An artificial boletus cultivation facility in WEDZ. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
The Hongzhen Boletus (Wuhan) Factory in Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) is on track for completion by the end of this year, with trial operations slated to begin in June next year.
This state-of-the-art facility is designed with dedicated areas for raw material fermentation, mushroom strain research and development, factory production, packaging and processing, cold chain storage, and comprehensive services.
It will become the largest boletus production base in Central China, boasting a daily output of 15 metric tons of fresh boletus, an annual production capacity of approximately 5,250 tons, and an estimated annual revenue of about 450 million yuan ($67 million).
The factory will employ advanced intelligent equipment to simulate the environmental conditions necessary for boletus growth — such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels — enabling year-round mushroom production. The growth cycle of boletus is meticulously controlled at 45 days, ensuring a continuous fresh supply.
Artificially cultivated boletus offers a notably crisper, more tender, and smoother texture, with minimal water release during cooking. "Our mushrooms contain no insect damage, sand, pesticide residues, or heavy metal contamination, making them safer and more reliable than their wild counterparts," said Tang Wei, head of the Wuhan factory.
The factory plans to establish sales outlets across Hubei, Hunan, Henan, and other provinces, catering to supermarkets, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms.
