Regular customers will have noticed a brilliant new addition to our range of late, the incredible Lion’s Mane from Wyreside Mushrooms in Garstang, Lancashire.
We were lucky enough to visit the growing operation last week and were astounded with what they have achieved in such a short time and small space. Established just last year by Paul and Hayley, @wyremush reflects Paul’s deep fascination with, and encyclopaedic knowledge of, all things fungi.
The farm grows several varieties of gourmet mushrooms depending on the season. Paul and Hayley talked us through the mind-bogglingly complex and time-consuming process involved in the mushroom journey.
Paul’s laboratory houses a mycelium library containing 17(!) different strains. Grain is inoculated with the mycelium, and once the mycelium makes itself present in the grain it is mixed with oak woodchip and soya and left at the right temperature until it has taken over the mix. At this point, it is transferred to the growing room and the mushroom’s are allowed to fruit
The attention to detail and labour of love really shone through, the pair work long hours, 6 days a week to provide the care necessary to produce these other-worldly wonders. The task is arduous, requiring constant monitoring of humidity levels, temperatures and potential contaminations.
Besides the mysterious Lion’s Mane, we’ve been selling their blue, grey and king oysters, each as mesmerising and beautiful as the next. We spotted pink and golden as well on our visit, which Paul excitedly hinted would become more available as the business grows in its scope and production over the coming months.
We’re receiving two deliveries a week currently, and snapping up all that is on offer. Being such a sensitive and relatively unpredictable crop, we can’t guarantee these will always be available, which merely adds to their preciousness.
Our thanks to Paul and Hayley for welcoming us into their amazing world, we hope to be working together for a long time to come.
