Why doesn't the community consider mushrooms an important food item even though they are delicious and healthy?
The main reason is that the public does not have the correct facts. Not only is mushroom information scarce, there are also many wrong perceptions surrounding its consumption.
"Many people believe mushrooms are poisonous. They also believe mushrooms are not healthy and will cause intoxication," Adi said.
Every time Warung Jejamuran participates in an exhibition, he is almost always asked these questions: "Are these mushrooms edible? Do these mushrooms taste nice? Are they poisonous?" he said.
However, when visitors try them, they usually are surprised, as they taste so delicious.
"After they sample some, more often then not they do not believe that they have just eaten are mushrooms, as the taste is so different from what they expected. So, the public has yet to be well informed about mushrooms," Adi said.
To introduce mushrooms, Warung Jejamuran and some 20 other growers regularly take part in exhibitions. They also hold monthly gatherings to discuss various business-related problems and ways in which to introduce it to the public.
To help beginner mushroom farmers who have yet to be able to sell their harvest, Warung Jejamuran buys it at the prevailing market price.
"We will buy their mushrooms only if these farmers have really tried to sell them but have still failed to find the right market.
"The market is still very open so if you really try, you will surely be able to sell them," Ratidjo said.
To develop the industry, the agro division of Warung Jejamuran happily shares information with other growers and helps them learn more about cultivation.
Both Ratidjo and Adi are convinced that the mushroom market will continue to -- well, mushroom -- in the country.
