beef. From the full organoleptic and nutritional perspectives, 50CUT functions as the perfect complement to beef, enhancing its taste.”
The Technology Behind 50CUT
The mycelium network is a thread-like, root-like underground system of fungi. It breaks down forest plant matter and nourishes the mushrooms growing above ground as well as the surrounding ecosystem. Mush Foods’ pioneering proprietary technology for upcycling food sidestreams from local manufacturers was initially developed at the Migal Galilee Research Institute, Israel.
“We grow the mycelium above the ground in indoor farms using a highly efficient method,” explains Idan Pereman, co-founder and mycology director for Mush Foods. “Our fermentation platform recreates the underground growth conditions, without light and uses minimal land, energy, and water. After harvesting, we produce the mycelium in a 100% natural process, with gentle preparing and shaping, reducing liquid to create a final product which contains no additional ingredients, binders, additives or flavourings.”
50CUT serves flexitarians and carnivores
“Mush Foods mycelium is clean-label, nutritious, and naturally knows how to hit that perfect savoury spot,” professes Daniel. “Chefs of leading restaurants have been the first adopters of 50CUT. They fully appreciate its potential in hybrid burgers, as well as its high nutritional value—it is a truly new and exciting culinary experience.” Daniel also notes that 50CUT’s numerous benefits can inspire more widespread adoption of hybrid combinations of meat and plant proteins, expanding the already rapidly growing flexitarian lifestyle.