Pop-up at Iron Ox Farm, Hamilton, MA, Saturday, November 18, 10am - 1pm
Pickup at Natick Community Organic Farm, Monday, November 20, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Pop-up at Lexington Farmers Market, Lexington, MA, Tuesday, November 21, Noon - 4pm
Pickup at Hill Orchard, Westford, MA, Tuesday, November 21, 2 - 6pm
]]>I understand that once I purchase my CSA share, I have committed to the CSA for the season, and there are no full or partial refunds if I choose to cancel.
I know that I am unable to change my pickup location or time once I commit to a specific share.
I understand that the start and end dates of each CSA share are fixed.
If I join after the program starts, my share will be doubled weekly until I am caught up with the CSA share schedule.
Upon purchasing a CSA share, I agree to be added to a weekly email list to receive pickup reminder emails.
I must pick up my CSA share at the pick up location selected when purchasing my share. No changes are permitted.
It is my responsibility to pick up my share within the pickup window listed on my share's product page on the Fat Moon website and in the weekly reminder emails.
If I (or a designee) cannot pick up my share within the designated time frame, I agree to my share being donated.
NOTE: If you do not receive the email communication from Fat Moon, it is your responsibility to contact us and let us know. Email is Fat Moon’s primary communication method.
I understand there is variability involved with growing fresh mushrooms. Therefore, my share may contain a variety of mushroom types each week.
I understand there is a possibility of poor harvest or total crop loss due to natural disasters and uncontrollable circumstances on the grower's part.
If that is the case, I understand the grower will do their best to make amends, but I am not entitled to a refund.
Fat Moon Farm’s Online Store powered by Shopify requires the customer to enter their name, address, telephone number and email address in order to purchase products online. We do not rent or sell your email address to anyone.
Source: These guidelines are inspired by the CSA Terms and Conditions created by Five Fork Farm. Thank you.
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Farmer Elizabeth shared an abundance of her favorite 'shroom resources. Whether you're an aspiring mushroom farmer, or a curious learner, check these fun(gi) items out!
Foraging Books:
Mushrooms of the Northeast: North America, Midwest to New England
Fungi-Themed Books:
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms
Documentary:
Mushroom Life Cycle:
Fat Moon Shiitake Spore Release
Fat Moon Oyster Meditation Video
Life Cycle of a Mushroom
Spore Dispersal
Another Spore Dispersal
Spore Release Video
Mycelial Expansion
Hyphal Knots
Primordia Formation
Fruitbody Formation
Nutrition:
Mushroom Council
Sun’s Effect on Vitamin D Content of Dried Mushrooms
Shiitake Feature in Debra’s Newsletter
Lion's Mane Feature in Debra's Newsletter
Cancer Risk Reduction
Mushroom Recipes
Tissue Cultures and Innoculation
Tissue Culture Instructions
Log Inoculation
Spore Prints
Our Spore Print Guide
Martha Stewart Spore Print Artwork
Additional Resources
Paul Stamets’ TED Talk: 6 Ways Mushrooms can Save the World
North Spore Spawn
Field & Forest
Now that you've learned about Farmer Elizabeth's journey into the fabulous world of fungi, it's your turn! Grow your green thumb from the comfort of your kitchen with a fan favorite- our mushroom grow blocks.
Take 10% off of mushroom grow blocks with code "STILLCURIOUS".
Show your Fat Moon pride with one of our super soft tees or versatile hats!
We are so excited and proud to be introducing Kim Kneeland, our Farm Manager!
In the fall of 2021, Fat Moon production crossed a critical and long hoped for threshold, allowing us to welcome a full time employee to the crew.
While you may have seen or interacted with Kim already, since she is, as she describes it, the "all purpose, ever ready Swiss army knife" in at the farm, we wanted to provide a formal introduction to this dynamo helping to drive our production.
Take a moment to learn more about Kim below!
Q: How did Farmer Elizabeth and Kim meet?
A: Kim and Farmer Elizabeth connected at a "Women Who Inspire" group meeting, where they started sharing ideas and a partnership blossomed.
Kim joins us from Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, and it was while working there that her interest in growing mushrooms, and her understanding of the importance of fungi in soils, as well as for human health, was sparked.
Q: Why does Kim love the world of local agriculture?
A: There’s no wonder why she found herself working in the world of organic farming and local food.
Kim loves everything about food- how it’s grown, how it creates community, how it nourishes us, how it brings us together, and how fun it is to create something in the kitchen.
And, how when done intentionally and in concert with nature’s rhythms, like we do here at the farm, producing food can also create sustainable, resilient landscapes!
Q: What does the role of Farm Manager look like for Kim?
A: Once hired, Kim didn't waste any time; she immediately started refining our operations.
She has helped increase both capacity and efficiency, opening doors to new initiatives as well as expanded production.
And, she makes time at the farm simply more fun!
Q: What's Kim's favorite mushroom recipe?
