Processed Asian Foods in Australia – An update

Figure 6.41 Asian specialty mushrooms - wood ear annual import values
for selected years 2003-2008
0.40
0.35
0.30
Value ($A millions)
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008)
e. Exports
It is not possible to determine from the ABS export data if any wood ear products are exported.
f. Historical trends
Since 2003, the demand for wood ear mushrooms has increased strongly in terms of both volume and
value. While the import volume and value have increased, the average value of these imports has also
increased. During this period, the average value of imports decreased by 15%, from A$8.80/kg in 2003
to A$7.50/kg in 2008. However, the rate of growth of imports has increased over more recent years.
During the three year period of 2006-2008, the CAGR was 48% by volume and 40% by value.
6.12 Asian mushrooms – jelly fungus (Tremella sp.)
a. Description
Jelly fungus is similar to wood ear but are a slightly finer form and are white or translucent in colour
(Plate 6.11). As with wood ears, they are soaked in water to rehydrate, and are then used in Asian
cooking for texture, nutrition and colour.
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