GENERAL FAQS
"Exotic," gourmet functional mushroom varieties are nutrient-rich and offer health benefits like immune support and enhanced wellness.
- Grown in Chicago, we combine sustainability with culinary innovation, using eco-friendly cultivation methods to minimize environmental impact.
- Our mushrooms are 100% grown and produced in the USA, from start to finish. Unlike other companies that source fruiting blocks from China, we make our own.
- Our mushrooms are certified organic.
A bag filled with growing materials (substrate) inoculated with spawn (living culture of mycelium) to encourage mushroom growth.
We make our own fruiting blocks from hardwood sawdust and soybean hulls
Currently, we do not offer tours as we are an active plant. We're exploring ways to engage with the public in the future.
PRODUCTS
Fresh Mushrooms:
Best when cooked: sautéed, pan-fried, or grilled. These mushrooms are high in moisture, so it's best to press some out while cooking.
- Yes, mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Oyster have a meaty texture and umami flavor, making them excellent plant-based substitutes for meat.
- Mushrooms contain all 9 essential amino acids, making them a complete protein.
- Store in their original packaging or a paper bag in the refrigerator. Avoid airtight containers.
- Fresh mushrooms typically last 5-7 days when stored properly.
Yes. Due to their high water content, it's best to sauté them first, cool them completely, then freeze and store in ziplock bags.
While Oyster and Lion’s Mane are our specialties, we do offer other exotic/gourmet functional mushrooms.
Fungitarian Heat and Eat Products:
Elevate your meals by heating and eating in just 5 minutes
- Available in Original, Taco, Asian Zing, Marinara, BBQ (all made from Oyster mushrooms).
- Kid / Family Friendly? Yes! Our Original flavor is mild and versatile. Some flavors like Taco and BBQ have bold spices but many kids like the spiciness!
Not yet, but the main ingredient, our mushrooms, are certified organic.
Yes! All products are vegan for everyone’s enjoyment.
Health and Nutrition
- Mushrooms are high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and calories, making them keto-friendly.
- Oyster mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, high in potassium, and contain B vitamins.
- Lion’s Mane mushrooms may support cognitive health, nerve regeneration, and have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Yes! Gourmet functional mushrooms contain all 9 essential amino acids, making them a complete protein, without unhealthy fats and cholesterol.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are known for supporting cognitive health, nerve regeneration, and enhancing overall brain function.
Mushrooms naturally produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV light, making them an excellent plant-based source of this essential nutrient.
Our products are gluten-free. We're in the process of securing gluten-free certification
Cooking and Recipes
Our Fungitarian products are fully cooked and ready in just 5 minutes! Heat them in a skillet, microwave, or oven for a quick and easy meal.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are perfect for vegan or non-vegan crab cakes, seared steaks, or shredded as a seafood substitute for rolls and pasta.
Yes! Fungitarian mushrooms make a great pizza topping, salad addition, or savory garnish for grain bowls and wraps.
Olive oil or neutral oils like avocado oil work well. For added flavor, try sesame oil.
Absolutely! Combining them adds depth to your dish, with fresh mushrooms providing texture and Fungitarian offering bold flavors.
Availability and Retail Stores
- Our products are available at over 100 retail locations across the Midwest. Use our Retailer Map to find a store near you.
- Many restaurants in Chicagoland & other areas serve our mushrooms.
Let us know where you’d like to see Windy City Mushroom products by filling out the form on our Contact Us page.
Not yet, but we're working to expand our distribution to make our products available across the country.
Yes! Ask your favorite local retailers to stock our products and let us know who they are.
Sustainability
We require no land to grow, and minimal water is used.
- Our fresh mushrooms come in recyclable packaging.
- Our frozen Fungitarian heat and eat products are made from upcycled oyster mushrooms.
- The substrate is picked up by a local company, Midwest Trading, and turned into a nutrient mix for plants and gardening.
- We also work with Mycocycle, a bioremediation startup that transforms construction waste into low-carbon raw materials for the built environment.
Food Service and Partnerships
We work with chefs, restaurants, catering services, quick-service establishments, schools, colleges, hospitals, and senior living facilities by offering bulk orders and versatile mushrooms that elevate menus
Visit our Food Services page and fill out the form for more details. We love partnering with food professionals to bring our mushrooms to creative dishes