The Shrooms

Lion’s Mane — Hericium erinaceus

Lion’s Mane is a remarkable mushroom with both culinary and medicinal appeal — and it’s one of our personal favorites. It has a dense, meaty texture and a rich, savory flavor that’s often compared to lobster or crab. While the texture may resemble seafood, we find its flavor to be mild and uniquely umami — truly one of a kind among gourmet mushrooms.

But what truly sets Lion’s Mane apart is its potential as a powerful medicinal mushroom. Scientific research has identified two classes of compounds — hericenones (from the fruiting body) and erinacines (from the mycelium) — that stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth and repair of neurons in the brain and nervous system12. This makes Lion’s Mane of great interest for cognitive health, memory support, and even potential neuroregenerative therapies.

Lion’s Mane is also rich in beta-glucans and other polysaccharides, which contribute to its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties34. Several studies suggest it may be particularly supportive in gastrointestinal health and protective against gastric ulcers and cancers5.

References

1. Kawagishi H, Zhuang C. (2008). Compounds for dementia from Hericium erinaceum. Drugs of the Future, 33(2), 149–155. ↩

2. Mori K, Inatomi S, et al. (2009). Improving effects of Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. ↩

3. Friedman M. (2015). Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus. J. Agric. Food Chem., 63(32), 7108–7123. ↩

4. Kim SP et al. (2011). Anti-cancer activity of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus. Carbohydrate Polymers, 85(3), 661–667. ↩

5. Wang X et al. (2001). Gastroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides on gastric ulcers. Int. J. Mol. Med., 8(6), 645–649. ↩

Oyster Mushrooms — Pleurotus ostreatus

Oyster mushrooms are among the most versatile and widely cultivated mushrooms in the world, with over 30 known species ranging from tropical to temperate zones. Much like heirloom tomatoes, oyster mushrooms have been selectively bred into hundreds of unique strains, offering an incredible range of colors, sizes, and temperature preferences to suit just about any growing environment.

But oysters aren’t just delicious — they’re biological powerhouses. Pleurotus species are aggressive colonizers that can break down tough materials, outcompete contaminants, and even digest toxins. Their ability to degrade hydrocarbons and other pollutants has made them a top choice for mycoremediation — the use of fungi to clean up contaminated soil, farm runoff, and industrial waste12.

Oyster mushrooms can grow on a wide range of substrates, including cardboard, coffee grounds, and multiple agricultural byproducts. This makes them a sustainable, low-input food source with enormous potential in both commercial agriculture and food security efforts around the world.

Here at PFF, we grow several varieties of oyster mushrooms throughout the year, matching each season with strains that thrive in those specific temperatures — ensuring peak flavor, yield, and freshness in every harvest.

References

1. Eggen, T., & Sveum, P. (1999). Decontamination of crude oil polluted soils with white-rot fungi. Chemosphere, 38(6), 1327–1335. ↩

2. Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. Ten Speed Press. ↩

Black Pearl Mushrooms — Pleurotus ostreatus × eryngii

The Black Pearl mushroom is a natural hybrid between two oyster mushroom species — Pleurotus ostreatus (common oyster) and Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster). While it resembles the King Trumpet in form, the Black Pearl develops an impressively thick stem that stays tender even at full maturity, making it an ideal choice for meat substitutes or anyone who enjoys a hearty, satisfying texture. It delivers a rich, savory flavor with a juicy bite that holds up well in grilling, sautéing, or roasting.

Like many oyster mushrooms, Black Pearls are not just gourmet-quality — they also offer impressive medicinal benefits. Studies on Pleurotus species have shown that they contain compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects12. They are also rich in beta-glucans, which support immune health and may help regulate blood sugar levels3. Additional research indicates potential anti-tumor activity and benefits for cardiovascular health4.

References

1. Jayakumar, T. et al. (2011). Pleurotus ostreatus: Pharmacological actions and medicinal applications. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2011, Article ID 157543. ↩

2. Alam, N. et al. (2009). Nutritional analysis of the cultivated mushrooms in Bangladesh. Mycobiology, 37(4), 252–255. ↩

3. Zhang, B. et al. (2007). Antihyperglycemic effects of oyster mushroom polysaccharides in diabetic mice. Food & Function, 8(5), 2003–2010. ↩

4. Liu, Y. et al. (2010). Anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from Pleurotus. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 47(3), 292–29

Chestnut Mushroom

Pholiota Adiposa

The Chestnut mushroom is an incredible golden colored mushroom which grows in tight clusters and has a smaller cap size. This mushroom is a favorite among chefs due to its nutty flavor and its ability to maintain a slightly crunchy texture even cooked. This mushroom has a gestation of at least three months before fruiting and is not always available.

$22 per lb.

Shiitake Mushrooms — Lentinula edodes

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most widely consumed and cultivated mushrooms in the world — prized not only for their deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture but also for their powerful health-supporting compounds. Originating in East Asia and cultivated for centuries, shiitake is a culinary staple in everything from ramen and stir-fries to broths and medicinal tonics.

Beyond their rich umami taste, shiitakes have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and modern science is catching up. Shiitake mushrooms are a source of lentinan, a well-studied beta-glucan polysaccharide shown to possess immune-enhancing, antiviral, and anticancer properties12. They've also been found to reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and may even help lower cholesterol levels34.

Some studies have demonstrated shiitake’s ability to stimulate white blood cell activity, suggesting a role in immune regulation and potential therapeutic use alongside conventional cancer treatments5. With both culinary versatility and scientifically validated health benefits, shiitakes truly bridge the gap between food and medicine.

References

1. Chihara, G. (1992). Immunopharmacology of lentinan, a polysaccharide isolated from Lentinus edodes: Its application as a host defence potentiator. International Journal of Oriental Medicine, 17(1), 57–77. ↩

2. Zhang, Y. et al. (2011). Enhancement of immunity in mice treated with lentinan from shiitake mushroom. International Immunopharmacology, 11(4), 378–383. ↩

3. Horio, F. et al. (1991). Hypocholesterolemic effects of Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) fiber in rats. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 37(2), 141–146. ↩

4. Ng, M. L. et al. (2002). Shiitake mushroom extract as a dietary supplement for lowering serum cholesterol. Nutrition Research, 22(5), 677–688. ↩

5. Wasser, S. P. (2002). Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 60(3), 258–274. ↩