Potential Use Of Underutilised Mushroom Stems In Meat Products: A Review

Fast foods consumption has been associated with an increase in chronic diseases. Consumers' increased awareness of the possible links between nutrition and health has led to major dietary changes toward healthier food options. Furthermore, rising meat prices, veganisms, and concerns about animal suffering as well as sustainability issues have driven market trends toward plant-based alternatives. Mushrooms are regarded as one of the healthier ingredients that believed to be associated to their nutritive, bioactive, and therapeutic values. In fact, the fibrous structure of mushroom mimics to meat texture as well as possesses an umami flavour. Asian countries generate the highest percentage of overall mushroom production (74.64%). The application of mushrooms, however, is limited to the fruiting bodies rather than the stems. The stems are often discarded as food waste due to their tough texture. Researchers have begun to use edible mushroom waste and their by-products to create value-added products in a variety of sectors such as the food industry, owing to their nutritional values, and contributions to the circular economy and environmental protection. The primary intent of this review is to discuss the potential of underutilised mushroom stems in meat products.