The Wild Business of Wild Mushrooms - Eric Whitehead (The Mushroom Show Episode #8)
Eric Whitehead is an absolute pro when it comes to wild foraging, because his expertise and life experience is deeply rooted in nature. In this episode of the Mushroom Show, Eric reveals some of the things that led him to start his company Untamed Feast, the differences between eating a dried mushroom over fresh mushroom, how there is a "lawless Wild West" when it comes to mushroom foraging, and what to look for when you are foraging. There's so many actionable takeaways from this episode, and we could have talked with Eric for hours. Let us know what you loved, what we might have missed, and who you would like to see on the show in future episodes. 0:00 Framing the Conversation1:05 A Wild Upbringing6:13 The Dangers & Thrills of Foraging (The Wild West of Matsutake)15:20 The Beginnings of Untamed Feast23:00 How Do We Avoid Mycophobia32:00 The Dragon's Den41:19 Going From Dried Mushrooms to Complex Products45:44 How to Find Morels (Lots of Mushroom Sex)57:10 Verpas vs Morels1:02:50 Porcini Mushrooms 1:11:30 Are Mushrooms Better Fresh or Dried?1:18:10 Viewer Questions: Why Can't Some Mushrooms Be Farmed?1:24:00 Viewer Questions: Where to Forage for Wild Mushrooms?