A family owned heritage: In 1928, they began the tradition of growing “America’s Favorite Mushroom” with the construction of their first mushroom house in Temple, Pennsylvania. Over 90 years and three generations later, the folks at Giorgio continue with a strong commitment to cultivating and delivering multiple varieties of the highest quality mushrooms to the marketplace. Growing, handling, and processing the finest mushrooms depends on combining time-crafted techniques and today’s latest science.
Giorgio controls every step of the growing process: from the nutritional preparation of the growing medium to harvest, washing, and packing. 100% of their mushrooms are hand-picked in controlled growing environments to ensure that they harvest at optimal blooming maturity and appearance.
Their customers have always valued fresh, quality mushrooms for their nutritional benefits and that special ‘umami’ taste quality (delicious, savory, meaty) that makes mushrooms uniquely prized in the culinary world. Their talented R&D team set out to harness these wonderful mushroom benefits to deliver a clean-ingredient portabella jerky that delivers fresh aromatics, bold flavors, and snacking satisfaction. Savory Wild is distributed by Giorgio Foods, Inc., and it is located in Temple, Pennsylvania.
The first review on Savory Wild will focus on a 2 ounce/57 gram bag of their Roasted Garlic & Black Pepper flavored portabella mushroom jerky. This bag was purchased at a Metro grocery store located in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Portabella Mushrooms, Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Sugar, Alcohol [Favour], Vinegar [Acidifier], Latic Acid [Acidifier], Brown Sugar, White Wine Vinegar [Acidifier], Dehydrated Onion and Garlic, Roasted Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spices, Psyllium. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The mushrooms used are portabella mushrooms grown by farmers in the USA. Mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, cholesterol-free, vitamin D, and are high on the minerals iron and selenium. The ingredient rating starts at Very Good (9/10).
The liquid marinade used here consists of a respected brand of tamari soy sauce, healthy white wine vinegar, and healthy extra virgin olive oil.
Some healthy ingredients added are onion powder, garlic powder, roasted garlic, and spices.
Adding psyllium to jerky is an interesting choice, which is known for normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation. Nevertheless, psyllium offers multiple health benefits.
The sugar level is very high at 10 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is acceptable at 320mg of salt per 30 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or have any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SAVORY WILD – ROASTED GARLIC & BLACK PEPPER PORTABELLA MUSHROOM JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell the garlic, at a very good level. The jerky strips are small in size and thin, and they are soft and chewy. There is no oily residue left on your fingers handling these jerky strips.
As I bite into this mushroom “jerky”, I am met with a host of tasty flavors, of which they are salt, potent pepper, strong garlic, some sweet, but not too much, along with an ever so slight kick, not sure where that is coming from.
This mushroom “jerky” is surprising me. Anyone who knows me knows that I am hesitant to call anything other than authentic meat “jerky”, but this flavor is quite alluring. It is making me eat more and more, which I would not normally do if I was eating ordinary mushroom jerky. I love mushrooms, just not in my jerky. Jerky is supposed to be meat, not veggies. However, this particular flavor of portobello mushroom jerky tastes rather spectacular, thereby defecating on my anti “beef” jerky rants of the past. Call me a liar if you must, but this portabella mushroom jerky is duly impressing me, leaving me with nothing to do but congratulate this brand/flavor of jerky, two thumbs up with an Excellent (10/10) rating!!👍👍 Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
The Savory Wild – Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper Portobello Mushroom Jerky has a rich and deep flavor profile. I enjoy the fact that it is not overdone with soy sauce and salt. The earthiness of the mushroom and the seasoning stand nicely in the background while the garlic takes up center stage. The aroma and texture of this mushroom jerky is as wonderful as the taste of this little wonder. I’ve also noticed a bit of a kick, and it is reminiscent of a ginger type of spiciness. It could also be from the garlic, although whatever it is, it is great and I love it.
Portobello mushrooms are fantastic in several applications. They are very meaty packed with umami flavor, and they are considered the steak of mushrooms. They can be treated as such, they are versatile, and they’re great on the grill or dehydrated in jerky.
This Savory Wild – Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper Portobello Mushroom Jerky is without a doubt incredibly tasty, and it is addictive as heck. Like my brother from another mother, Paul, I also believe it deserves two thumbs up and a 10\10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this roasted garlic & black pepper portabella jerky flavor from Savory Wild: “Thanks Stéphane and Paul for the glowing taste reviews. Not being much of a mushroom fan, I finally found mushroom jerky that I enjoy. First, the garlic is at a solid level and is the star of the show. Once again, I was reminded of the beautiful flavor of roasted garlic with its slightly smoky aspect of garlic. The black pepper is at a good level, and the sweetness surprisingly is not too sweet. A respected brand of tamari sauce compliments the overall taste profile.”
“The biggest surprise was the portabella mushrooms. I guess they are the steak of mushrooms. While there is a mushroom taste present, it does not overwhelm me. Plus, the roasted garlic & black pepper flavor itself is top-notch, making this portabella jerky addictive, especially the garlic level. Not as addictive if it were beef jerky, but good knowing that you are eating healthy mushrooms. Our Jerky Ingredients mascot whippet Lexi continues her streak of having zero interest in trying mushroom jerky. A unanimous Excellent (10/10) taste rating is well-deserved, we were quite impressed with this gem.”
Side Note: I have known Stéphane for several years and noticed he had a near identical personality to Paul. I arranged for them to meet once over lunch in 2018, and it was respect at first sight. They always greet each other now as ‘My brother from another mother’, and Stéphane has been a part of poker nights ever since.
This 2 ounce/57 gram bag sold for $8.99, which works out to $4.50 an ounce. That rates as an average price for mushroom jerky.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable professional-looking plastic bag has everything imprinted on to the bag itself, both on the front and back. On the front and back are high-resolution pictures of these portabella mushrooms.
A slogan printed on this bag is “Rich Umami Taste With A Hearty Chew!”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Plant-Based & Vegan”, “High Fibre”, “No Preservatives”, “Gluten-free & Non-GMO”, “No Hydrogenated Oils”, “No MSG”, and “Over a 1/2 LB (227g) of Mushrooms in Every Bag!” A “Grow in America” stamp is displayed on the back.
The only missing bag category is a transparent window to view the actual jerky. A good blurb is printed on the back about this portabella mushroom jerky. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided. You are encouraged to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Leave a Comment