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“A comprehensive and personal tome on the production, business, promotion, and problem solving for the independent mushroom grower.” —Taylor Lockwood, renowned mushroom expert & photographer
Most supermarket mushrooms are bland and boring; products of an industrial process which typically relies on expensive equipment and harmful pesticides. Many people would like to add more flavorful and diverse fungi to their diets, but lack the knowledge or confidence to gather or grow their own. Do-it-yourself cultivation is a fun, exciting way to incorporate a variety of mushrooms into a sustainable lifestyle.
Mycelial Mayhem is a straightforward, no-nonsense resource for the aspiring mushroom grower. This practical guide cuts through much of the confusion surrounding methods and techniques, helping the hobbyist or farmer to:
- Select regionally appropriate species for the home garden, farm-scale production, or an edible landscape
- Practice sustainable, environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, such as companion planting, to combat common garden pests and diseases
- Choose a successful, proven business approach to maximize profit and minimize frustration
Many people find that DIY mushroom cultivation is not nearly as complicated as they expect, but a knowledgeable and experienced mentor is crucial to success. Whether your goal is to harvest homegrown gourmet mushrooms for your table, supplement your income by selling to friends and neighbors, or start a full-fledged niche business, Mycelial Mayhem is packed with the advice and resources you need to succeed with this rewarding and valuable crop.
“After reading Mycelial Mayhem’s approachable primer to this age-old art I’m ready to invite the mysterious and captivating kingdom of fungi right into my own home.” —Langdon Cook, author of The Mushroom Hunters
David Sewak has worked in the conservation field for nearly two decades. Together with Kristin Sewak, he is previous co-owner of Berglorbeer Farma, which specialized in edible mushrooms, heirloom vegetables, native landscape plants and sustainable landscape design. David and Kristin speak on mushroom gathering and indoor and outdoor cultivation techniques at regional and national green living events. David holds a degree in History and Philosophy, and serves on the boards of Somerset Conservation District, Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project, and Natural Biodiversity.
Kristin Sewak is the founder of Natural Biodiversity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring biodiversity within landscapes and involving people in environmental solutions. Together with David Sewak, she is owned Berglorbeer Farma, which specialized in edible mushrooms, heirloom vegetables, native landscape plants and sustainable landscape design. Kristin and David speak on mushroom gathering and indoor and outdoor cultivation techniques at regional and national green living events. Kristin holds a degree in ecology, has graduated from the community leadership initiative of Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce, and is a certified Habitat Stewards Host with the National Wildlife Federation.
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Dave's Mycelial Mayhem Journey
Kristin's Mycelial Mayhem Journey
Section I: Mycelia
1. Why Mushrooms?
Why Not Mushrooms?
Mushrooms Are Part of Our Fabric
Mushrooms for the Future
On the Mushroom Path
2. Mushroom Basics
Fungi: A Kingdom of Its Own
Mushroom Structure and Life Cycle
Relevance of the Life Cycle to Cultivation and Harvest
Facilitating Growth and Reproduction
Fungi in Our Ecosystems
Mushroom Life Cycle and Ecology as Teacher
Section II: The Stem
3. Growing Mushrooms
The Assessment
Outdoor Cultivation
Wine Caps (Stropharia rugoso annulata)
Oysters
Pink Oyster (Pleurotus djamor)
Italian Oyster (Pleurotus pulmonarius)
Golden Oyster (Pleurotus cornucopiae)
King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii)
Nameko (Pholiota nameko)
Pioppino or Black Poplar (Agrocybe aegerita)
Lion's Mane or Hericium (Hericium erinaceus)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Maitake
Black, Yellow, and Grey Morels (Morchella angusticeps, M. esculenta and M. deliciosa)
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Indoor Cultivation: The Mayhem Within
4. Wild Collecting and Purveying
Tenets to Follow When Collecting Wild Mushrooms
Tenets to Follow When Purveying Wild-collected Mushrooms
5. Companion Planting and Other Sustainable Methods
Systems Thinking: It's Not Just About the Mushrooms
What's the Difference? Economics vs. Ecology
What's the Difference? Sustainability vs. Resilience
Biomimicry
Permaculture Principles
Putting It All Together: Resilient Design
Applications for Mushroom Growing
Composting
Recycling Spent Growing Medium
Materials and Energy Reduction
Business Resilience
Sharing Your Bounty
Section III: The Fruit of Your Labor
6. Umami of Edible Mushrooms
What Is Umami?
From Harvest to Feast: Handling Mushrooms for the Best Umami
Complementary Food Pairings for Umami and Health
The Taste, Texture and Presentation of Specific Mushrooms
Culinary Supplements
Recipes
7. Nutritional Benefits of Mushrooms
Nutrition and Medicine
Nutritional Content of Mushrooms
The Known Benefits
The Super Seven Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms' Major Health Improvement Functions
How to Maximize Nutritional Content
Cautions
8. Niche Business or Supplemental Income
Mushrooms As a Business?
Knowing How to Grow
Formulating Your Idea
Evaluating Your Market: Conducting a Market Analysis
Getting Started
9. Marketing Mushrooms
Challenges and Opportunities
Developing Your Story
Traditional Advertising
Target Marketing and Understanding Your Unique Market
Crafting Your Online Presence
Collaboration
Face Time
Developing Your Unique Marketing Strategy
Evaluating Your Efforts
Looking Forward and Anticipating Change
Section IV: Spreading the Spores
10. Conclusion: Spread Your Spores
Appendix: Marketing and Communications Materials
North American Resources by Subject
References
Index
About the Authors