Jim Gibson, a mushroom enthusiast and native Coloradan loves mushrooms and knows quite a bit about the earthy fungus we enjoy. What many persons don’t know including me is that they provide much more than just being an addition to a meal. In a short conversation with Jim we discussed the importance of mushrooms and what I learned was enlightening. What we see above ground is evidence of a small portion of the organism. Most of the action occurs underground, out of sight and out of mind for us. Below is the soil food-web of the mushrooms where decomposition happens: the gathering of water; where medicine and food for other soil organisms occur; which encourages healthy soil. Mushrooms live symbiotically with other plants in their growing area. Depending on the type of species, mushrooms provide medicinal properties that include antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor, anticancer properties. They increase bioavailability of nutrient proteins, vitamins and minerals and for example, shitake is known to be high in Vitamin B.

It is Jim’s hope that the growing of mushrooms will be increased in the Denver area. Meanwhile he wants to continue to engage those willing to learn and thus continue the promotion of their qualities. Some mushrooms are relatively easy to grow according to Jim but once an environment is selected they should be introduced to a strict gardening regime and the correct conditions must be provided in order for them to grow. Yet again mushrooms, depending on the species can be grown by using spores, spawn or by using mushrooms and will take an average of two to three months to reach maturity. According to Jim, he wants us to understand the multiple benefits of this lovely fungus family. Their growth should be encouraged, as beneath our feet is their environment.  This is where “mycelium” - simply put this is where they absorb nutrients - occurs and the plant progresses. Even if you don’t see a mushroom growing in your garden apparently your garden will still reap benefits but there are things that must be done to ensure its life.

Soil must not be rowed or tilled and basically Jim says don’t put anything in your soil that you won’t put in a glass of water to drink. That’s a positive and unforgettable way to think about your soil. Such products like pesticides that big companies say we should use because it does this and that will only end up killing your soil because they are often harmful and it ultimately affects the ecosystem. I think we should do whatever it takes to protect what we have and our gardens are a great place to start. If you’re not one to garden because you don’t have the time or skills, local farm markets are an affordable option (although growing your own food is better and cheaper) where you can find mushrooms. It will give you the chance to talk to the farmer and gain insight on how they are grown and maybe even obtain a few recipes or ideas.

On speaking about Feed Denver and other organizations who are taking the step forward to educate and train, Jim is excited about their development and believes they provide a real opportunity to build communities and get them in touch to share, grow and learn. Not only that but they give insight to the things that are becoming important in Denver. He appreciates their existence. Jim has an upcoming class about Mushrooms for Health: Food, Medicine and Soil on April 9th, 2011 so if anyone is interested in starting their own mushroom venture please feel free to visit Feed Denver’s classes and events page to register. It will be informative and a class not to miss because this is where he will be able to share recipes and other ideas with you.

It is my pleasure to write blog articles as a part of my Internship with Feed Denver. My name is Tiffany and I attend the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy studying Food Culture and Communications. I came to Feed Denver to expand my knowledge and appreciation of agriculture and to learn about the emphasis that is being placed on local food supply; to understand the fundamentals of a non-profit organization and its essential role in providing stability and education to those in need. I believe that communication is essential to educating communities about the severity of food supply and learning as much as you can from others is the way to go.

To watch plants grow is a joy but to be a part of it is even better. It’s a continuous cycle in the growing of Feed Denver’s hoop house. Before spring began the raised beds were prepared the refugees and Ariel, the Director of Production sorted through the seeds and made the final spring selection. So, finally spring is here and planting has begun in the hoop house. Not being one who really knows how to farm it is inspiring to watch the woman of Feed Denver be motivated and work towards future goals of educating communities. There are a number of classes scheduled for this spring season and at the symposium on March 12th, 2011 was a great pre-view for what is being offered. If you missed it, there will be will future classes (please visit the classes and events page). There is so much to be learned and it gives one a chance to share and talk to others who may face the same challenges and give insight to growing techniques that are helpful.

As a student studying Food Culture, Denver offers its own unique agricultural playing field. On another note, although I have yet to explore other farms of Denver, it is great to be able to experience the locality of produce in a Restaurant. On a recent visit to Fuel, (a popular restaurant in the River North Downtown area is known as one of the best and offers seasonal menus) it was a nice change to have honey glazed turnips that were grown locally as a side dish instead of fries. The baby turnips were tender, sweet and the roasting complimented the earthy aroma. Fuel who is now looking to have their own small garden, is communicating with Feed Denver to develop this idea so patrons experience what it’s like to eat healthy fresh food that may inspire others to grow.  It is a great start to the spring season and I look forward to what the gardens will offer to communities.