In Poland and Europe, shiitake is produced on two types of substrate, which differ not only by the country of origin – but also by the characteristics of the mushrooms that are produced on them. Shiitake in Europe are produced on European and Chinese substrates. In Spain, 60-80% of shiitake is produced on Chinese substrate. Because in Spain, ordinary people appreciate the quality of mushrooms. However, in the whole of Europe, for example in the Netherlands or Belgium, only 5-10% of shiitake is produced on Chinese logs.In Poland, over 50% of shiitake is produced on a Chinese substrate. If it is Chinese substrate in Poland – it is Exotic Mushroom Center` substrate, produced by Qihebiotech, the largest producer of exotic mushroom substrate in China. Other Chinese manufacturers of the substrate logs do not supply to Poland.
– Our great advantage is that we are situated in Poland, we have our own farm, office and warehouse here – so we help clients with growing technology, advise them a lot. We can react quickly at the time of the complaint and are able to operatively provide the substrate as compensation, which our competitors from China cannot, because they do not have a warehouse in Europe. The substrate is a living organism and something can always go wrong. Therefore, other substrate suppliers from China do not have much to compete with us, – says Piotr Rubacha from the Exotic Mushroom Center. The company is located in Poland, near Poznan, and is the largest Polish producer of shiitake and supplier of substrate from China.
The advantage of Exotic Mushroom Center is that they always have the substrate in stock in Poland – so it can be delivered to client quickly. Also, the customer does not assume the risk associated with the delivery. If You order from China the container sails by sea for two months – if the temperature goes up – a whole container is full of “cooked” mushrooms that can only be thrown away…. In the case of doing business with Exotic Mushroom Center in Poland – that company takes the risks.
– You can see which mushrooms are made on which logs – European or Chinese. Because mushrooms on our Chinese log are more shapely, harder. They are stronger, staying fresh longer – up to four weeks after harvesting, they can be easily stored in the refrigerator, this quality and shelf life cannot be done with shiitake on the European log, – explains Piotr.
Chinese logs are on wood – and European ordinary on straw as the main ingredient. This affects the appearance of the mushroom. Mushrooms grow rounder and fleshier on wood.
– When it comes to shape and appearance – on our Chinese substrate mushrooms grow more similar to the quality standard that is in Asian countries. When it comes to shiitake – Asia knows everything about good quality. But Europe is already following. Earlier in Europe, all exotic mushrooms that could be produced could be easily sold, says Piotr. – We have a large production in Poland, so we know customers from Europe. I see that now it is not like a few years ago – customers are starting to demand Asian quality and caliber – for example, they say it must be a 4-7 cm diameter cap. You can make calibrated mushrooms on the substrate we sell – that’s why we’re doing so well with selling now.
Generally, the Chinese substrate is cheaper than the European one – because the entire cost of overgrowth within 3 months takes place in China, where energy is much cheaper.
At the Exotic Mushroom Center, they usually have the substrate in stock – you don’t have to wait until it is produced in Europe or delivered from China. Also, orders don’t have to be regular. They can ship the substrate the next day after ordering. In Poland, the delivery arrives in 24 hours, to other European countries within a few days.
– If someone wants to check – we can send him a sample of 9-12 pieces of substrate free of charge as part of the test. We are here and you can come see how we grow, check who we are and that you can trust us, – says Piotr Rubacha from the Exotic Mushroom Center and invites you to visit their production in Poland, not far from Poznan.
You can ask questions:
Piotr Rubacha
+48600387027 (phone, WhatsApp),
info@exoticmushrooms.eu
