ISSUE 2
Discovering King Oyster Mushrooms
Teible continues to lead the way in sustainable dining in Dubai, nestled within the serene environment of Jameel Arts Centre in Jaddaf Waterfront.
Our philosophy is rooted in creating dishes that celebrate the best of locally sourced produce
INTRODUCE A NEW STAR INGREDIENT:
King Oyster Mushrooms
from Below Farm, Abu Dhabi
Below Farm
Abu Dhabi
Below Farm is a pioneering agricultural venture located in the harsh desert environment of Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2021 by Bronte Weir, Liliana Slowinska, and Wojciech Slowinski.
The Farm specializes in growing high-quality specialty mushrooms, including King Oyster Mushrooms, using innovative indoor farming techniques. These mushrooms are cultivated in specially designed, insulated chambers that allow for precise control over temperature, humidity, and light, making it possible to grow them even in the extreme conditions of the UAE desert.
The founders of Below Farm combine expertise in business development, engineering, and agriculture to create a sustainable solution for growing mushrooms in the desert.
Wojciech Slowinski, an electrical engineer, developed the farm’s advanced growing systems, ensuring optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation despite the region’s challenging climate. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their use of upcycled date palm waste as a growing substrate, aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of enhancing food security and reducing environmental impact.
SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE
Below Farm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their innovative farming practices. By using upcycled date palm waste as a growing substrate and optimizing indoor farming conditions, the farm minimizes its environmental impact while contributing to the UAE’s food security goals.
This approach not only reduces waste but also ensures that the mushrooms are grown in a controlled, pesticide-free environment, resulting in a cleaner and more sustainable product.
INTERVIEW
A deep-dive interview with Bronte Weir of Below Farm, discussing the innovative techniques used to grow King Oyster Mushrooms in Abu-Dhabi’s desert environment.
What inspired you to start Below Farm in such a challenging environment?
At Below Farm, we grow mushrooms in the desert, bringing the wonders of the fungi kingdom, to the Middle East. Because, until recently, the only mushroom you could find in the UAE supermarket was a white button mushroom. But reducing the vast fungi kingdom and all of the edible mushrooms within it to just that one, is equivalent taking the animal kingdom and all the meat that comes from it, and just eating chicken. There is a huge range of diversity in flavour, texture, preparations and health benefits. We saw an opportunity to establish the region’s first localized mushroom farm: from seed to fruit.
How does the use of upcycled date palm waste contribute to your sustainability goals?
Mushrooms have a unique ability to support both human and planetary health. They can be cultivated following circular principles, upcycling byproducts of other agricultural industries, negating the need for importing virgin materials from overseas and the associated carbon foot print that comes with transport. Additionally, our specialized process allows us to grow without pesticides or fertilizers, using relatively low water (did you know mushrooms need only 10% of the amount of water vs growing tomatoes?). And what I really love, is their reasonably high protein content plus their meaty texture & umami flavour makes them a healthy meat alternative, as well as offering many, varied functional health benefits.
What are the biggest challenges you face in growing King Oyster Mushrooms in the desert?
At Below Farm, we grow many different types of mushrooms. Most of them are happy growing in a space with other varieties. But King Oysters are especially picky on the conditions for growth. Of all the mushrooms that we grow, King Oysters like it the coldest and they enjoy a higher level of carbon dioxide at the initial stage of fruiting. Not only that, they don’t like it too humid – if the moisture levels are too high they get little lumps on their caps, rather than being nice and smooth; but if it’s too dry, they will crack and dry out. Therefore, we have to take extra care with our King Oysters to make sure their conditions are just right!
What are your future plans for Below Farm, especially in terms of expanding mushroom production?
Our mission at Below Farm is to bring the wonders of mushrooms to the UAE population. This includes expanding our existing production facility so we can grow more premium specialty mushrooms right here in the UAE. But also expanding our range to include other mushroom based products, mushroom snacks, soups, chips and so much more! And our ambitions go beyond food – these mushrooms are not only a culinary delight, but provide have immense health benefits. We are developing a range a wellness products that extract the essence of the goodness of mushrooms so that you can access the their benefits with just a few drops a day. Watch this space!
