White Forest Mushrooms & Shrooms N' Bloom
Mushroom fan or not, I know you will appreciate the business I'm highlighting today. Here I am talking about local, organic mushroom grower White Forest Mushrooms (known on the retail level as Shrooms N' Bloom). My tour of their farm the other day furthered my faith in how hard work, combined with solid ethics and adherence to quality, are so often the differentiating factor that allows one business to thrive, or even survive, where others fail. Shrooms N' Bloom is a beautiful, American dream-style story of hard work, innovation, stick-to-it-ness, and, through it all, treating all those around the company, including workers, buyers, suppliers, and otherwise, with the greatest amount of respect and care.
Grey oyster mushrooms fruiting in one of the grow rooms at Shrooms N’ Bloom. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Owner Chris Becker is a marvel. Having met Chris many years ago through a mutual friend, I’ve long enjoyed hearing what “Becker” is up to. But I really had my interest piqued in 2009 when I heard the news of him acquiring a mushroom farm down in Salem, Or. Now, I will admit, I’ve never been a fan of mushrooms, even detesting their smell, especially when cooked. Thus, I didn’t go down to see Becker’s operation until recently. And why now? Well, I’d heard that he was innovating, had “gone organic” many years back, and had a solid operation. I heard he was growing “in the Japanese way,” which is a significant move on quality. I just wanted to see it, and wow, was I impressed. Not only was Becker’s knowledge of these edible fungi darn impressive, but it was how he treated those around him, even moving an essential worker’s family into a lovely home on the farm. Respect breeds respect, and this touches every element of his business.
Owner Chris Becker is pictured here alongside just a portion of one weeks worth of mushrooms, these still in the spawning stage (thus, the jars still have their lids on). This room was warm, like standing on the beach in Mexico ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
So what is Shrooms N' Bloom all about? As aforementioned, it's a mushroom farm, an organic one, and they are producing expertly-grown mushrooms of varying variety in an indoor, climate-controlled environment that screams of NASA in terms of contamination control. With most farms that grow food seeking protection from pests and contaminants, Becker's farm is top-notch in this regard. HEPA filters, positive-negative airflow rooms, temperature, and humidity dialed to the micro level, they've got it down. And it was cool to hear Becker wax on about the ins and outs of growing high-quality products through an ethical lens.
Read about the Japanese growing techniques they employ in the brochure above. Very impressive indeed. Image Courtesy: White Forest Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms being picked at White Forest Mushrooms. This bounty is impressive…but with the growing process around 5-6 months, start-to-finish, it should be! Shiitakes have one of the longest incubation periods as well at around 20 weeks. The final two weeks is when the real magic happens, of course, and we see the fruit of all that labor! Image Courtesy: White Forest Mushrooms
In the end, it is all about the shrooms. And yes, I can see myself becoming a mushroom appreciator (thought I’d never utter those words). Just take a look at some of these beauties!
Grey Oyster Mushrooms ready for delivery! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Gotta get in close! ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms fruiting here! The flavor profile of this awesome looking fungi is that of lobster. Think I’m gonna grab some of these! Image Courtesy: White Forest Mushrooms
The Best of Partners & Where to Find These Shrooms!!!
Chefs and home cooks can get their hands on these fantastic mushrooms in various ways. Chefs can easily purchase these products through any of White Forest’s wholesale relationships: Charlies Produce, Organically Grown Co., Pacific Coast Fruit, Apple Foods, Duck Delivery, and or United Salad. Curious foodies seeking to purchase some fresh/local specialty mushrooms at their local New Seasons Market where these wonderful products can be found under the Trade Name: Shrooms n Bloom.
A big-time go-to in the Seattle area, Charlies Produce is an important buyer of Shrooms N’ Bloom product. Chefs flock to Charlie’s for the best, farm-to-table ingredients. Image Courtesy: The Business Journals
Who doesn’t love New Seasons? Well, hit up one of these great markets for some Shrooms N’ Bloom (among other, great NW products)! Image Courtesy: NewSeasonsMarket.com
Look for this packaging at New Seasons. Image Courtesy: White Forest Mushrooms
Wrapping Up & Let’s Cook!
Becker, well, he’s a heck of a guy, and the miles between us seem a lot shorter after my recent visit. I’ll be making that trip here again soon, I am sure. And check out his signature line, you can tell he’s the real deal, and his mushrooms show it!
Take Ownership... Do the Right Thing... Deliver the Best...Have Fun! - Chris Becker, White Forest Mushrooms/White Forest Mushrooms
Here now are some links to several great recipes utilizing oyster mushrooms, lion’s mane, and shiitakes. Enjoy!
Oyster Mushroom and Spinach Orecchiette with Garlic and Lemon
16 Different Oyster Mushroom Recipes!
An Important Introduction to Cooking With Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Roasted Lion’s Mane Mushrooms with Sherried Shallots
Garlic Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms
Multiple Shiitake Recipes from Food & Wine
Lastly, read more about oyster mushrooms here; it’s pretty interesting! And, of course, Shiitakes here in this terrific article titled, “The Shiitake Mushroom - A History in Magic and Folklore.”