|
Abstract: Having read, studied and endeavoured to understand the mechanics and scientific technicalities of your industry as detailed in the Fruit Trades Journal Mushroom Supplement issued, I am, to say the very least, amazed at the complexity of producing the humble mushroom for human consumption. The mushroom having been created, nurtured and receiving all the accrued benefits of the techniques of your highly specialized science - picked (with loving care), packed, transported by road, rail and even aircraft - distributed to the retail outlets (as different in character and standards as the contents of an ungraded chip of mushrooms!) is finally at the mercy of the housewife to crush, cut, de-stalk, decapitate according to the instruction contained in the particular recipe of the cookery book or MGA leaflet she may be studying at that moment of time ! This is excellent, for, she, Mrs Housewife, having purchased our humble mushroom is fully entitled to determine how best the transitional operation should be carried out in order to transform the raw commodity into a delectable dish to delight the palate of the family. But it seems that many people engaged in the task of distributing mushrooms are determined to hinder the housewife in her culinary preparations. They drop, throw, shake, smash, sit on, stand on, and yes, even exert excessive pressure on the container in order to generate heat within the consignment of mushrooms - I presume this saves her the task of cooking them! Of course such actions cannot be apportioned to any particular section of the trade - it is a question of 'all have sinned'! In a recent article written by one of your members, the point was made that during the production of mushrooms a moment's carelessness can virtually wipe out an expensive crop. In a similar manner I say that carelessness in handling during distribution, poor stock rotation and inconsistency in freshness and quality standards can just as quickly destroy customer confidence in the very commodity from which the majority present derive their livelihood. With an annual increase in mushroom production estimated at 15% the industry dare not allow any action to continue which may be detrimental, lessen customer confidence, and lead to loss of sales.
Full text download: ISMS subscribers
ISHS members & pay-per-view
Translate:
   |