When Zachary Canu lived in L.A., the metropolis mushroomed, so much so, that it prompted his move to Atlanta.
He anticipated some rural Georgia countryside.
“In my 30s,” he said, “I loved Gwinnett County. It had more cows than people. And then, it mushroomed just like L.A.”
A lot more cars than moo.
Ironically, all that mushrooming led him to create a fungi farm, this time in a beautiful, bucolic spot, Otto, North Carolina.
He (and four others) built a mushroom farm. Then, Holy Cremini! The mushroom encounter has grown like crazy. Dream Big produces 16-20 organic mushrooms, certified varieties, (2,000 pounds of them) a week.
Green markets, restaurants, grocers (covering 14 states and the Bahamas) are gobbling up the ‘shrooms along with mushroom tea, powders, tinctures, and capsules. Mushrooms are a wonderful source of protein, nutrients, and medicinals. It’s the new power-food.
Order online at dreambigshrooms.com.
Or visit Zachary and partners at Locally Grown on the Green, Wednesdays, from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. Grab some ‘shrooms, then visit other vendors offering bakery goods, fresh fruit, vegetables, greens, flowers, and more.
For another green delight, visit Highlands’ Saturdays Farmers Market, at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Meet Jason and Jackie Golden, owners of Trufflehunter Farms in Cashiers. Their story began with a personal challenge.
Like many, Jackie endured diet issues. Jason started growing nutrient-dense, fast-growing microgreens to help her digestion. To extend the green’s life, the team added complementary fruits and spices, creating healthy fermented krauts, chutneys, and salsas that were refrigerator-stable. Jackie’s health greatly improved.
They began sharing their products at markets. Those who have digestive conditions or those who simply loved Trufflehunter find fermented greens a welcome addition to their diets.
“The name, ‘Trufflehunter’, carries its own meaning,” says Jason. “It was inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia character, Trufflehunter, a badger. He was a hopeful fellow in hard times. That resonated with us. It’s a fitting emblem for a venture rooted in resilience and care.”
A visit to the Highlands Saturday’s Farmers Market offers more than just fresh produce. Alongside Trufflehunter Farms, you’ll find a range of regional vendors, including Haitian coffee and handcrafted metalwork.
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