Q:How long have you been a mushroom farmer and forager?
A: I love being out in the woods and nature, so learning mycology was a great excuse for me to get in the woods more often. I started studying mycology around November of 2019. I was certified by Mushroom Mountain in Easley, South Carolina, in June 2020.
Q:Why are mushrooms so versatile, and why should people add them to their diet?
A: Several mushroom varieties offer different health benefits. For example, white button mushrooms and Portabella mushrooms (commonly called “store-bought mushrooms”) offer tons of fiber when cooked. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides that support your immune system and boost white blood cell production.All oyster mushrooms provide the same benefits with added proteins, making them an excellent substitute for those looking to cut back on meat products!
Lion’s Mane has become very popular in the past few years. It is known as the “brain booster” mushroom and helps with memory, focus, nerve support, anxiety, dementia, immunity and gut support. For those lucky enough to find this mushroom fresh, it has a seafood taste and can be used in “crab-less cakes” in place of real crab meat! Turkey Tail and Reishi are also significant immune-boosting mushrooms with the added bonus of helping to stop cancer growth.
HOT TIP – Cook Those Mushrooms!
“One thing I find when talking to customers about mushrooms is that they don’t realize mushrooms must be cooked. Many people are used to eating raw button mushrooms with their salads, but there are no nutrients when eating raw mushrooms.All mushrooms have chitins,a common compound found in nature.The human body only breaks down chitins with heat from cooking.There are other ways to break chitin, for extracts and tinctures. Currently, Miller’s Mushrooms offers Lions Mane,Turkey Tail and Reishi extracts, and we are working on a third product of all three combined for next year’s markets.”
– Brian Miller
Mushroom Tacos:
- Shred four to five oyster mushrooms by hand to resemble shredded chicken.
- Par-boil them in about three ounces of water until the water evaporates.
- When most of the water has evaporated, add your choice of fat (butter/olive oil) and sear the mushrooms until lightly browned, then add your choice of taco seasoning.
Tip – Go light on the seasoning! Once mixed in, taste for flavor and add more in small increments. - Once the mushrooms taste to your preference, add a dash of lime juice and stir until evaporated.
- Use this delicious mushroom mix as a substitute for taco meat and build your tacos however you love them! Enjoy!