The Black Trumpet Blog

Give the gift of mushroom-growing with these unique kits perfect for beginners! From easy Spray & Grow countertop kits to long-lasting outdoor log setups, these gifts offer delicious mushrooms and a rewarding experience. Options like the Boomr Bin Monotub Kit provide automated indoor growing, while the Lion’s Mane Lover Set adds a wellness twist. These fun, hands-on gifts make it simple to grow gourmet mushrooms year-round.

We can't resist the eerie allure of weird and creepy mushrooms—from the mind-controlling "Zombie Fungus" Cordyceps to the ghostly Bleeding Tooth and the Veiled Lady. These strange, otherworldly fungi don’t just captivate; they offer powerful health benefits, from boosting energy and immunity to sharpening the mind. Let's talk about nature's creepiest and most potent healers.

Discover how dead fungi, or 'necromass,' play a surprising role in combating climate change by storing carbon in the soil. Ecologist Katie Beidler discusses her research into fungal decomposition, melanin's impact on decay, and how soil fungi help balance Earth’s carbon cycle, unlocking new climate solutions beneath our feet.

Let’s explore the top mushrooms to grow on oak logs, including shiitake, reishi, and lion's mane, all of which thrive on this nutrient-rich hardwood. Oak's slow decay and high nutrient density make it an ideal substrate for long-term mushroom cultivation. With practical tips on fall inoculation and spawn selection, growers can look forward to abundant mushroom harvests year after year!

Chicken of the woods mushrooms are one of the most well-known and highly-prized edible mushrooms that can be foraged in oak forests from spring through autumn. It's a great one for beginners as it's easy to spot and absolutely delicious.

Here's a mushroom taco recipe with a twist - a vegan taco soup in a sourdough bowl with "meat" made from oyster mushrooms. If you're looking for a great recipe to celebrate the end of summer, look no further.

Let's explore the rising trend of "magic mushroom gummies," including potential health risks and regulatory concerns. Learn about recent issues with mislabeled products, contaminants, and the importance of transparency for safe consumption.

You've had chaga as a tea, but now get ready to indulge in a delicious vegan Double Chocolate Chaga Mushroom Rocky Road Ice Cream by Turnip Vegan. Chaga is a highly esteemed mushroom known for its potential to support overall wellness. Discover the perfect blend of flavor in this treat!

Plant-based meat is not a new idea but what about mycoprotein, that is, protein derived from mushroom mycelium? Let's explore the blossoming world of mushrooms as a meat replacement.

Fruiting block kits provide a convenient way to grow mushrooms at home, requiring minimal preparation and setup. These pre-colonized blocks can be fruited using side- or top-fruiting techniques, depending on the mushroom species. With proper care, they offer multiple harvests, making them ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike!

Explore 5 delicious mushroom appetizer recipes by Spore to Fork including Buffalo King Oyster Mushrooms, Golden Oyster Mushroom “Crab” Dip, Lion's Mane Mushroom Satay, Shiitake Mushroom Skewers, and Mushroom Scarpaccia. Learn how to grow your own mushrooms for these delectable dishes!

Turnip Vegan's mushroom coffee with homemade reishi mushroom powder and plant-based milk is a refreshing, health-boosting, dairy-free beverage. Reishi is known for its immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties. Sweeten with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave for added flavor.

Black trumpet mushrooms are gourmet edibles known for their fruity and smoky flavor, often likened to truffles. They grow in hardwood forests and are found in various regions across North America and Europe, often appearing near other edible mushrooms. These mushrooms enhance broths, sauces, and dishes and can be dried for use as a spice, though they cannot currently be cultivated.

Every August, the five-day Telluride Mushroom Festival in Colorado celebrates fungi with scientific talks, guided forays, workshops, cooking demos, and art exhibits, featuring experts and chefs, and highlighting fungi's ecological, culinary, and social significance.

A debate is brewing around medicinal mushroom supplements. Mushroom mycelium and mushroom fruit body extracts are all the rage, but are they equally medicinal?

Learn how to identify, find, grow, and benefit from the medicinal qualities of turkey tail mushrooms. This is a well-known fungus that has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in Asian countries and in indigenous populations.

We've gathered 4 of our favorite vegetarian mushroom recipes that are perfect for summer. Impress your friends and family with the best healthy meat alternative available: homegrown and foraged mushrooms!

Our friend Turnip Vegan shares with us his delicious Mediterranean Pink Oyster Mushroom Fish(Less) Sandwich recipe: a vegan twist on a classic fish sandwich with homegrown pink oyster mushrooms.