Mushrooms In Schools Update 2024

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Mark your calendars, Australia—October 15 is World Mushroom Day, and what better way to celebrate than by showcasing one of the world’s most versatile and delicious ingredients: Australian mushrooms! Whether you’re a long-time mushroom lover or just getting into cooking with these fabulous fungi, we’ve got you covered with 10 incredible mushroom-inspired recipes from 10 different countries. These dishes highlight how mushrooms can take center stage in any cuisine.

This World Mushroom Day, head down to your local market, grab some fresh mushrooms, and try one (or more!) of these global recipes. Cook up a storm for your family and friends and join us in celebrating the tasty, versatile and healthy goodness of mushrooms.

Here’s a culinary trip around the world, all from the comfort of your kitchen!

 

For something hearty, give this Greek Mushroom Stifado a go. It’s a rich, slow-cooked stew that’s full of bold flavours like red wine and tomatoes, with mushrooms soaking up all that goodness. Just serve with some crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This 30-Minute Mushroom Laksa brings the rich, aromatic flavours of Southeast Asia to your table in no time. It’s a deliciously comforting noodle soup that’s bursting with flavour.

Fancy a bit of British flair? This Duxelles & Individual Beef Wellington gives you that restaurant-quality meal at home. Mushrooms add a delicious juicy layer, and the crispy golden puff pastry will make this a family fave. 

Take your taste buds on a trip to the Middle East with Mushroom Shawarma. Marinated in a blend of spices, these mushrooms are roasted until they’re tender and juicy. Serve them with pita, tahini, and fresh veggies for a light and tasty meal.

If you’re after something warm and nourishing, this Miso Sesame Crusted Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup hits the spot. The mushrooms are crusted in sesame seeds for a bit of crunch, while the miso broth gives the soup its signature umami kick.

Try something different with this West African Mushroom Suya. The mushrooms are simmered in a spicy, flavourful sauce that packs a punch. It’s bold, vibrant, and guaranteed to a firm favourite for any family dinner table. Yum!

Creamy and comforting, this Mixed Mushroom Stroganoff is an absolute winner. With rich, earthy mushrooms cooked in a luscious sauce, it’s quick to whip up and perfect for a cozy night in.

Short on time? You’ll love this Microwave Mushroom Risotto. It’s creamy, delicious, and so simple. Just pop it in the microwave, and in a few minutes, you’ve got yourself a bowl of Italian comfort food.

Taco night? These Tex Mex Pulled Mushroom Tacos are a game changer. The mushrooms are shredded and cooked with bold spices, then topped with fresh salsa and crumbled queso fresco. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser.

Put an Aussie twist on your dinner with Mushroom Schnitzel Parmigiana. You can’t go wrong with a golden, crumbed mushroom schnitzel topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a vegetarian take on a pub classic that everyone will love.

28,000 Students Reach the Halfway Mark in AMGA’s ‘Mushrooms in Schools’ Program

 

We’ve just hit the halfway point of this year’s Mushrooms In Schools program, with 800 schools and approximately 28,000 students across Australia taking part in our national education initiative.

From learning about the unique growth cycle of mushrooms to harvesting their own kits and cooking up tasty recipes, these students are getting hands-on experience like never before!

Currently, the program is at its halfway point, with most schools having reached Lesson 8 which focuses on the unique taste and flavour profile of mushrooms. Excitingly, many students have already harvested their mushroom kits and are now experimenting with mushroom-based recipes, incorporating the delicious fungi into their meals.

We are also working with 3 primary schools who have expressed interest in visiting a Mushroom Farm for a school tour.

This year’s intake has been especially enthusiastic with many teachers writing and calling our office with words of praise and also lessons learned from their students.

The AMGA Mushrooms in Schools program offers 10 weeks of comprehensive, curriculum-aligned lesson plans tailored for Year 3 and 4 students. These professionally developed resources promote hands-on, enquiry-based learning across a range of subjects, including Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Social Science. The lesson plans not only teach students about the biology and nutritional benefits of mushrooms but also explore their history, farming methods, and cultural significance.

 

These lessons are available for free download on the AMGA website, along with additional resources and videos in our Mushroom Library. Teachers are encouraged to register for the program to receive free mushroom kits for their classrooms, enabling students to experience the full lifecycle of mushroom cultivation.

As the program progresses, we eagerly anticipate the final reports and presentations from the students, which will highlight their newfound knowledge and appreciation for mushrooms. We look forward to sharing their insights and celebrating their achievements at the end of Term 3.

A big shoutout to all the teachers who have brought this program to life in their classrooms and to the students who are exploring the wonders of mushrooms with curiosity and enthusiasm.

For more information on the Mushrooms in Schools program or to download the lesson plans, visit our program page here. 

The Mushrooms In Schools program is currently funded by marketing funds from the AMGA.

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This World Mushroom Day, let’s come together to celebrate one of the worlds most versatile ingredients by cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something rich and comforting, fresh and light, or spicy and bold, there’s a mushroom recipe for you. So head to your local market, grab some mushrooms, and help us celebrate World Mushroom Day—one delicious dish at a time!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Tag your mushroom masterpieces with #WorldMushroomDay and spread the love of mushrooms across the globe.