The Fungi Feastival is hosting more mushroom workshops in the upcoming week; ‘How to Run a Successful Small Business Growing Mushrooms’ in Narooma and ‘Medicinal Properties of Mushrooms’ in Batemans Bay.

With increasing demand for local mushrooms, both traditional and exotic mushrooms, learn how to establish and run your own mushroom businesses from the experts, Gary Akers and Michele Wearing Smith of Shoalhaven Gourmet Mushrooms. Gary and Michele are real farmers who cultivate, produce and sell delicious mushrooms through their business Shoalhaven Gourmet Mushrooms. They grow a mix of Agaricus whites and their famous Swiss browns, plus exotic mushrooms like monster blue oysters, black pearl oysters, pink oysters, King Browns, Lion’s mane and coral tooth. All mushrooms are grown organically and sold fresh.

Gary Akers has been growing mushrooms and running his mushroom business as a successful profitable farm for over 15 years. During this time Gary has sold mushrooms direct to consumers at local Farmers Markets including SAGE in Moruya, Burril Lake, Kiama, Bungendore and Canberra. A recent customer review of Shoalhaven Gourmet Mushrooms: “The most beautiful mushrooms on the South Coast hands down! Many delicious varieties to choose from. I’m not surprised they are award winning.” Gary has won first prize at Sydney Royal Easter Show for his Agaricus mushrooms: white cups, Swiss Browns and Portobellos. Gary believes in quality not quantity, which allows him to produce exceptional mushrooms.

Another visiting mushroom grower, Terry Ross has been cultivating medicinal mushrooms and making mushroom extracts and powders for six years. Terry is passionate about growing mushrooms sustainably and educating others about the medicinal properties of mushrooms. Terry’s business AT Mushrooms, is based in Victoria where he produces liquid mushroom extracts and dried mushroom supplements.

In his presentation Terry Ross will discuss the benefits of medicinal mushrooms including Lion’s mane, Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Cordyceps and Turkey Tail. Terry will outline the traditional uses of medicinal mushrooms through history and culture. Terry will describe the known compounds contained in medicinal mushrooms and discuss peer-reviewed research papers on Maitake, Reishi, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane. This seminar will help demystify the history of medicinal mushroom cultivation in China. There will be time for questions and a cup of Reishi tea.

Terry Ross will present ‘Medicinal Properties of Mushrooms’ on Saturday 20 July in Batemans Bay. Gary Akers and Michele Wearing Smith will present ‘How to Run a Successful Small Business Growing Mushrooms’ at Club Narooma on Thursday 18 July. To book tickets visit www.fungifeastival.com.au