1. — What is organic farming and why is it important?
Organic farming is agriculture that makes healthy food, healthy soils, healthy plants, and healthy environments a priority, along with crop productivity. Organic production systems do not use genetically modified (GM) seeds, chemical pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers.

Mushroom Madre is in the process of becoming organically certified, which means we will meet the guidelines set by the National Organic Program and get an official certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In the meantime, we can state that we use organic practices.

2. — What is the difference between hydroponics and soil farming?
Hydroponic gardens differ from soil-based gardens as the plants are using only the nutrients they need from recirculated water, whereas watering plants growing in soil captures fewer nutrients due to evaporation. Soil-grown plants receive nutrients only when supplied as opposed to a continuously fed system. Additionally, growing hydroponically uses much less water and soil/land.

3. — How long does it take to grow a plant hydroponically?
Hydroponics allow plants to grow in considerably less time because the need for intricate and elaborate rooting systems are unnecessary without soil. Plants receive nutrients as needed provided by the nutrient-rich water, allowing for growth to be accelerated almost 30 to 50% or in just a few weeks for some plants. Plants expend less energy absorbing nutrients — because of the availability of nutrients in the water as opposed to soil — and use the additional energy for growth.

4. — Is hydroponic growing healthier?
The nutrients used in hydroponics are much purer than those fertilizers utilized in soil growing, and they also leave no residue in cultivated produce. The result is that more people can be fed, less precious natural resources are used, and the produce is much healthier and flavorful. A higher concentration of key minerals, including magnesium and zinc, typically occur in hydroponic vegetables, especially lettuces.

5. — What are the benefits of growing hydroponically indoors?
Compared to field production (growing in soil), most hydroponic systems are spray-free (meaning they don’t use any pesticides), use about 75% less fertilizer to provide the nutrients to the plants, and are much more water efficient (up to 95% less water). In addition, growing indoors means no presence of wildlife or livestock (a potential source of bacteria) impacting the crop.

6. — What is Living Lettuce?
Living Lettuce plants retain both the leaves and roots throughout the harvest process. As a result, Living Lettuce tends to offer a much longer shelf-life and fresher, more nutritious leaves compared to conventionally harvested lettuce.

7. — What are microgreens?
Microgreens are vegetable greens that are harvested at the earliest stage of growth. They are a smart way to deliver a nutritious and flavourful punch to any meal and can be used in salads and sandwiches or as a garnish on soup, pizza, and other dishes.

8. — What is the difference between baby leaf and baby greens?
Baby leaf typically refers to specific varieties of lettuce that are selected to taste great when harvested at an immature stage. They make the perfect base for a beautiful and nutrient-packed salad. Baby greens are usually a mixture of non-lettuce vegetable greens that make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. They are typically a bit spicier than baby leaf mixes and can have a broad range of flavors and textures.

9. — Are mushrooms healthy?
Yes! Mushrooms are fat free, low in calories, low in sodium, and contain natural antioxidants, like selenium, and are packed with other important nutrients.

10. — Do mushrooms have to be cooked?
For many commonly-consumed varieties of mushrooms like Button, Oyster, and Shiitake mushrooms, eating them raw is generally considered safe, even if they are easier to digest when cooked. However, some mushrooms must be cooked before eaten so be sure to check with us if you have questions or refer to our website at www.mushroommadre.com, Mushrooms, Our List.

11. — Do you have to wash mushrooms or other produce?
Yes. According to the FDA, you should wash all produce before preparing and/or eating. To wash your mushrooms, brush off any debris with your fingers or a damp paper towel or rinse briefly under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Avoid fully immersing or soaking mushrooms so they don’t get waterlogged.

12. — How long will fresh mushrooms keep?
First, make sure you store them properly for the longest shelf life. It’s best to keep mushrooms in their original packaging or in a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. Some fresh mushrooms may keep for up to one week.

13. — Can you freeze mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms should never be frozen, but you can freeze sautéed mushrooms. They will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

14. — Can you eat the whole mushroom?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the ‘shroom. Here are a few tips:
• If the mushroom stem is tough, trim it before using.
• For Shiitakes, stems should be removed before use.
• For Portabellas, gills may be removed upon preference. Many people prefer to keep the gills intact for more flavor.

15. — Can you blend mushrooms with any type of meat?
Absolutely! Finely-chopped mushrooms mimic the texture and amplify the flavor of any ground meat, including ground beef, bison, chicken, lamb, turkey, pork, and veal.