A: For Kim, savory dishes are her favorite, especially these Cheesy Mushroom Puffs. This recipe is easy to prep the day before and bake the day of, or even take with you and bake at a party.
Kim's whole family is obsessed with this snackable, bite-sized appetizer and gobbles these puffs up right out of the oven.
Click here for photos of the recipe and process. Kim's recipe is based off of the recipe from that page, but Kim says she "never actually follows a recipe", so this recipe is her take on their base!
To keep up with Kim and the rest of the farm crew, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages. Plus, learn more about the rest of our team here!
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Why do you enjoy working in local agriculture?
There are so many reasons why I love working in local agriculture. It's an incredibly exciting time to be a farmer.
Not only has there never before been so much information, creativity, and innovation surrounding farming, but the push towards local and sustainable farming is a necessity for a greener and more prosperous future.
Providing our communities with fresh and nutritious food is incredibly fulfilling work. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to learn and grow my skills as a farmer.
What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities at the farm?
As Production Manager, I have a few roles here at the farm. Primarily, I'm in charge of cultivation.
This includes incubating and starting the grow blocks, monitoring the environmental conditions and mushrooms, and harvesting mushrooms.
Additionally I work with documenting our growing methods, research and development, and working on integrating sensors and technology to help make data driven decisions to maximize our yields and productivity.
Finally, the most important question- which Fat Moon mushroom is your favorite?
It's hard to just pick one, but my favorite mushroom would have to be the king oyster.
The density of this mushroom makes it excellent for searing and braising which help to bring out and incorporate its sweet, nutty, and meaty flavors.
To keep up with Owen and the rest of the farm crew, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages. Plus, learn more about the rest of our team here!
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Learn More
Care & Keeping
Health & Wellbeing
How Mushrooms Can Improve Health
Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms
Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
All About Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Scrumptious Recipes
'Shroom Science
Future CSAs
Spring & Summer 2023 CSA Partners
Fat Moon Family
Subscribe to our Email Newsletter
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You can expect to pick up a variety of fresh mushrooms each week. The price and duration of each CSA will vary by location. The kind of mushroom you receive depends on what is growing in abundance at the farm! Fat Moon partners with other local farms to be a part of their weekly CSAs. Customers of these farms receive produce from the farm, as well as Fat Moon mushrooms.
Already know you'd love to participate? Sign up here! And, read on for a list of our CSA partners for the summer months.
1. Enjoy a Warm Meal 🍜
A warm dinner is good for the stomach and the soul. Try out these cozy recipes to bring a little more comfort to your typical mealtime routine.
2. Remember to Breathe 🧘
Breathing regulates our nervous system, calming our brains and bodies. Take five minutes today to breathe. Perhaps you will gain some new perspective on a problem you have been working through.
One of our favorite breathing techniques is breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and breathing out for 8 seconds.
While you're breathing, put this marvelous Mushroom Meditation in the background! Special thanks to our friend Suzanne Eaton!
3. Take Time to Rest 🛋️
With the cool weather, our bodies are naturally inclined to spend more time resting and enjoying the warmth of our homes.
Challenge yourself to spend an extra few minutes each day honoring this need for rest. Catch up on a favorite show, take a nap on your couch, or cuddle up with a pet.
And, skip the long lines at the store and continue this rest by ordering from home. We are selling Grow Kits and Gift Cards. Order online and we'll take care of packing and shipping for you!
Which tip is your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment!
And, share the wealth by sending this post to a friend or posting your favorite tip to social media! Be sure to tag us, @fatmoonmushrooms and #fatmoonmushrooms.
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'Shrooms lend themselves to plenty of puns, wordplay, and humor, whether in their name or appearance.
Whether you are looking for a quick pick-me-up or want to share a laugh with a mycophile in your life, you've come to the right place.
In this blog, we're sharing our favorite mushroom jokes that will leave you laughing out loud.
1. Inquisitive Fungi 🤔
2. Furniture for Fungi 🛋️
3. Too Mush Traffic 🚗
4. Fungi Family 🧒
5. 'Shroom Speeding Ticket 💨
6. Tidying the Grow Room 🧹
7. Mush to Learn 📚
Looking for more fun(gi)? Grab a DIY mushroom grow kit, learn how to make spore prints, and/or check out our YouTube Channel!
'Shroom Joke Source: Scary Mommy
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Our Model:
Testimonials:
"We've worked with other mushroom growers and Fat Moon Farm has the best product quality and customer service by far.
Elizabeth and Kim are highly professional and responsive, and our CSA members are very satisfied with the interesting diversity of mushrooms each week.
This is an easy add-on share we can offer for each of our four CSA seasons. It's a no-brainer - the mushrooms are delicious!" - Brittany Overshiner, Farmer @ Upswing Farm (Pepperell)
"We offered a 10-week spring and a10-week fall mushroom CSA to our customers and we plan to do a similar offering this year.
We really appreciate the financial advantage of selling the mushrooms upfront as we are able to sell more than we would opt to order for our farm stand if they were not pre-sold.
