Tastes of Trivandrum: Koonpura, The House Of Mushrooms

When we hear the name ‘Koonpura', we think it is a place where only mushrooms are grown. I was delighted to see the different varieties of snacks, pickles, and other items made here. The cutlets, samosas and bondas made with mushrooms are tastier than the cutlets made with other vegetables. The lists of food products made with mushrooms are much more than these snacks.

Functioning at Kuttikadu Lane, Kaimanom, Koonpura was started by Mushroom Farmers and Byproducts Producers Welfare Society headed by Jose Prakash. This society imparts training in mushroom farming to its members and also helps them find self employment. Snacks and other food items are made of mushrooms grown in Koonpura. 

The society also supplies fresh mushrooms as well as mushroom-made products to various bakeries, super markets and hotels. Other products include the unique Mushroom halwa apart from Mushroom soup powder, pappad, pickles and chutney powder. Mushroom Vita and Mushroom Rasayanam are excellent for health. Jose Prakash has introduced Mushroom soap and herbal oil and is experimenting to make various other products like toothpaste, ice cream, biscuits and biriyani - all with mushrooms.

Though there is a big demand for Koonpura products, many people are not aware of the fine qualities of mushrooms. The society is trying to educate the public about why mushrooms should form a part of their daily food. High in medicinal value, daily intake of mushrooms reduces the risk of cholesterol and heart attacks.

Koonpura welcomes customers to their outlet at Kaimanom, which opens by 8 in the morning. Visit Koonpura and relish some delicious snacks. For healthy living, make mushrooms a part of your daily diet!

Published in yentha.com