Mushroom Cultivation

My mushroom foraging adventure inspired me to consider growing the fungus at home. Cameron Meeks, a mycologist from Ashland, Oregon, was visiting GaiaWise, a nearby farm, and offered a course called Mycology 101.

I discovered more about mushrooms, in four short hours, than I had learned in the past four decades. Granted it's not something I had actively pursued. I have a new-found respect for all the wonderful organisms that decompose other plants, creating rich healthy soil.

I also had the chance to pack rye grain into a large bag of sterilized straw. The grain was inoculated with oyster mushroom spawn and the straw was the substrate required to feed it.

I know it doesn't look like much right now, but I'm told that the mycelium will take hold and eventually everything in the bag will be infused with mushroom spawn. At that point, I'll be covering it with a humidity tent, misting it daily, and patiently waiting for it to fruit.

Foraging at Salt Point

I'm so fortunate to live in Sonoma County along the Russian River. The Mediterranean climate makes it easy to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. There are also heavily wooded areas where other plant life abounds.

Last week I visited one such area with my brother, decked in hiking boots and rain gear ... picking basket in hand. It's still a bit early in the season so outcroppings were scarce but we did find enough Chanterelle Mushrooms to make a meal.

And it was such an amazing adventure, I'm certain to do it again ... often!

Just Label It

Unfortunately California Prop 37, requiring labeling of foods that contain or may contain GMO ingredients, was defeated last week. I did my best to educate friends and family, who finally agreed with me, but the numerous inflammatory ads run by Monsanto and large food companies frightened many into voting against it. I do take heart in the fact that it was a close race. And even though it didn't work this time, I'm certain of victory in two years.

Meanwhile, I'll be boycotting those companies that fought to suppress this information.