Kim and Elizabeth were clear and prompt communicators, deliveries were ALWAYS on time, and the mushrooms were delicious!
They also labeled mushroom bags when needed and changed our delivery schedule when our store schedule changed." - Melissa Maxwell, Farmer @ Barrett’s Mill Farm (Concord)
"The Fat Moon Farm Mushroom CSA was an all around winner at LexFarm. The mushroom varieties were diverse and abundant.
Fat Moon Farm was easy to work with, the delivery and distribution each week was seamless.
Customers couldn't get enough of their weekly mushrooms and it helped draw new people into our farm stand, a win-win for us all." - Miranda Lachman, 2022 CSA Manager @ Lexington Community Farm (Lexington)
]]>Growing mushrooms from spores is a challenge worth taking on for experienced mushroom connoisseurs! Learn more below about growing your very own mushrooms from spores.
Q: What are Spores?
A: Spores are microscopic organisms that provide a blueprint for the growth of a new mushroom. Depending on the size, mushroom caps may host millions of spores ready to germinate.
The process of successfully growing mushrooms from spores is somewhat tedious, but rewarding, one when done properly. See our blog post about creating a spore print here (link blog) to get started before you can begin the cultivating process.
Q: How do I Start Growing Mushrooms from Spores?
A: There are two ways to start the process of germinating the spores that you have collected.
Method 1: Many beginner growers simply spread the tiny spores over a container of soil with compost mixed in.
The key component to seeing mushrooms pop up is giving the spores warmth and moisture. Mushrooms thrive in humid conditions. Also, be sure that the container isn’t in direct sunlight.
The time it takes for mushrooms to emerge varies, so patience is key!
Method 2: For more novice growers, you can create a spore syringe. This method is slightly more challenging, as contamination is possible.
Make sure you use a sterile syringe- placing the tip in flames for a few seconds should do the job. Additionally, be sure to use distilled water that has been boiled to remove all possible contaminants.
Fill a sterile syringe with cooled distilled water. Combine half of the water in the syringe with the spores in a sterile glass.
To do so, shoot half of the water from the syringe into a sterile glass, then scrape the spores from the paper towel into the glass using a sterile utensil. Now draw the spore and water mixture back into the syringe.
Q: Is There Anything Else I Need to Know to Ensure Success?
A: Spores require another substance other than light to successfully germinate. Common substances include sawdust, straw, coffee grounds, and grain.
Spawn is created when you blend the spores with said substance. This spawn allows mycelium to grow, which is the fungus that will grow mushrooms!
In order to start the fruiting process, inject the spore syringe into the substance of your choice. Creating your own spawn must be done in a sterile environment and may present several challenges.
Q: What if I Still Have Questions?
A: There is a lot of useful information on the internet about creating your own spawn. We suggest looking into it and doing additional research before getting started.
This process has many variables, and is certainly not a beginner activity. Extensive research is recommended before attempting to grow your own mushrooms from spores.
If this activity seems daunting, our grow kits are a great way to start learning about the mushroom growth process!
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Over the course of the season, you have expanded your 'shroom palate and sampled many of these varieties:
Shiitake, Blue Oyster, Yellow Oyster, Chestnut, Lion's Mane, King Trumpets, Black Pearl, and Pioppino
And, you have supported a female owned business that values sustainability, organic farming, and local food systems. Thank you for joining us this season and prioritizing these values alongside us. We are so grateful for you.
Want to join our CSA again? Reserve your spot here. And, if you want to try your hand at growing your own mushrooms, consider joining our GYO Mushroom classes or purchasing a Grow Kit. Finally, be sure to subscribe to our email list for more 'shroom updates!
Mush Love, Farmer Elizabeth & the Crew at Fat Moon
More Offerings from Fat Moon Farm:
Explore our varieties and learn new facts about fungi 🍄
Grow your own mushrooms at home with our Grow Kits 📦
Attract earthworms to your garden with our compost 🪱
Show your support with Fat Moon Merch 👕
Try out our mushrooms at a local restaurant 🍝
And, find creative new ways to consume 'shrooms with our recipes 🥣
We welcome recipe submissions from our customers. If you make a dish that is exceptionally tasty, write up the recipe, snap a picture, and email it to us. You can also tag us on Instagram, @fatmoonmushrooms and #fatmoonmushrooms, and Facebook.
]]>Fat Moon Farm’s organic mushrooms are known for their freshness, nutrition, uniqueness, and beauty. We can't wait for you to experience the flavor of our gourmet mushrooms. Your purchase supports an independent, female-owned business.
Over the course of the season, you will sample many of these varieties:
Shiitake, Blue Oyster, Yellow Oyster, Chestnut, Lion's Mane, King Trumpets, Black Pearl, and Pioppino
Your mushrooms will arrive in a paper bag, the ideal way to store them. The good news is that by storing them in a paper bag, they have a long shelf life. And if you forget about them and discover they have dried? No problem- you now have dried mushrooms! Find more information about mushroom storage here.
