Magic happens at the Stropharia mushroom farm in Naples

Stropharia mushroom farm (SMF) is an indoor mushroom production facility in Naples, Florida. It belongs to Jor ‘El and Sheth Schustrin, with a little help from Sheth’s son Anthony, a budding mycologist.

Headmistress Sheth (left) and Jor ‘EL Schustrin (right) and Sheth’s son Anthony, Stropharia Mushroom Farm

Jor ‘El initially owned a video production company called Stropharia Productions, whose name also belongs to the stropharia mushroom family. Jor ‘El became interested in the possible medicinal properties of mushrooms because of family health problems.

He began to experiment with making mushrooms at home, much like the lover of homemade beer. Unfortunately, growing mushrooms extended from his apartment closet to his bedroom and then to a second bedroom, which required a larger space. His brother Sheth has been a chef in the area for many years. Interest in Sheth’s restaurant connections also fueled SMF’s growth.

The process of making mushrooms is really interesting. It can get pretty technical. I will try to keep it as simple and understandable as possible. I found this review from the North American Mycological Association very informative.

Mushroom spawn with mycelial growth

Fungal cultures can be started in a number of ways. Spores (a type of mushroom seed) obtained as spore prints from the underside of a mushroom cap, spore-containing disks from the mushroom cap, or pre-purchased liquid culture syringes can be applied to grain to produce mushroom spawn.

Mushroom spawn promotes the growth of mycelium, a kind of “root” of a fungus. Popcorn (pictured), sorghum, or sorghum-rye mixes are some of the many grain mixes used to make mushroom spawn. All of this must be done in a sterile environment such as a sterile airflow hood.

Once the spawn is produced, small amounts can be re-cultivated on petri dishes or additional grains to allow the mycelium to grow over long periods of time and to reinforce your initial efforts. Once sufficient mycelium has formed, the spawn is again transferred under sterile conditions to its final growth bags known as the substrate.

Mycelial cultures at SMF

The mushroom substrate used at SMF consists of oak and soy. This mimics a dead tree that mushrooms like to grow on in the wild. This spawn-substrate mixture is then stored under controlled environmental conditions to encourage mycelial growth. One jar of spawn is enough to inoculate 2 to 3 bags of substrate, producing 2 to 3 pounds of mushroom.

After the mycelium has grown optimally, a small opening is made in the substrate bag. The bags are placed again under strictly controlled temperature, light and humidity conditions so that the bags can “fruit” or produce mushrooms. The substrate bags are now called fruit blocks.

Fruit blocks with oyster mushrooms

As soon as the mushrooms ripen on the fruit blocks, they can be harvested. After the harvest, the fruit blocks are able to produce another harvest or “flow” of mushrooms. Interestingly, Jor ‘El told me that the used fruit bags that are no longer suitable for mushroom production can be used as compost and soil improver in the garden. The mycelium in spent oyster mushroom fruit blocks has also been shown to break down plastic and oil. The oyster mushroom mycelium appears to use these substances as sources of carbon for growth.

I found all of this information fascinating, but now you are sure to be wondering where to buy mushrooms grown from SMF. As of this writing, SMF is selling its wares at the Pine Ridge Farmers Market Sunday in Naples from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition, SMF is on the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new Indoor Hand and Harvest Artisans Market in the Mercato in Naples. One can buy a variety of mushrooms like these lovely blue oyster mushrooms. The availability and prices of the various mushrooms grown by SMF can be found here here. In addition to farmers’ markets, they also sell directly from their production facility. Call for collection or delivery.

Lion’s mane (front left) and oyster mushrooms

The offerings from SMF are not only extremely unique for Southwest Florida, but also extremely tasty. I recently bought a pound of their oyster mushrooms for dinner with friends. I cooked them as a whole block on the grill, sprayed them with rapeseed oil and simply seasoned them with salt and pepper. Everyone raved about them and they helped make a memorable meal even more memorable.

The mushrooms produced at SMF are the most notable. I hope that in the near future they will be able to expand both their production and their availability in our region.

That’s it for another post on Forks.

Stropharia mushroom farm

2377 Linwood Avenue # 205

Naples, FL 34112

(239)465-3684

SMF email

SMF website

SMF Facebook page

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