Meet the Mushrooms
At Rock River Valley Mushrooms, we’re on a mission to cultivate flavorful, locally grown Wisconsin mushrooms – each with its own personality and purpose. Whether they’re soaking up sunshine, braving a snowstorm, or thriving indoors on sustainable substrate, every mushroom we grow is rooted in care, curiosity, and a little Midwestern toughness.
Shiitake
Bold, meaty, and full of flavor
Why We Love Them
- Incredible taste
- Packed with nutrients
- Support immune and heart health
Fun fact: “Shii” means oak in Japanese, and “take” means mushroom — the name literally means “oak mushroom.”
Quick Facts:
- Height: 2–4 inches
- Weight: 1–3 oz per mushroom
- Grows on: Hardwood logs (oak, chestnut, beech)
- Origin: East Asia, cultivated for over 1,000 years
Oyster
Tender, delicate, and delightfully versatile
Why We Love Them
- Nutrient-rich
- low in calories
- full of antioxidants
- bring a light seafood-like flavor
Fun fact: Oysters are used to clean up environmental pollution. They have been shown to help degrade diesel oil and even some plastics.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 2–8 inches
- Grows on hardwood or straw
- Found worldwide
- Texture: Velvety and tender
Wine Caps
Hearty, rich, earthy, nutty flavor and meaty texture
Why We Love Them
- These ‘garden giants’ are grown in our outdoor beds
- Only available for a short time each year
- Perfect for soups, stews, or grilling
Fun fact: Wine caps improve garden soil health by breaking down wood and releasing nutrients plants can use.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 4–10 inches
- Weight: 2–8 oz
- Grows on: Wood chips, straw, compost
- Season: Late spring through summer
Chestnut
Nutty, firm, and sustainably grown
Why We Love Them
- Flavorful, hearty, and versatile
- Caps and stems are fully edible
- Stems have a tender bite like steamed asparagus
Fun fact: Chestnuts are close cousins to shiitakes and share similar antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 2–6 inches
- Grows in clusters on hardwood
- Flavor: Mild, nutty, umami-rich
- Native to Europe & Asia
At Rock River Valley Mushrooms, we’re still learning. Mushroom growing, like most good things, comes with a few rules and a whole lot of discovery. We invite you to grow with us – one flush, one recipe, one bit of curiosity at a time.