Want to learn more? Check out our FAQ Page here!
While you wait for first share of mushrooms, here's more about the farm and our founder, Elizabeth Almeida.
Fat Moon Farm:
Elizabeth was eager to begin a farm of her own, but was faced with a challenge: Finding a crop that didn’t require sunlight or a lot of land.
While attempting to solve this puzzle, Elizabeth bought her son a grow-your-own mushroom kit from Wegmans. She looked at the kit and it hit her: "Mushrooms!"
With a YouTube crash course and help from a local mushroom producer, Elizabeth began commercial 'shroom production in 2016.
Read more about our growing methods and our staff here.
Farmer Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Almeida has been devoted to food, farming, family, and community throughout her life.
Through her time growing up on a family farm, working for a caterer, researching in a food science lab, and volunteering in Appalachia, Farmer Elizabeth developed a passion for food and environmental justice.
She lives out these values at Fat Moon, where she produces the healthiest mushrooms, recycles waste into a compost for local farms and gardens, and provides jobs for her community.
Learn more about Elizabeth here.
More Offerings From the Farm:
Explore our varieties and learn new facts about fungi 🍄
Grow your own mushrooms at home with our Grow Kits 📦
Attract earthworms to your garden with our compost 🪱
Show your support with Fat Moon Merch 👕
Try out our mushrooms at a local restaurant 🍝
And, find creative new ways to consume 'shrooms with our recipes 🥣
We welcome recipe submissions from our customers. If you make a dish that is exceptionally tasty, write up the recipe, snap a picture, and email it to us. You can also tag us on Instagram, @fatmoonmushrooms and #fatmoonmushrooms, and Facebook.
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Happy December mushroom lovers!
Fat Moon Farm is excited to welcome the month of December with The 12 Days of Mushrooms.
For the first 12 days of the month, we are featuring our favorite mushroom products that are available for purchase this holiday season.
From Aunt Mary who's honing in on her home gardening skills, to Cousin Jamie who's an avid beanie wearer, this list has a mushroom product for all of your loved ones.
Check out our 12 Days of Mushrooms here. Clicking on any of the images will lead you directly to the product's page on our site.
And, head over to our Instagram, Facebook, and Email List to keep up with the fun!
Fat Moon Farm is a female owned business. We grow fresh, organic mushrooms sustainably. We are passionate about the benefits of local food systems.
As our customers, we know you appreciate these values, as well. So, this year, spend your holiday dollars in a way that aligns with your values of shopping locally and sustainably.
And, there is no better place to start than our 12 Days of Mushrooms! This list is packed with creative ideas, from our marvelous organic mushrooms to local restaurants and farmstands that would love to have your business.
Thank you for your continued support.
]]>Fat Moon Farm is a female owned business. We grow fresh, organic mushrooms sustainably. We are passionate about the benefits of local food systems.
As our customers, we know you appreciate these values, as well. So, this year, spend your holiday dollars in a way that aligns with your values of shopping locally and sustainably.
And, there is no better place to start than our Holiday Gift Guide! This guide is packed with creative ideas, from our marvelous organic mushrooms to local restaurants and farmstands that would love to have your business.
Thank you for your continued support. Check out our Gift Guide below!
Whether they are used to complement a creamy risotto or top a juicy slice of deep dish pizza, mushrooms are a classic crowd-pleaser.
Although mushrooms may be known for their earthy taste, there are many more creative uses for mushrooms that can improve physical and mental well-being.
In addition to being a favorite healthy treat of ours, mushrooms are actually an incredibly popular staple in the health and wellness community for good reason.
So, let’s dig in and learn about all the health benefits mushrooms have to offer.
With new research linking gut health to overall physical and mental health, now is the perfect time to eat foods that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
In addition to mushrooms being a fantastic source of protein and fiber, we also love the prebiotics and beta-glucans mushrooms contain.
Prebiotics and beta-glucans are important when it comes to lowering cholesterol, promoting heart health, and banishing even the toughest of toxins.
Not only can a healthy gut vastly improve overall physical health, good gut health is specifically a major contributor to a powerful immune system.
Mushrooms provide a neat two-for-one deal, balancing your gut while simultaneously preventing future illness and disease.
Packing a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamins, mushrooms are small but significantly beneficial to warding off illness.
Looking for a way to add more Vitamin B, potassium, and copper in your life? Look no further than the mushroom!
And, these particular vitamins and minerals specifically contribute to the improvement and maintenance of muscular, nervous, and digestive system health.
How can pregnant women promote healthy fetal brain and spine development? Folic acid supplements!
However, not only can folate, a B vitamin, be found in pill form, but also in mushrooms.
Baby’s brain is strengthened, while mom gets to enjoy an easy and tasty snack- a true win-win situation.
People in active cancer treatment are turning to mushrooms for a health boost.
These patients have experienced increased mental clarity, decreased drowsiness, and restored appetites when combining mushroom consumption with cancer treatment.
