Free Mushroom-Growing Kits and Workshops at Union Square Friday

UNION SQAURE, NY — Group Growing, a New Jersey-based mushroom farming collective, will be offering free mushroom-growing workshops and kits at the Union Square Greenmarket tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees will learn how to grow "oyster" mushrooms — thin mushrooms popular in stir-fries.

"We are serving society by teaching everyone how to grow gourmet, nutritious, medicinal foods," said co-founder Frank Kushnir in a press release. "We set people up with knowledge, fungal cultures, continuous support and even can help build their farm inoculation and fruiting rooms."

Group Growing has started 13 free mushroom farms for families and communities since its inception last summer. Jack Poole, Group Growing’s lead builder and engineer, said that they’re excited to now be working with GrowNYC, the organization that runs the Union Square Market.

"We've built our network up to a unique symbiotic position. This and future collaboration with GrowNYC enables us to grow mushrooms in every apartment in New York City.”

It’s a lofty goal, but one that the group believes will benefit everyone: “Mushrooms are powerful, delicious, protein rich food,” Poole said.

Lead image via Creative Commons