Our first meeting of the 2017-2018 fiscal year was held at Church of the Redeemer and what a treat it was for those in attendance.

Tina Ellor of Phillips Mushroom Farm (their mycologist and techncal specialist) gave us a small lesson in the biology of mushrooms and a huge lesson on the pharmacology benefits of mushrooms.  Tina didn’t hold back on plying the membership with freebies:  There was a generous variety of fresh mushrooms to be had  along with free cookbooks, mushroom brushes, and so much more in the way of literature.  As Gardeners we listen to many good programs in our club, but this one was over the top in knowledge gained and generosity given.  I wish you had been there.

Here are some of the mushroom species that Tina brought with her:

 White Mushrooms:  This available mushroom varies in color from white to light brown and in size from small to jumbo stuffer. It is plump an dome shaped and is also referred to as the “button mushroom”.

 

 

Portabella Mushrooms
Portabella mushrooms are the largest of the commercially available mushrooms and have a rich, robust mushroom taste and a texture that has been compared to fine beef filet mignon.

 

 

Baby Bella and Crimini Mushrooms
Criminis are tan to brown in color with a firm, buttery texture and a flavor similar to white button mushrooms but more intense. They are picked while they are still closed, with their veil covering the gill surface.

 

 

Maitake Mushrooms
Some other common names for Maitake are Sheep’s Head and Hen-of-the-Woods. Maitake mushrooms form a brown to gray cluster of petals or fronds on a fused, central stalk.

 

 

Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki are tender, white mushrooms with long stems and small caps and a sweet, mild taste. They are usually sold in clusters just as they are pulled from the bottles they are traditionally grown in.

 

 

Kudos to Holly Amsterdam, our chair, who arranged the program.  Here is the link to The Woodlands site connected with Phillips Mushroom Farm where you can shop and get information on mushrooms– http://www.thewoodlandsatphillips.com.

The minutes of the meeting will be published soon.  There is so much going on in the club you won’t want to miss reading the minutes.

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