Foraging mushrooms for food has been a popular pursuit in many parts of the world for centuries. While mushroom hunting thoroughly embedded in many regional cultures in Europe and Asia, a widespread interest in mushrooms, and foraging and eating them, is in general a much more modern occurrence here in New Zealand. In recent years, kiwis have become increasingly aware of the flavour, nutrition and fun that can be had from wild and foraged foods, and more people have started k

The Phoenix Oyster Mushroom, scientifically known as Pleurotus pulmonarius , is popular around the world, not only for its delicious flavour, versatility in cooking, and great nutritional profile, but also for its ease of cultivation in a wide range of substrates and growing conditions. It truly is a 'mushroom of the people'! If you have never grown mushrooms before, this species is a fantastic beginners option, as its vigorous growth and adaptability to different environment

Tawaka mushrooms are one of the fungal jewels in the crown of the New Zealand bush. Not only are they a mushroom with excellent flavour and nutrition, they also look absolutely stunning, growing in clusters of fruitbodies which have smooth, umbrella shaped caps with a velvety sheen to them. Tawaka can be found in the wild in many parts of Aotearoa, and they can also be cultivated at home with relative ease. Here we will discuss all things 'Tawaka' and explore some facts about