Tiny but mighty, we are forever in awe of the power of the mushroom.
Simply put, mushrooms can be used for the prevention of a variety of common health issues.
From promoting body system wellbeing, to being an excellent source of minerals and vitamins, to naturally preventing illnesses, mushrooms are the true superheroes of the fungi community.
Looking to try out the benefits of mushrooms for yourself? Check out the “Buy” dropdown menu to see which of our locally farmed mushrooms are available today!
Article Sources:
1 Jayachandran, Muthukumaran, et al. "A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota." National Library of Medicine. PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2022.
2 Goldman, Rena. "https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-mushrooms-good-for-you." Edited by Natalie Butler. Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 May 2016, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-mushrooms-good-for-you#How-to-eat-mushrooms. Accessed 4 Aug. 2022.
3 Geng, Caitlin. "What foods are high in folate, and what are its benefits?" Edited by Grant Tinsley. Medical News Today, Healthline Today, 16 Dec. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287677#benefits. Accessed 4 Aug. 2022.
4 Ware, Megan. "What is the Nutritional Value of Mushrooms?" Edited by Katherine Marengo. Medical News Today, Healthline Media, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278858. Accessed 4 Aug. 2022.
5 Alexander, Heather. "Can mushrooms help during cancer treatment?" The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 14 Apr. 2021, www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/can-medicinal-mushrooms-help-during-cancer-treatment.h00-159460056.html. Accessed 4 Aug. 2022.
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Looking for an affordable and sustainable way to grow mushrooms? Want to support Fat Moon Farm? Need a gift that keeps on giving?
Check out our Second Flush Grow Blocks! These blocks have already supplied a first round of mushrooms, but still have plenty of life left in them.
So, why should you try growing mushrooms with one of our second flush grow kits?
Our blocks are perfect for a gardening newbie. They can be planted in either a compost pile or garden. Then, the rain and temperature do the work for you!
At only five dollars, our second flush grow blocks give you the most bang for your buck. If you want to try out our products at a low cost, look no further than these kits!
Keeping these blocks in our grow room for extra time can lead to contamination. Your purchase of these blocks will keep our mushrooms fresh for you. And, you can enjoy our still perfectly usable blocks.
Why stop at a second flush? Second flush grow blocks can be used to grow mushrooms again and again. Each flush provides less mushrooms, but third, fourth, and fifth flushes are possible!
Looking to attract worms to your garden? There is nothing worms love more than mushrooms. These little guys love to find a home under our second flush grow kits. You help them, and they help your soil! Check out a video of worms loving our grow blocks here.
Interested in trying mushroom farming with our kits? Purchase your very own second flush grow block and see how fun and rewarding these blocks can be!
*Please note: If growing mushrooms outside, you are responsible for positively confirming the identity of the mushroom before consumption. Note that once the grow kits are unwrapped and placed on the ground, other types of fungus will begin to colonize the blocks.
Looking for specific instructions to help you set up your second flush grow kit? Read our article here to find guidelines catered to each mushroom variety! And, take a look at this video of Farmer Elizabeth sharing more about our grow blocks!]]>
Today on the Fat Moon Farm blog, we are going to introduce you to the easiest, freshest, and tastiest ways to reap the benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
We farmers at Fat Moon remember learning about the abundance of health benefits Lion’s Mane mushrooms offer for the first time. We researched, took notes, and tried them for ourselves. While rewarding in the end, it can feel overwhelming at first.
In this simple guide, we will cut to the chase and tell you why we love Lion’s Mane mushrooms so much and how to enjoy the benefits for yourself.
And, check out our instructional video on growing Lion's Mane yourself here!
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
So, what are Lion’s Mane mushrooms anyway?
Lion’s Mane mushrooms, or yamabushitake, are white, furry looking mushrooms. Part of the Hericium species, they grow on hardwood trees and are native to New England, making them ideal candidates to grow at home. They especially love the cool, autumn weather.
What makes these mushrooms so special, though, is not their unique appearance or fondness for growing on decaying trees.
These mushrooms can help prevent illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, promote positive mental health outcomes, and reduce overall inflammation.
Now that we have introduced the beautiful Lion’s Mane mushroom to you, let’s talk about how to add this special mushroom into your diet
Introducing Lion’s Mane into Your Life
First, consider growing Lion’s Mane at home. Growing your own mushrooms is simple, easy, and convenient. Not having to run to the grocery store is a huge time saver. Homegrown produce gives you big health benefits with no travel necessary.
And, did we mention the freshness that comes from homegrown mushrooms? It is impossible to compete with the flavor and texture that fresh produce brings. What better way to ensure peak freshness than by growing mushrooms right in your own home?
Plus, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor right away, instead of taking a chance on a store not having the fungi you are looking for!
Lastly, give the delicious flavor of Lion’s Mane a try by using the mushroom as a creative meal option. Lion’s Mane is salty, much like your favorite seafood, and tastes amazing pan-fried with vegetables, baked into nuggets, or blended into a sauce.
