Mushrooms have long been praised for their nutritional and medicinal benefits, including high protein content, immune-boosting properties, and a rich mineral profile. However, their limited shelf life, irregular availability, and relatively higher cost have restricted their inclusion in everyday Indian diets. Most people remain unaware of the potential of dried mushrooms and how they can be easily incorporated into daily meals without compromising on flavor.
To address this gap, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) developed Arka Mushroom Chutney Powder, an innovative range of value-added products that make mushroom consumption more accessible, practical, and delicious.
From Fresh Mushrooms to Flavorful Chutney
Arka Mushroom Chutney Powder is a creative fusion of food science and tradition. It transforms dried oyster mushrooms into a versatile chutney powder, or chutney podi, by blending them with roasted Indian spices, herbs, and seeds. The result is a flavorful, ready-to-use powder that can enhance any meal with minimal effort.
These chutney powders are high in essential nutrients and have a shelf life of up to three months at room temperature—longer if refrigerated—thanks to the use of dehydrated mushrooms. This makes them especially suitable for both urban households and rural areas with limited refrigeration access.
Seven Variants, One Purpose: Better Nutrition and Taste
There are seven unique variants in the Arka Mushroom Chutney Powder range, each offering a balance of flavor and health:
-
Mushroom Coconut Chutney Powder – Combines mushrooms with roasted coconut, garlic, and chilies for a savory flavor, perfect with rice or idli.
-
Mushroom Groundnut Chutney Powder – A hearty mix of protein-rich groundnuts and mushrooms, delivering an earthy taste.
-
Mushroom White Sesame Chutney Powder – A calcium- and iron-rich blend with a nutty taste from white sesame seeds.
-
Mushroom Black Sesame Chutney Powder – Offers a darker, deeper sesame flavor paired with nutritional benefits.
-
Mushroom Flaxseed Chutney Powder – Packed with fiber and omega-3s, ideal for heart health.
-
Mushroom Moringa Leaf Chutney Powder – Combines mushrooms with moringa, a superfood rich in vitamins and minerals.
-
Mushroom Brahmi Chutney Powder – Fuses brain-boosting Brahmi leaves with coconut and chana dal for therapeutic benefits.
Each powder is prepared by dry-roasting ingredients like tamarind, garlic, cumin, and chilies, then blending them into a coarse, flavorful mix. These powders can be consumed daily with rice, roti, dosa, curd, or buttermilk—adding both taste and nutrition.
Empowering Communities Through Nutrition and Livelihood
Beyond its nutritional value, Arka Mushroom Chutney Powder presents a scalable livelihood opportunity, especially for women self-help groups (SHGs), war widows, disabled veterans, and rural entrepreneurs. The simple, low-cost production process makes it an ideal micro-enterprise model for small-scale food processors.
Its potential also extends to institutional nutrition programs, including mid-day meals in schools and defense rations, helping to combat malnutrition without altering traditional dietary patterns. Its convenience, health benefits, and cultural alignment make it a smart addition to public nutrition initiatives.
