Tony Shields has been fascinated with mushroom for as long as he can call up .
As a minor , the Edmonton , Alberta - based Shields recalls ask him mammy for amushroom - growingkit from the local garden center — even though such outfit were scarce at the sentence .
These days , Shields ’s fungi obsession has change state intoFreshCap Mushrooms , which he execute with his wife , Tegan . It ’s a speculation that sell ‘ shroom add-on that are source with help from fellow mushroom cultivator . It also acts as a hub to pass on knowledge to people curious about growing mushrooms at home .
We spoke to Shields about some of the most optic - catching mushrooms he ’s portion out viaInstagram , why mushrooms can be beneficial for dogs , plus some key DO and don’ts to remember when you ’re out foraging for fungi .
The First Step To Growing Mushrooms At Home
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If you ’ve been contemplate growing some mushrooms at home , Shields powerfully rede begin with a mushroom - growing outfit .
“ It ’s fundamentally just a pre - made fruiting block , ” he allege . “ All you have to do is cut give the bag and keep it humid . Once you do that , you should have a reasonably good idea of how mushrooms grow and hopefully get inspired to grow more . ”
Shields also recommends starting out with Oyster or Lion ’s Mane mushrooms .
Expanding Your Mushroom Collection
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The next stage in your mushroom - growing adventure is to pick up some “ pre - made caryopsis spawn . ” Shields state this “ will allow you to grow mushrooms on a large scale , on straw or hardwood sawdust . ”
After that , Shields says most people “ set about wee-wee their own metric grain spawn , building a mushroom lab and get word how to propagate and store mushroom cultures . This requires some pretty serious equipment and dedication to the avocation , but from there the possibilities are endless ! ”
The Unique Super Power Of Mushrooms
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“ Some mushrooms have been revere for their health benefits for hundreds of days , ” says Shields . “ But the important affair to remember is that not all mushroom are created adequate . To be called a medicinal mushroom is a pretty eminent legal profession to pass . ”
Shields append that , in oecumenical , medicinal mushrooms “ are known to stomach our immune system and , in turn , our health . ”
But specific medicinal mushrooms can also posses what he calls “ a unique super power . ” He says Cordcyceps are often used by jock for “ increased vim and endurance , ” while Lion ’s Mane help ameliorate focus and mental lucidity . Turkey Tail“is high in fungous beta - d glucans and is used to boost exemption . ”
Why Dogs Love Mushrooms
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“ Dogs can benefit from medicinal mushroom-shaped cloud in many of the same way that humans do , ” articulate Shields .
“ We found that many mass were actually using our Freshcap Mushrooms extract pulverisation by sprinkling it on their dog ’s kibble . in the main , mushroom are used to support immune function and overall health . Dogs may also do good from allergy rest , increase energy and digestive support . ”
Behold The Wrinkled Peach Mushroom!
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When it comes to striking mushroom , Shields points to the Rhodotus Palmatus as one of the most attention - grabbing one out there . Colloquially known as the Wrinkled Peach , these rare mushroom are n’t actually considered safe to eat — but Shields says “ it was the dish , low density and serendipity of finding it that was special for me . ”
He adds that Pink and YellowOyster mushroomsare also reliable care grabber : “ They are so vividly discolor they almost attend unnatural . They are certainly head - turners at the James Leonard Farmer grocery store ! ”
A Word On Foraging
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at long last , if you feel the calling to saunter off on a mushroom - foraging military mission , Shields cites an onetime saying as some sagely advice : “ There are erstwhile mushroom Orion and there are bold mushroom hunters , but there are no old , bold mushroom hunters . ”
“ The bottom line is , no meal is deserving decease for , ” he aver . “ Do not eat a mushroom unless you are 100 per centum sure of its identity . soak up with your local mycological order and go on some group foray to learn the species in your domain . Learn about the poisonous unity as well as the eatable ones so you may be convinced in your abilities . ”
Check out more of FreshCap Mushrooms atInstagram .
