Cultivated Chanterelles in the market

[Andrew H]

My local Whole Foods has pinkie to thumb sized golden chanterelles. The tag says grown in Santa Cruz with a Far West Fungi logo on it. I know they are closing in fast on growing species previously thought impossible. Last year I found cultivated Lobster mushrooms on sale as well. Can porcinis be far behind?

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Far West Fungi
1 Ferry Bldg # 34, San Francisco, CA

[achefsbest]

I was wondering that too. Perhaps I could ask my Mycological Society of SF friends.

[chefj]

Are sure that these were cultivated? Not just collected by Far West Fungi? I can not find any place that is cultivating Cantharellus cibarius commercially.

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Far West Fungi
1 Ferry Bldg # 34, San Francisco, CA

[wally]

Yes, my question also. Grown in Santa Cruz means just that, they could be collected rather than cultivate.

[Andrew H]

I'm not 100% positive these aren't wild, but Whole Foods always ids mushrooms as either wild or grown (cultivated). I'll ask next time i'm in there.

[dillybravo]

I hate to revive an old thread, but since there's no PM feature... Did you ever find out if these were wild or cultivated?

[Andrew H]

I believe they were wild. My mistake.

And dayum if they aren't popping up like crazy now. Found some real beauts in the last week.

[Windy]

Far West provides mushrooms to many area grocers. They are at Alemany Market on Saturdays, where their prices are lowest, but for the best selection, go to their store at the Ferry Building.

[originalfig]

Yeah, a friend of mine brought over some phenomenal chanterelles recently - I think they were from the Whole Foods Potrero but I'm not sure. They were soooo good and so evocative -- tasted like a mini-trip to France. Incredible that these are popping up and very exciting.