Discovering NC Agriculture is a year-long series focusing on twelve N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
Mushrooms can be harvested in a variety of different was, from farming to foraging. Greg Carter with Deeps Woods Mushrooms, aka The FunGuy, has always had a passion for foraging mushrooms and used that passion to start his business both hunting and growing mushrooms in Western NC.
Growing up, Greg learned to forage mushrooms at the hand of his father, as well as search for other edible foods in the wild during his time with the Boy Scouts. “Foraging, also known as mushroom hunting, was something that my dad enjoyed doing,” he said. “I always found it interesting, not only because it’s a fun way to get outdoors, but it’s amazing to see the variety of mushrooms that grow in the wild.” In fact, over fifty mushroom varieties can be found in the forests surrounding Greg’s farm in Mills River! Even though he had a passion for mushrooms, he didn’t start diving deep into the hobby until 1999. “My neighbor came to me with the idea of growing mushrooms in logs and giving them to people as Christmas presents,” he said. “That was the first time I had ever looked into growing mushrooms myself by emulating the process found in Mother Nature.” After much study, research and experimentation, Greg took a leap of faith by turning his hobby into a business & opened the doors of Deep Woods Mushrooms in 2006.
On the farm, Greg offers both harvested and foraged mushrooms. “All my mushrooms are grown on logs placed outdoors so that Mother Nature can continue to do her job during the growth process,” he said. From Shitake and Oyster to Chestnut and Reishi, Greg offers a variety of farm grown mushrooms throughout the year. “Although I enjoy farm raised mushrooms, there is nothing quite like mushrooms grown in the wild,” he said. “The best mushrooms come straight out of Mother Nature, putting log raised mushrooms at second best.”
Western North Carolina is the perfect place to look for mushrooms due to the large quantity and variety found there. “Southern Appalachia is the most diverse area in the world when it comes to nature grown mushroom varieties,” Greg said. “Before mushroom hunting, you must know what you are looking for, where they grow, and how they need to be harvested. A lot of research, including classes and books, is necessary to forage properly.” Seasonality is a large factor when it comes to foraging mushrooms. Some varieties grow year-round while others only grow at certain times of the year. “I usually go out looking for one specific type of mushroom and if I find others along the way I’ll grab them,” Greg said. “Sometimes I can be gone for five minutes, while others it takes all day. I use my bicycle a lot to get me to and from my destination, which is why research on where your desired variety grows is important.” In addition to location and variety types, foragers also need to be aware of harvest techniques and supplies. “Each variety mush be harvested in a specific way,” Greg said. “Some varieties you can pull, others you cut. Some varieties are fragile and need to be wrapped. Don’t go into the woods unprepared! Know what you are looking for and how you plan to harvest it before you go.”
When foraging for commercial use, Greg works with private landowners in the area, as well as utilizes his own property, to gain access to multiple varieties. According to regulations, he is not allowed to commercially forage in the National Forest. “If using the harvested mushrooms for personal use, you can visit the National Forest and pick one pound, per species, per day,” he said. “However, since I use them for commercial use, there are different rules that apply.” Thankfully Greg’s neighbors and community members are more than willing to grant him permission to forage on their land!
One of his favorite varieties to forage is the Chicken of the Woods mushroom because of its unique properties! Not only is it a beautiful mushroom, but it also has the taste and texture profile of chicken breast. “The energy behind the tree these mushrooms grow on highly effects how big they are and in what quantity,” he said. “I harvested forty pounds off one tree before! It all depends on the health of the tree they are growing on.”
As a mushroom farmer and forager for over 20 years, Greg has a plethora of knowledge on mushroom varieties, harvesting types, seasonality, growing locations and more! “Mycology, or the study of mushrooms, takes a lot of time and experience to learn,” he said. “I continue to learn every day, as well as pass on my knowledge to anyone interested in learning the science.” For those interested in learning how to forage mushrooms, Greg offers classes on his farm by appointment only. Simply visit his website and put in a request! “I offer them year-round to interested parties,” he said. “The max group I can take is fifteen people, but I’ll conduct a class for even just one person.” As Greg often says, everyone needs at least a minimal knowledge of mushrooms and how to find them, so sign up for a class or a farm tour on his website today!
Mushrooms from Deep Woods can be purchased year-round at the Transylvania Farmers Market. Also keep an eye on the Tailgate Market in Hendersonville this summer, as Greg might make a surprise appearance! Whether you visit the farm, give him a call, or meet him at the market, Greg will open your eyes to a brand-new world when it comes to mushrooms farmed and foraged in North Carolina!
