Why grow mushrooms at home?
Growing mushrooms at home seems to have become very popular in recent years, and as you’re reading this you’re possibly thinking of giving it a go yourself. However, while it might seem to have become suddenly fashionable, it’s actually nothing new – growing mushrooms at home has always been popular. People have always been keen on growing their own food and vegetables, but in addition to the internet helping people to find advice and products, it also means people talk about their hobbies much more often!
The reasons why people get started can vary and motivations might include self-sufficiency, economical or environmental factors, culinary tastes, or even an interest in alternative medicine.
Mushrooms grown at home can be divided into 3 general categories; edible, ‘medicinal’ and ‘magic’ mushrooms. Edible mushrooms will include species such as Oysters, Shiitake, Portobello, Lion’s Mane and many more. ‘Medicinal’ mushrooms most commonly include species Reishi and Lion’s Mane, but there are others too. ‘Magic mushrooms‘ typically refers to the cubensis family of mushrooms, although there are others. The motivation for growing each of these types may vary.
Are home grown mushrooms better than shop-bought?
Yes, home grown mushrooms are usually better than those found in your local supermarket. Quite obviously, homegrown mushrooms will almost always be fresher, but they’re generally tastier and of higher quality than those found on supermarket shelves. Mushrooms lose flavour and texture very quickly after harvesting, and growing them at home means they can be harvested at the optimal moment and consumed while they are still at their best.
Is growing mushrooms at home cost effective?
Once growers learn how to optimise their growing and harvesting, growing mushrooms at home can be cost-effective as well as an enjoyable activity. Some mushroom species such as Lion’s Mane, Enoki, Buna Shimeji and even some Oyster mushrooms can be difficult, if not impossible, to find fresh in shops, and very expensive if you are lucky enough to find a good source. You’ll never save money trying to grow white button mushrooms at home, not when they cost pennies in supermarkets, but for most other mushroom species it’s definitely worthwhile.
Is growing mushrooms at home environmentally sustainable?
Absolutely, yes! Growing mushrooms at home is environmentally sustainable and supports eco-friendly living. Mushrooms can be cultivated on agricultural waste, sawdust, or even used coffee grounds, potentially reducing household waste and carbon footprints.
Do people grow mushrooms for dietary or health reasons?
Yes, and there are many growers who cultivate mushrooms exclusively for dietary or health reasons. In a general sense, mushrooms are nutritious, rich in protein, vitamins (especially B-vitamins and D2 when exposed to sunlight), minerals, and antioxidants. Some species, for example Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms, are often used in oriental medicine and claim to offer some highly significant health benefits.
Is it true growing mushrooms is popular among ‘preppers’?
Yes, it’s true that growing mushrooms is popular among people we often refer to as ‘preppers’ – those interested in self-reliance and preparing for potential future disasters. In those contexts, mushroom cultivation will be a valuable skill, because during crises (e.g. food shortages), being able to produce protein-rich food indoors may prove to be a life-saving advantage.
Why do people grow so-called ‘magic mushrooms’?
‘Magic mushrooms‘ refers to mushrooms which contain or produce psilocin or psilocybin. Depending on the quantity consumed, these can be used for therapeutic purposes (micro-dosing is said reduce stress, anxiety and so on), or at higher doses can have hallucinogenic effects. Until fairly recently, magic mushrooms were legal and could be shop-bought. Since their production and sale was made illegal, huge numbers of people started to grow their own at home. Informal research suggests as many as 75% of all home mushroom growers are growing magic mushrooms!
Are magic mushrooms illegal?
The simple answer is yes, magic mushrooms are now illegal in most countries. Magic mushrooms have been growing in the wild for longer than humans have existed, and in the past it was no more illegal to pick and consume magic mushrooms than it was to pick and eat an apple from a tree. However, politicians realised people could have fun consuming them and promptly made the practice illegal. We think that’s silly but you’re entitled to think differently.