Instructor Zach Mermel will teach the basics of mushroom cultivation in the “Food From Wood: Growing Edible &Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps, and Wood Chips” from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Wondering what to do with those undesirable exotic trees on the ‘back forty?’ By teaming with certain fungi, you can turn that pesky plant problem into an edible solution. A wonder drug or just darn tasty, the humble mushroom belongs to a kingdom seldom explored. Mushrooms are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and nutrition with the added bonus of being “easy to grow.” Their health benefits are well known and their ecological advantages are just now being fully realized.
Learn basic fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials, particularly wooden logs, stumps, and wood chips and discover the health benefits of different edible and medicinal fungi in Hawaii.
Course fees are $55 for nonmembers and $50 for VAC members plus a $15 fee, inclusive of supplies. Each participant will depart with a shiitake mushroom log kit, as well as a King Stropharia mushroom kit. Participants will meet at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village for a slideshow lecture, then drive to Shaka Forest Farms on Wright Road in Volcano Village for the hands-on segment of the workshop. Lunch break will occur from noon-1 p.m.
Whether an eager epicurean, avid horticulturist or just interested in mushrooms, Zach encourages you along with farmers, gardeners, and homeowners seeking to incorporate the growing of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms into their lives and livelihoods to attend.
For more information and to register, please call 808-967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.