Our Story

Fae Forest Fungi began as a mushroom-growing hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, inspired by other mushroom farmers online. What started as a small hobby quickly grew into a family business, with everyone getting involved in the mushroom-growing process. Together, we converted available spaces in the house into a fully functional mushroom farm.

Today, as a family-run business, we proudly offer gourmet mushrooms and artisanal mushroom products to local farmers' markets, restaurants, and online customers.

Behind the Scenes

We combine science, sustainability, and a touch of magic to grow our premium-quality mushrooms. Our indoor farm operates in a carefully controlled environment where temperature, humidity, and light are adjusted to create the perfect conditions for our mushrooms to thrive.

  • Every mushroom’s journey begins with selecting the best mushroom cultures. These carefully chosen cultures are expanded into grain spawn ensuring a strong and healthy foundation. The grain spawn is then used to inoculate sterilized bulk substrate made from sustainable materials sourced from local farmers. This process provides the nutrient-rich environment needed for optimal mushroom growth.

  • Mushrooms require a delicate balance of moisture, airflow, and cleanliness. Our growing chambers are monitored and adjusted daily to provide the ideal conditions for each mushroom variety. By maintaining high standards, we ensure our mushrooms are chemical-free, fresh, and healthy.

  • We harvest our mushrooms at peak ripeness to guarantee exceptional flavor and texture. Each harvest is done by hand, ensuring only the best mushrooms make their way to your kitchen or restaurant.

  • To make things easier for our clients, we pre-trim and clean all mushrooms, removing any substrate and preparing them for immediate use.

  • We are committed to sustainability. Any leftover substrate is composted or bought by local gardeners and farms, helping us reduce waste and give back to the community.

  • Beyond fresh mushrooms, we’re also working on artisanal mushroom products like Mushroom Jerky, Mushroom Tinctures, and Pickled Mushrooms. These products allow us to capture and share the unique flavors of our mushrooms in new and exciting ways.

Our Mission

We provide high-quality, sustainably grown mushrooms and artisanal mushroom products while fostering a deeper connection to local food systems and sustainable farming practices.

Our Guiding Principles

Sustainable Farming

Our mushrooms are cultivated indoors with minimal waste. We reuse materials like nutrient-rich spent substrate for gardening and work to reduce our environmental impact.

Grow With Intention

We focus on quality over quantity, harvesting at the right time instead of rushing for bigger yields.

Support Local Businesses

As a family-owned operation, we understand the importance of supporting local communities. We collaborate with and promote other local farms and businesses.

USA Grown

All of our mushrooms and products are proudly grown and made in the USA, supporting domestic agriculture and ensuring the highest standards of quality and freshness.

No Chemicals

We grow our mushrooms without pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, delivering clean and natural products to our customers.

Grown with care, harvested at peak freshness

Each batch starts from grain spawn, then slowly develops through different growth stages before reaching peak freshness for harvest. Unlike mass-produced mushrooms, ours are harvested at just the right time for the best flavor and texture.

The health and satisfaction of our customers are at the heart of everything we do.

“We love your mushrooms!”

-Nancy Koch

“Double check mark for quality and suggestions for how to cook with the different varieties of mushrooms!”

-Mike Brown

“Customer service is 💯”

-Lee Springer

The Story Behind Our Name

Our name is inspired by the rich history of the Fae—mystical beings from Celtic folklore, often depicted as guardians of nature, forest spirits, and protectors of the natural world. The word "Fae" evokes a sense of mystery, magic, and a deep connection to the earth. In Celtic tradition, the Fae are thought to be intimately tied to the growth of plants, the cycles of the seasons, and the hidden life within forests. We chose this name because it represents the harmony and reverence we feel for the natural world and the mushrooms we grow.

Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next order

Be the first to know about new products, farmers’ market updates, and exclusive mushroom recipes. Sign up for our newsletter today!

Keep up with us on instagram:

@FaeForestFungi

FAQs

  • While we’re not certified organic, all our mushrooms are grown indoors in a clean, controlled environment. We use sustainable practices and never use harmful chemicals, ensuring our mushrooms are safe, fresh, and flavorful.

  • To keep our mushrooms fresh, store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil faster.

  • We do not ship fresh mushrooms. For fresh mushrooms, we recommend ordering for pickup or visiting us at the market. Commercial buyers may inquire about delivery options.

  • We ship non-perishable mushroom products, such as dried mushrooms and mushroom jerky, within Illinois only.

  • Yes! Our mushroom tinctures are available for nationwide shipping. Enjoy the benefits of mushrooms delivered straight to your doorstep, wherever you are in the U.S.