Southwest Mushroom Cultivators

A chat with Stephanie in April, 2018

What is a signature item that you sell? Shitake Mushrooms

What’s the best way to store it / how long will it keep? They’ll keep in the fridge for 2 weeks

How long have you been farming? 10+ years

How long have you been a member of the Market? 7 years

How did you get into farming? My dad was a farmer, and I have always grown some food crop.

Do you own or rent the land you grow on? It’s family owned

Are you certified organic? No pesticides? I don’t use any pesticides.

How was your growing season last year? I doubled the production from last year to this year.

What crops are coming up next, seasonally? Lion’s Mane! This mushroom likes the summer.

Besides farming, what takes up your time? What are your hobbies? Only farming and gardening, what a surprise!

How would you describe yourself in one word? Motivated

What is your favorite dish to make? Pasta with fresh veggies, stock, cream, romano, and herbs

Red or Green? Red

If you were a super hero what would your powers be and why? I would be able to clone myself so I could go on vacation all the time without missing work.

What’s your power vegetable? Meaning – which veg/fruit speaks to you on a personal level and how? I eat everything. Apples are good, I like sugar. 🙂

What is the strangest thing you’ve eaten? I has some interesting food in Thailand.

What have you done that you are most proud of? My daughter, traveled the world, built a business, and opened a bee hive.