| Gourmet mushrooms continue to be a popular item. | | | | people turn to farmers' markets to find mushrooms |
| Growing mushrooms for profit can produce an | | | | they can't find at their local grocery store. Set up a |
| income in just a few weeks. So what are some | | | | stand or booth and get selling. If the spots at your |
| ways you can profit with mushrooms? Here are five | | | | local farmers' market are all sold out, then consider |
| ways to market your mushrooms: | | | | asking another grower if you can share their stand or |
| 1. Restaurants | | | | booth. |
| Many restaurants love to use fresh mushrooms. | | | | 4. Dried mushrooms |
| They have to get their mushrooms from | | | | For less-than-perfect mushrooms that you don't |
| somewhere, so why not you? Talk to local | | | | want to sell, consider drying them. This can turn into |
| restaurants and see if they are interested in what | | | | a great market for you and your mushroom-growing |
| you're growing. Next, give them some free samples. | | | | business. It's fairly easy too. Most food dryers |
| If the chefs like the taste of your mushrooms, then | | | | dehydrators should do a good job of drying. |
| you could see a lot of repeat business - the best | | | | 5. Frozen and pickled mushrooms |
| kind for a mushroom grower, as you'll have fresh | | | | Oyster mushrooms are generally going to taste best |
| mushrooms to sell every week. | | | | when they are freshly picked. If you have a large |
| 2. Grocery stores | | | | surplus that you can't sell right away, consider |
| Many people turn to grocery stores to find the | | | | freezing your mushrooms. This allows you to sell |
| mushrooms they're looking for. Like restaurants, | | | | them days or months later. Or maybe you'd like to |
| grocery stores have to get their mushrooms from | | | | sell pickled mushrooms. Here's a popular recipe you |
| someone, and that person could be you. In particular, | | | | might want to try: |
| it's a good idea to target grocery stores that carry | | | | 3 pounds mushrooms |
| exotic mushrooms and produce. These are often | | | | 2 tablespoons coarse or rock salt |
| "upscale" grocers, which frequently cater to | | | | 2 1/2 cups red wine vinegar |
| customers interested in buying premium mushrooms. | | | | 1 1/4 cups red wine |
| Many grocery stores get their mushrooms from an | | | | 1 small piece bruised ginger root |
| out-of-state distributor, so if you're a local grower | | | | 6 cloves |
| that can provide fresher mushrooms at a reasonable | | | | After cleaning the mushrooms, place them in a bowl |
| price, you'll do well. Oyster mushrooms have a fairly | | | | and sprinkle them with the salt. Next, refrigerate |
| short shelf life, which is an advantage for local | | | | overnight. The next day, gently simmer them in their |
| growers who can pick and deliver the same day. | | | | own liquid and gradually stir in the vinegar, spices and |
| 3. Farmers' markets | | | | wine. Bring it all to a boil and then cook for five |
| Farmers' markets routinely draw big crowds eager to | | | | minutes. Finally, cool down and put in bottles or jars. |
| buy from the best local growers. In particular, many | | | | |