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Episode 21: Storing and Using Oyster Mushrooms

Thanks for humoring me last week as we took a step back together and walked through a how to podcast episode. I know you may be wondering what does that have to do with a walk to independence or homesteading? Well there is this thing we all need on the homestead – cash. And one way to generate income is to use tools like podcasting to promote your products. Plus, a podcast is a great way to capture what you are learning as you start on an adventure. You get the double bonus of helping others as they start a similar adventure.

This week, though, we are back to a homesteading topic with a show about mushrooms. I have never seen so many oyster mushrooms as we have had this year here in the south and that has taken me on a bit of a foray in what to do with them all – Because when nature gives us bounty, it is best to take advantage of it! There must be a reason I need vitamin D this year because the mushrooms have the D – and come to think of it – it has been darker than usual this winter.

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What mother nature is providing

  • Wild Garlic
  • Watercress
  • Stinging Nettle Abounds
  • Chickens are laying eggs again! Just in time for Fat Tuesday Crepes!
  • Comfrey is peeking up and the garlic looks happy
  • Make your own sweet potato slips

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

  • The weekly squash – week 6: Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Salad Corn
  • Bread, bread, bread!

Stories from the Holler

  • Many hands make light work
  • A weekend of fun and good living
  • 120 pound of green beans have arrived

Storing and Using Oyster Mushrooms

Storing
Dry and in the fridge for a week
Dried and vacuum sealed
Diced and frozen
Canned
Pickled

Pickling Brines can be found here.

Using

  • Sauteed in butter – always try this!
  • Add to soups and stews
  • Oyster mushroom/corn chowder
  • Pizza
  • Stir fried vegetables
  • Wild mushroom turnovers
  • On your hamburger
  • Wild Mushroom Crepes

Lessons learned from Toby Hemenway

This week: Chapter 4
Next Week: Chapter 5

Observation about this chapter:

  • Growing soil seems to be the best place to focus my attention.
  • A test can be helpful, but if you can’t get one, don’t let it stop you. Look at what grows there, how well it grows and learn.
  • There is no silver bullet
  • Questions to ask yourself:
    What is the state of my soil and what can I do to make it better?
    What resources (like forrest loam) do I have access to as I take on the yard?
    Where do I want to start first? The whole enchilada, or just a small part of my land?
    How can I manufacture fertility on my homestead? Chickens, rabbits, table scraps, etc.

Spring is coming. Make it a great week!

Song: Strange Child, Sauce