Our personal favorite use of Lion’s Mane is in these delectable imitation lobster rolls.
In Conclusion
At Fat Moon Farm, we believe the beginning of a journey is the most important part, so we were thrilled to share this Beginner's Guide with you. We hope this guide inspired you to start incorporating Lion’s Mane mushrooms into your health routine.
As we discussed in this guide, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are an integral part of both mind and body wellness. They not only can prevent future disease, but also boost your immune system now.
And, if you want to grow your very own Lion’s Mane mushrooms, check out our grow kit here.
Article Sources:
1 Featherstone, Nicky. "Where To Find Lion's Mane Mushrooms?" Forest Wildlife, 14 Oct. 2021, www.forestwildlife.org/where-to-find-lions-mane-mushrooms/. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
2 Julson, Erica. "9 Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects)." Healthline, 19 May 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
3 "10 Best Lion's Mane Mushroom Recipes." Insanely Good Recipes, 24 June 2022, insanelygoodrecipes.com/lions-mane-mushroom-recipes/. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
Nothing beats the joy that comes from growing and harvesting your very own crops.
Hey, after growing mushrooms for the first time, our founder, Elizabeth made organic farming into a full time career!
So, why should you try growing your own mushrooms from home?
Already explored arts and crafts, listening to podcasts, and reorganizing your pantry? Try out growing your own mushrooms as a boredom buster!
This low effort, high reward hobby will not only grow your green thumb, but also make your mouth water.
Make expensive activities that only keep kiddos occupied for an hour a thing of the past.
A one time purchase of a Mushroom Grow Kit provides seven days of mushroom growing fun, making for the perfect affordable family activity!
It’s time to spice up your go-to dishes. Throw in some mushrooms to that soup, salad, or sandwich and watch an old stand by become an exciting new favorite.
And, you don’t even have to go to the store to do so, the convenience of your homegrown mushrooms will do just the trick.
Sick of not knowing which pesticides are on your produce? When growing your very own mushrooms, you can be in charge of the growth process from start to finish.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about mystery additives and the funky side effects they can bring to the table.
Growing your own mushrooms is an amazing way to shrink your ecological footprint- your personal contribution to environmental waste.
Skip the fossil fuel usage needed to deliver your produce, and cultivate and harvest your very own mushrooms from home.
Don’t just take our word for it, though, you can check out our kits here and see how easy and fun the mushroom growing process is for yourself!
Already have experience growing your own crops? If you’re curious about transitioning your hobby into a career, you can read more about Elizabeth’s journey into the organic farming industry here.
Article Sources:
1 Qutab, Marina. "How Growing Your Own Food Can Benefit the Planet and Why You Should Consider It." One Green Planet, 5 Aug. 2021, www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/how-growing-your-own-food-can-benefit-the-planet/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2022.
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As our summer season winds down, we invite you to join us for our first Oysterpalooza! For ten days on social media and in our emails, we'll feature and celebrate the lovely Blue Oyster Mushroom, the workhorse and hero of our summer mushroom production!
You may have noticed more of these in our recent mixes and CSA shares. This is because they are the most tolerant of the summer temperatures, giving us consistent yields right through this heat wave.
]]>As we slide into the month of August, your mushroom farmers are preparing for their annual summer break!
Rather than fight the heat (mushrooms like a cool 65 degrees 24/7) we've learned to shut down for a few weeks, hit the beach and come back refreshed for the fall season.
As our summer season winds down, we invite you to join us for our first Oysterpalooza! For ten days on social media and in our emails, we'll feature and celebrate the lovely Blue Oyster Mushroom, the workhorse and hero of our summer mushroom production!
You may have noticed more of these in our recent mixes and CSA shares. This is because they are the most tolerant of the summer temperatures, giving us consistent yields right through this heat wave.
How are we celebrating?
1. Oyster Grow Kits are on Sale!
Only $30 and available for pickup on Saturday, July 30, at 41 West St. Sorry, no shipping available. We've shut down our online orders for our Summer Break.
You can order online and select Pickup.
10# boxes for $110! (smaller quantities available, too.)
If you're in the mood for summer BBQ, but eating less meat, make yourself a big batch of Farmer Elizabeth's Pulled Mushrooms!
Definitely a step up from traditional pulled pork!
3. Loads of Social Content!
We promise educational & entertaining updates about Blue Oyster Mushrooms. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.
As you grow and cook your mushrooms, be sure to tag #fatmoon and #oysterpalooza on social media!
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Oyster Mushrooms lend themselves to tissue cultures, a fun way to expand your oyster mushroom mycellium onto new substrate.
A tissue culture is where you take a small piece of mushroom tissue and use it to grow an entire new organism.
Oyster Mushrooms grow on cellulose. You can find numerous sources of cellulose around your house including: corrugated cardboard, straw, toilet paper, and coffee grounds.
