The state of Pennsylvania is home to the mushroom capital of the world, which is located right here.
The region surrounding Kennett Square in Chester County offers approximately fifty percent of the nation’s mushroom supply.
Some Quakers, according to the local folklore, decided to cultivate mushrooms in the vacant area under the elevated beds in their greenhouses more than a century ago. This was the beginning of the mushroom cultivation enterprise. As the name of the enterprise became more well-known, an increasing number of farmers made the decision to participate there.
There was a natural advantage that Kennett Square possessed over the communities that were nearby. Because it was located near a major city, there was an abundance of horse dung available, which is an essential component for the cultivation of mushrooms.
Approximately twenty acres of steaming compost consisting of horse manure, hay, and cocoa shells from the Hershey chocolate factory may be found just outside of the town. The local mushroom producers claim that this is a secret element used to prepare extraordinary mushroom dishes.
Following the process of pasteurization, mushroom spores are introduced into the compost mixture. Until the temperature, water, and carbon levels achieve the ideal proportions for fungi to reproduce, the fungus continues to grow until it reaches maximum size.
All of this takes place inside of enclosed structures that are controlled by temperature and do not have any windows.