Farmers’ Market Week: Forest Floor Mushrooms
As part of #FarmersMarketWeek, we chatted with Brodie of Forest Floor Mushrooms on the importance of Farmers' Markets and the challenges involved with selling mushrooms.
What do Farmers’ Markets mean to you?
To me, Farmers Markets are a great venue to showcase what I do and interact directly with my customers. I take a lot of pride in my display and like to use it as a conversation starter and educational tool. The average person knows very little about how mushrooms are cultivated and can learn a lot by talking to me and seeing how they grow first hand.
The process can seem complex but I’m more than happy to explain how it’s done and help people familiarize themselves with my products. I also love being at markets to have access to the other produce and goods that fellow vendors have to offer. It definitely beats going to the grocery store.
Are there challenges with selling mushrooms to people who aren’t educated on the varieties?
It can be difficult to sell mushrooms to those who aren’t immediately aware of the varieties that I cultivate. Mushrooms can be a bit of a polarizing subject, with some folks expressing great interest and others turning up their noses. The best thing I can do is try to educate and offer tips on preparation and cooking. I always encourage my customers to try new things. A big part of my motivation is giving my customers alternatives to your typical widely available button mushrooms.
Is there a noticeable difference between rural and urban markets?
There aren’t many noticeable differences between the urban and rural markets. Each market does have its own unique vibe, but that can change day to day depending on the folks who attend and the vendors who are working. I greatly appreciate everyone who attends the various farmers markets, and supports local producers and businesses.
Forest Floor Mushrooms was founded in 2016 in Almonte, Ontario. They cultivate several species of mushrooms, focusing on unique varieties that you wouldn’t find at the average grocery store. They grow seasonally, and take their inspiration from the wild, striving to grow mushrooms in most natural and sustainable way possible.
Learn more about Forest Floor Mushrooms on their website!
