The mild climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains is ideal for the growth of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Members of the Fungus Federation collect specimens at this time each year for display at the annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair.
Mary Lindsay, federation scribe, says, “This year seems to be a great year for fungi. I've picked 10 pounds of chanterelles and earlier, boletes were plentiful!"
About the 36th Annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
The 36th Annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair is on January 9-10, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.at Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz.
Admission:
- Adults $7
- Current Museum and Fungus Federation Members $6
- Seniors & Students $5
- Kids under 12 free
- Double-day Pass: General $12, Current Museum and Federation Members $10
For more information call (831) 420-1168
Admission includes access to all exhibits and programs plus the culinary demos (as space permits). Fair-goers are offered tastes of the food prepared.
Attendees learn about the hundreds of beautiful and fascinating species of local fungi on display in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition features two days of events for the whole family. For kids, there is a special room full of hands-on activities, including a fungus exploration area, clay mushroom building, face paints, and more.
SC Fungus Fair Culinary Demonstrations
Two great chefs will treat guests with tips about cooking with wild mushrooms. Jack Czarnecki produces the country's only white truffle oil and local chef Jozseph Schultz cooks as if he is in the midst of a great theatrical performance.
Saturday, Jan. 9, 3:00-4:30 and Sunday, Jan 10, 11:00-12:30 - Jack Czarnecki, Highlighting the Truffle
Sunday Jan. 10, 3:00-4:30 - Jozseph Schultz, International Flavors of Mushrooms
Edible mushrooms found in Santa Cruz include porcinis, black chanterelles, oyster, matsutake and candy caps. Maple-flavored candy caps are used in sweet desserts.
Discussions on Diversity and Identification of Wild Mushrooms Offered
Biologist Tom Volk of the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, will discuss the wide diversity of wild mushrooms. Other events include the basics of mushroom identification in the popular Mushrooms 101 class and the medicinal properties of mushrooms from fourth-generation herbalist Chris Hobbs. Attendees can bring their own discovered mushrooms in paper bags to be identified by local experts.
Sponsored by the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Museum Association, the fair draws 2,000 plus visitors each year.
Purpose of the Fungus Federation (FFSC)
From the FFSC website: The purpose of the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz is to expand the understanding and appreciation of mycology (study of mushrooms) and to assist the general public, related institutions, and societies to further this goal. We put the "Fun" in Fungus.
To accomplish this, the organization offers:
- Local and long distance forays to find and identify mushrooms
- Culinary events featuring wine dinners paired with mushrooms
- Beginner and advanced mushroom identification classes
- Interesting speakers on mushroom related topics
- E-Mail forum for mushroom related discussions
Always Identify Wild Mushrooms With an Expert Before Consumption
Members of the federation caution interested persons to avoid eating wild mushrooms without first obtaining proper identification by an expert. Santa Cruz and area residents may call the federation at 831/ 684-2275 for help with identification.
June Smith - I am the retired owner of a pioneering winery founded in the early '70s in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with dozens of food, wine ...
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