What You Need:
Steps:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Place cellulose into the boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes.
3. Remove cellulose to a pan or plate to cool.
4. Peel open cellulose and place a small piece of Oyster Mushroom on the cardboard.
5. Place the cellulose with the mushroom piece into a plastic bag and zip closed.
6. Place in a warm spot for 7 - 10 days. Check for mycellial growth.
7. Open daily for 3 weeks. Small mushrooms may begin to grow.
Photos of the Process:
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3 Beautiful Benefits of Grow Block Compost:
How to Use Your Block for Compost:
1. Start Your Grow Kit Right Away
Start your grow kit as soon as your receive it, remember it is a living organism and will be eager to start growing.
If you cannot start your kit right away, remove your grow kit from its cardboard box and store the kit in the fridge for no longer than a week.
2. Cut the Bag Correctly
Once you receive your grow kit, you'll notice the mushroom grow block is surrounded by a plastic bag.
Each variety of mushroom requires a different approach with the plastic bag:
For Oyster, Lion's Mane, and Pioppino grow kits, do not remove the block from the plastic bag.
3. Remember: Humidity, Indirect Sunlight, and Room Temperature
Your grow kit will grow best with:
We recommend a kitchen counter or bathroom. Both rooms give you access to water and plenty of humidity. Our customers have had the most success keeping their grow kits in these rooms.
4. Water, Water, Water
Watering your mushrooms is key- they love the moisture! Misting your grow kit multiple times daily is important. You can use the mister included in your grow kit!
Don't worry about overwatering! Farmer Elizabeth says that it's almost impossible to water your mushrooms too much.
Here's a bonus Humidity Hack for Shiitake Grow Kits:
5. Grow a Second Flush
Want to get more bang for your buck? Grow a second flush of mushrooms!
Check out this blog post to find out how to successfully grow a second flush of mushrooms.
You can do this with any of our grow kits!
Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kits:
Shiitakes are unique. Second flushes on shiitake blocks require fresh, outdoor air.
Oyster and Lion's Mane Mushroom Grow Kits:
New mushroom growth usually occurs around the edges of prior growth. If you are struggling to grow a second flush out of the same gash you initially cut, flip the grow block over and make a new gash in the bag.
Pioppino Mushroom Grow Kit:
Pioppino mushroom grow blocks may grow green mold after their first flush. To avoid this, keep your grow block in an area with lots of air flow. If weather permits, grow your second flush of pioppino mushrooms outdoors on your deck to provide plenty of open air.
Things to Remember:
1. Start Your Grow Block Right Away
Remember that your grow kit is a living organism. Your mushrooms will be eager to grow when they arrive, so treat them like it.
Be sure to start your grow kit within a few days after you receive it. Don't let it sit in the shipping box for long.
If you need to wait a few days before growing your block, remove the block from the cardboard box and store it in the refrigerator.
2. Place Your Block in an Open Area
Your grow kit needs fresh air and gentle air turbulence. If temperatures are above freezing, you can even place your grow block outside for more fresh air.
Do not attempt to grow it in a storage tote, as this does not allow for air flow. Keeping your grow kit on a kitchen counter works very well!
3. Water Your Block Frequently
Mushrooms love moisture- more than you'd think!
It's important to mist your grow block using the free water mister included in your grow kit several times daily, especially during the fall and winter when there is dry heat in your home.
Be sure to mist all over the grow block, ensuring that all areas get some love! Not watering your grow block enough will result in a lower yield and smaller mushrooms- nobody wants that!
4. Handle the Plastic Bag Correctly
When you receive your grow kit, you'll notice that the actual grow block, which is made of grain and sawdust, will be surrounded by a plastic bag.
Depending on the species, you will handle this bag differently. Check our Grow Kit Instructions Page for proper care instructions.
Shiitake mushroom grow kits are the only blocks that should have their plastic bag removed. All other grow kits should keep their plastic bags on for the entire growing process.
Fungi are living organisms that sometimes need a prompt to realize it is time to start fruiting and growing mushrooms.
What does this mean for home mushroom production? We found our shiitake blocks do better when we provide triggers to let the mushrooms know they should fruit.
]]>Fungi are opportunists. When they sense there might be an opportunity for a new food source, they start reproducing like mad to be ready to expand and colonize.
A heavy storm is the perfect opportunity for fungus: freshly fallen trees to colonize, moisture to support mushroom growth, and, of course, puddles and water to support little insects which will feed on the mushrooms and spread the spores.
What does this mean for home mushroom production? We found our shiitake blocks do better when we provide triggers to let the mushrooms know they should fruit.
Check Out Farmer Elizabeth Shocking a Block Here!
Ready to try shocking for yourself? Here are some of our favorite ways to do so!
Q: When will my grow kit arrive?
A: Shipping time will vary, as it is dependent on the following variables:
1. Our grow kits growing exactly as we predict. Usually our kits grow according to their predicted timeline, however, they are living organisms and sometimes have their own schedules.
