Do You Know The Mushroom Man?

A foodie friend of mine started growing her own mushrooms a few years ago, but I didn't really pay any attention. Mushrooms seemed so complicated and scary. Besides, she also grew grapes before the rest of us, and wasn't afraid to dive into pumpkin and strawberry patches. No gardening practice intimidates her.

Then I saw home growing kits hit the shelves at my grocery store, and fresh and dried local mushrooms for sale in the farmers markets. Mushrooms are trending.

The mushroom vendor at St. Paul's Farmers Market lines with Birch Creek Forest Products and he enthusiastically pitches the wonders of mushroom teas. I passed on the tea but brought home a carton of fresh Italians to play with. "No one has ever been able to describe the flavor," he told me. Oh how I love a challenge. Read my description over at Called to the Table today then head to the market for some fresh local mushrooms and asparagus to cook up some Spring Mushrooms and Asparagus Ragout for dinner this weekend.