Featured Crop
California Grown Mushrooms
Grown in controlled environments, California mushrooms add rich umami flavor to soups, sauces, and sautés.
Cooking classes
Sweet Potato & Mushroom Tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Dairy-Free Creamy Mushroom Soup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Varieties
Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Shiitake, Porcini, Morel, Chestnut are cultivated in Valley farms.
Prep Tips
Sauté for rich umami flavor, grill as meat alternatives or add raw to salads.
Nutrition
Unique source of vitamin D when sun-exposed. Provides immune-boosting compounds and B vitamins.
Cultivation
Mushrooms in California’s Central Valley are cultivated in controlled environments that provide optimal temperature, humidity, and darkness. Grown on substrates like straw or compost, spawn is introduced to these materials, which quickly colonize. Depending on the variety, mushrooms can mature in just 7 to 14 days, allowing for year-round harvesting. This method ensures consistent quality and high yields throughout the season.
When can I buy mushrooms?
Mushrooms in California’s Central Valley are typically available year-round, with peak harvest times depending on the variety. Varieties like white button and cremini are especially abundant in the fall and spring months. Local farmers’ markets and grocery stores offer fresh, flavorful mushrooms throughout the year. For the best quality, select mushrooms that are firm, dry, and free from dark spots or excessive moisture.
Nutritional value of mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in vitamins B and D, selenium, potassium, and antioxidants. A 1-cup serving of raw mushrooms has about 15 calories and 2 grams of protein, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Their unique nutrients support immune function, heart health, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
How to store mushrooms
Store unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing them to breathe and preventing moisture buildup. Avoid airtight containers or plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and lead to spoilage. To extend shelf life, clean mushrooms with a damp cloth before use, and if you need to freeze them, sauté first, then cool and store in freezer-safe containers.
Explore other crops
Blueberries
Small but packed with flavor, California-grown blueberries are sweet, juicy, and rich in antioxidants.
Pomegranates
A fall favorite, pomegranates are packed with tart, juicy seeds that add a burst of flavor to salads, drinks, and desserts.
Cucumbers
Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are a hydrating summer vegetable perfect for salads, pickling, or snacking.
Pears
Juicy and fragrant, pears from the San Joaquin Valley offer a delicate sweetness ideal for fresh eating or cooking.