2. How many grow kits we have available. If orders exceed our production plans, shipping will be delayed by a week or two as we catch up.
3. Unprecedented delays from shipping companies.
Q: When should I order my grow kit if I want to receive it by a certain date?
A: Generally, we ship the blocks within 10 days of receiving the order. Shipping takes 2 - 5 days, so your block will arrive between 5 and 15 days after you order it.
Here are a few tips for when to order your kit:
Q: What should I do to prepare for my kit's arrival?
A: As you can see in the photo, the grow kits are eager to grow. Ensure you are ready to nurture the grow kit for 7 - 10 days. If your holiday season is hectic or the recipients are traveling, consider ordering later in December so they can grow their mushrooms after the holidays.
Q: What if I can't start the grow kit right away?
A: Store the block in the fridge (out of the cardboard box) if you need to buy a few days before starting it.
Remember, our grow kits are living organisms. Extend the same care and concern as you would give a potted plant or a seedling and be ready to support its growth soon after arrival.
Q: Are there any holiday items with more predictable arrival times?
A: We offer gift cards so the recipient can order their kit on their schedule.
You can also pick up grow kits in person on Saturdays in December at Fat Moon Farm. These must be ordered in advance via email grow@fatmoonmushrooms.com.
To do this, send your order via email and specify when you wish to pickup. Pickups times are Saturdays between 12 and 4 PM at 41 West St, Westford, MA.
Please note, any online block orders will ship.
In summary, we are a small business selling a living, perishable product. We do not offer overnight or rushed shipping, and we ask for your patience as we manage our own supply chain through the holiday season.
We promise to fill and ship orders just as fast as the grow kits are ready.
Thank you for your support of our small business. We are grateful that you share our enthusiasm for mushrooms!
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Q: Is growing mushrooms at home weird?
A: The idea of growing mushrooms at home may seem odd to some people. Mushrooms could be considered strange. After all, they're not a plant or animal, they're a fungi!
But, you are about to experience the wonderful process that is mushroom growth, and, you'll take your food to the next level after doing so! Eating a homemade pizza with your very own homegrown mushrooms provides freshness that mushrooms from the grocery store simply cannot provide.
And, by growing your own mushrooms at home, you are actively minimizing commercial waste that comes from mushrooms sold at grocery stores. You are participating in a much greener, more sustainable practice.
Plus, how many people do you know who can say, "I grow my own mushrooms at home"? Be the first!
Q: Do I need prior experience to grow mushrooms at home?
A: Not at all! Our grow kits are designed for people of all ages, backgrounds, and mycological (mushroom) knowledge.
If you've never grown or harvested anything before, don't worry, our grow kits are a great place to start. We even have easy-to-follow growing instructions complete with pictures right here on our site to give you the best chance at mushroom growing success.
Q: Are mushroom grow kits messy?
A: Growing mushrooms at home requires no digging or planting. All you have to do is cut a slit in the bag around the grow block and place it on a plate or tray to catch any excess water. No mess at all!
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Q: Is growing mushrooms at home dangerous?
A: The thought of growing fungi at home might sound questionable to you, but don't fret. A quick internet search might tell you that mushrooms release spores which can cause lung inflammation.
However, this inflammation only occurs after years of heavy exposure to mushrooms. So, if you look up the dangers of growing mushrooms at home, and see "risk of lung inflammation," don't worry unless you've been growing 'shrooms for years.
Growing mushrooms on your kitchen counter is completely harmless, so long as you don't plan on growing thousands of mushrooms anytime soon.
Q: What are the benefits of growing mushrooms at home?
A: There are so many benefits to growing mushrooms from home that it's hard to choose which to share! Here are a few of our personal favorites:
Ready to embark on the magical journey of growing mushrooms at home? Purchase a our grow kit of your very own here!
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Dos:
Don'ts:
If you notice that your mushrooms start to dry up a bit, don't toss them. Cook them as usual, maybe in a sauce or soup, and they'll reabsorb moisture as you go. Check out our recipe blog if you're ever unsure of what to make with your 'shrooms!
Want to try growing your own mushrooms at home? Purchase one of our grow kits! No prior experience is necessary.
]]>According to Chinese medicine, shiitake mushrooms have been thought to improve immune health, circulation, and even longevity. Their many bioactive compounds, like eritadenine and sterols, are truly what may boost your immune system and lower cholesterol. Those with known high blood pressure should consider factoring shiitake mushrooms into your diet, several studies have linked lower blood pressure to consumption of shiitakes.
Researchers at Penn State University conducted a meta-analysis of longitudinal health studies and found consumption of just 18 grams of mushrooms a day (4 small shiitakes) correlates to a 45% reduction in the incidence of cancer. Advances in Nutrition
You can reap all the great health benefits of shiitake mushrooms by growing your own at home. It's quite easy too! Check out our grow kits here.
Here is the original article outlining other health benefits of shiitake mushrooms.
© Photo by Derek SooHoo
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