Shiitake farmer looking to build on her mushrooming success

For Kaori Nukui, farming is a creative endeavor. She produces Japanese tea and log-grown shiitake mushrooms, but she does it in a way that allows her to make unique products with a playful twist.Two of the products in the range created by Nukui, a 41-year-old former public relations consultant from Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, are "dashi" stock powder packed with the tasty umami flavor derived from shiitake, and roasted-tea-flavored craft beer."As a farmer, I want people to enjoy what we make. That drive has led me to propose various ways of appreciating (our products)," Nukui said.Other …READ FULL ARTICLE