THE INGREDIENT
These mushrooms have a firm texture that holds up well in various cooking methods, making them a favorite in both fine dining and home kitchens. Their flavor is often compared to that of abalone, making them an excellent substitute in vegetarian dishes.
CULTIVATION CHALLENGES
& METHODS
The mushrooms are grown on blocks made from upcycled date palm waste, a sustainable practice that also helps reduce the environmental footprint. The farm’s ability to maintain consistent growing conditions year-round ensures the mushrooms are of the highest quality, with a rich, concentrated flavor.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF
KING OYSTER MUSHROOMS
King oyster mushrooms are packed with antioxidants which help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
These mushrooms are a good source of beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels, promoting better heart health.
King oyster mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that can enhance immune function, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
RECIPE
This issue, we are excited to highlight our dish
Fermented Hummus
This dish is a harmonious blend of hummus, fermented chickpea miso, king oyster mushrooms, brown butter harissa, zaatar mix sauce and the freshly baked Bazlama bread completes the experience.
Each ingredient is carefully selected to elevate the traditional hummus into a gourmet creation, offering a complex yet balanced flavor profile in every bite.
-INGREDIENTS
- Hummus – 100g
- Harissa Paste – 10g
- Zaatar Oil – 10g
- King Oyster Mushrooms – 60g
- Bazlama Bread – 1 piece (or any other flatbread)
- Salt – for seasoning
- Olive Oil – for cooking
-PREPARATION
- Zaatar Oil: In a small bowl, combine Zaatar spices and olive oil, mixing until the oil is infused with the spices.
- King Oyster Mushrooms: Slice the King Oyster mushrooms at a 45-degree angle, making crisscross cuts on the flat side of each slice. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the mushrooms until golden and crispy on the cut side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Hummus: Fill a piping bag with the hummus, ready for plating.
- Bazlama Bread: Warm the Bazlama bread slightly, and tear it into pieces for serving.
-PLATING AND GARNISHING
- Plating the Hummus: On one side of the plate, pipe the hummus into a neat round shape or spread it gently to form a smooth base.
- Harissa Paste: Dollop the harissa paste on top of the hummus, allowing it to swirl into the hummus.
- King Oyster Mushrooms: Arrange the cooked mushrooms neatly around the hummus, layering them carefully for a beautiful presentation.
- Zaatar Oil: Drizzle the Zaatar oil over the mushrooms and hummus to add extra flavor and color.
- Garnishing: Optionally, garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of Zaatar spice. Serve with pieces of Bazlama bread on the side for dipping.
As you savor each bite, you’ll discover the layers of flavor that make this dish truly special. The combination of these carefully curated ingredients offers a taste experience that’s both comforting and adventurous.
CONSUMER
How did you find the flavor and texture of the King Oyster Mushrooms from Below Farm?
“The flavor was amazing—rich and full of umami. The texture was firm and meaty, almost like a high-quality cut of seafood. It really added depth to dish we tried, and it’s hard to believe these mushrooms are grown right here in the desert!”
What impressed you the most about the sustainability practices at Below Farm?
“I was really impressed by how they use upcycled date palm waste as a growing medium. It’s not only sustainable but also shows a creative way of turning what would be waste into something valuable. Plus, the entire process is pesticide-free and uses minimal water—perfect for the UAE’s climate.”
Do you have any suggestions or ideas for how these mushrooms could be featured in future dishes?
“It would be great to see these mushrooms in a variety of plant-based dishes, like a vegan mushroom steak or incorporated into a rich, creamy risotto. Their texture and flavor would also work well in lighter dishes like salads or even as a topping for gourmet pizzas!”
UNTIL NEXT TIME
As we close this second issue of MAGAZINE I, we hope you’ve enjoyed delving into the fascinating world of King Oyster Mushrooms from Below Farm. These mushrooms are a testament to the innovation and dedication required to grow high-quality produce in the UAE’s challenging environment. At Teible, we are proud to feature these mushrooms in our dishes, showcasing the best of what local agriculture has to offer.
Next month, we’ll explore another remarkable ingredient from the region, continuing our journey of celebrating the unique flavors and sustainable practices that define our culinary philosophy. Thank you for joining us on this adventure, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
Contact
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