John Michelotti rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to continue his mission to spread information about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. John is the founder of Catskill Fungi, which produces health tinctures from fungi that are wild-crafted or grown on the Michelotti family farm in Big Indian, NY. John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project, serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair, and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association.

He describes the various parts of a mushroom (e.g. gills, pores, teeth, etc.) that produce spores which are the way that fungi reproduce. He recommends that mushrooms be cooked for us to get the nutritional benefits. In addition to food uses, mushrooms can be used medicinally. Certifications are required to sell mushrooms commercially. People can become quite ill if they consume mushrooms that are not safe to eat. Some mushrooms can also be deadly. Traceability is key to understand the source of the mushrooms, especially when sold to restaurants.Foragers are encouraged to have liability insurance if they plan to sell mushrooms. Knowledge about how to identify mushrooms is key if you want to find mushrooms for personal use. Mushroom walks and conferences are great sources of information.

Fungi break down plants. Anything that is plant-based can potentially be decomposed by mushrooms and make good soil in the process. Conserving soil and habitat is key to protecting fungi in the future, especially with the risks of climate change. Understanding fungi brings us closer to better understanding the interconnection being all members of the universe.

Learn about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. Get inspired to grow edible mushrooms as a source of fresh food, heal yourself by using the health properties of fungi, and explore the historic uses and present-day innovations of the fungal kingdom.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: John Michelotti

Photo By: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

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