Edible mushrooms are mystical-looking delicacies. They may not sound appetizing when you refer to them as a fungus, but there is much to discover about these delicious eats. They are nutritionally dense with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that have many health benefits and contribute to immune support and anti-inflammatory effects

When you visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, The Mushroom Shop has an abundant, eye-catching display of mushrooms. The owners, Jacob Howard and Elise Olsen, are there to educate shoppers on their flavors and attributes. They will also guide you on how to incorporate them into culinary creations. We recently talked with The Mushroom Shop to learn more.

When did you begin your journey with The Mushroom Shop?

We started growing mushrooms in the spring of 2021.

What led you to create The Mushroom Shop?

Our interest in foraging and cultivating mushrooms started as a hobby. After we partnered with a local vegetable farm, we decided to go into business. We saw an opportunity to provide the region with our high-quality mushrooms.

How many varieties of mushrooms do you grow?

We cultivate over a dozen unique species. Some of our most popular mushrooms are oyster, lion’s mane, and enoki.

What’s one of your favorite mushrooms to prepare?

Lion’s mane is so versatile. Its tender, meaty texture makes for a great seafood substitute, perfect for recipes like lion’s mane “crab” cakes, “shrimp” scampi, or hearty chowder. Or cook it like steak by searing thick slabs in a cast-iron skillet or on the grill.

What mushroom products do you offer at the farmers’ market besides fresh mushrooms?

We produce a variety of mushroom teas and seasonings, oyster mushroom jerky, and a varied selection of dried mushrooms. We also sell mushroom grow kits upon request.

Tell us a little about the health benefits of mushrooms.

Many medicinal mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and help strengthen the immune system. Lion’s mane is a well-known medicinal mushroom that enhances focus and memory. 

What’s your number one best seller at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market?

Our chef’s mix of fresh mushrooms is our most popular product. It includes a selection of 4-5 varieties of fresh gourmet mushrooms that change each season.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from November through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance, across from BJs, or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.