Shiitake Mushroom Logs Go Family Style

New Ma & Pa Shiitake Log Kits contain two mushrooms logs instead of one, as they produce more when they're with other logs. Consumers can get mushrooms every month instead of every two months, as with single-log kits. A new idea in gift boxes includes a 'Shroomie, a little shiitake log, along with gourmet shiitake products.

   The Ma and Pa Shiitake Logs Kit" is a new kind of grow-your-own mushroom kit with
two logs instead of one, an idea inspired by the social nature of shiitakes themselves.
   According to shiitake farmer Doug Williams of Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, We noticed our shiitake logs seem to produce more mushrooms when theyre near other logs. Even better, with two logs you can alternate the fruiting cycles and get shiitakes every month instead of the usual two months or more."
   Ma and Pa Shiitake Log Kits include all-natural, hardwood logs, 8-9 inchs and 10-11 inches long, with instructions and recipes. The logs are easy to handle and care for and are guaranteed to produce. They grow in room light and temperature and need soaking in non-chlorinated water every two weeks. Shocking" the log in cold water triggers the fruiting and the mushrooms sprout in 6-10 days.
         The kit sells for $36.50, including shipping and handling in the continental US. The Shiitake Sampler Cookbook with 51 shiitake recipes can be added for $6.95.
   Shiitakes are the second most-consumed mushroom in the world and have been shown to
reduce cholesterol and strengthen the immune system. Log-grown shiitakes have a woodsy
flavor, are high in protein, and are nutritionally superior to commercial shiitakes grown on sawdust. One Ma and Pa Kit can produce shiitakes monthly for up to four years.
   Lost Creek Mushroom Farm has a new and unique approach to gift boxes. We put a
'Shroomie in with our gourmet products," Williams said.
   A 'Shroomie is a short, 5-6 inch shiitake mushroom log. In addition to the 'Shroomie,
gift boxes include dried organic log-grown shiitakes, a recipe booklet, and Redbud Gourmet
mixes for Mild Shiitake Tortilla Soup, Shiitake Lime-Dill Dip, and Shiitake Southwest Dip. The
Hot Shiitake Box" is packed with spicy Southwest Dips and Fiery Shiitake Tortilla Soup, an
International Fiery Foods Competition award winner. The colorful gift boxes sell for $45.00
including S&H.
   More information and online ordering are available at Lost Creek Mushroom Farm websites, www.shiitakemushroomlog.com (shiitake has two is") or www.cowboy.net/~lcmf. To request a free brochure or to order by phone, call 1-800-792-0053, or mail to Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, POB 520 Perkins, OK 74059.