Broderick AdamsThe North Texas Mycology Association (NTMA) hosted their annual Mush Fest at the beautiful Caddo National Grasslands. Among the many enthusiastic participants was our very own Emory Market Gardens team, bringing their expertise and passion for fungi to this celebration of all things mushroom.
A Hands-On Experience
Emory Market Gardens' owner Jason roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty at the cooking demonstrations both Friday and Saturday. Jason personally fried up generous batches of fresh oyster mushrooms harvested from our farm. The mushrooms, cooked to absolute perfection with just the right amount of texture, spices, and herbs, were a crowd favorite. Visitors lined up for a taste of these delectable treats, with many commenting on their meaty texture and rich flavor.
Contributing to Science
Beyond the culinary demonstrations, the attendees participated in one of the most important aspects of Mush Fest - the mushroom forays into the Caddo National Grasslands. These guided expeditions into the diverse ecosystems of the grasslands yielded an impressive array of fungal specimens.
All species identified and collected during these forays are being carefully documented and will provide critical biodiversity and mycology information about the Caddo National Grasslands region. This data is particularly valuable as it helps scientists track changes in fungal populations over time, especially in response to climate change and human activity.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Amy Honan, in her presentation highlighted how little we actually know about the fungi world by revealing that there are projected to be millions of species of mushrooms while mycologists have only identified and distinguished approximately 14,000 of them. This is mostly in part to the lack of resources and funding for this type of research. All the more reason to get involved! There is a largely undiscovered world of mushrooms and their potential health benefits to society.
Looking Forward
As Mush Fest 2025 came to a close, the Emory Market Gardens team packed up with new connections, fresh knowledge, and renewed enthusiasm for their fungal endeavors. Their participation not only showcased their products but also demonstrated their commitment to education, science, and sustainable agriculture.
We'd like to thank NTMA for having us and allowing us to be proud sponsors of this year's Mush Fest!
For more information about the North Texas Mycology Association and future events, visit their website at www.northtexasmycology.org/
