Hamakua Mushrooms are specialty and exotic mushrooms, carefully cultivated to grow out of a bottle, a method originally developed in Japan. This process allowed Hamakua Mushrooms to develop their signature “Ali’i” mushroom, a 3-½ inch mushroom that has a thick, meaty, one-inch-in-diameter stem. In keeping with “sustainable farming” methods, Hamakua Mushrooms recycles the substrate that the mushrooms grow in and sells to farmers across the island.
The Alii Oyster has a wonderful nutty flavor, a resilient firm texture, and an amazing shelf life. Chefs in some of the country’s finest restaurants have remarked on its versatility and will often use it in place of wild mushrooms. It has a great range of flavor, depending on the preparation style. It can be sauteed, grilled, braised, stewed, or broiled. Unlike many mushrooms, the stem has the same wonderful texture and flavor as the cap – nothing is wasted.
It also shows protection against cancer and high cholesterol. It has shown activity in the following areas: antitumor, immune response, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic.