Semper Fi Fungi

Where am I selling

Semper Fi Fungi

When you think of mushrooms, you likely picture them packaged and ready to purchase at your local grocery store. But some of the best and freshest mushrooms grow right here in Virginia. We strive to provide a "Forest to Table" experience unlike any other.

At Semper Fi Fungi, our mission is to bring you the freshest, best tasting, locally foraged mushrooms. Led by Patrick Roche, a Marine Veteran, I have been identifying and foraging throughout Northern Virginia since I was a kid. After my time in the Marine Corps, I completed my degree in microbiology and currenty one of two licensed mushroom foragers in the state of Virginia. What started out as a love of mushrooms and exploring the forests of Virginia has become a thriving foodie business, we offer a variety of mushrooms depending on the time of year.

Mushrooms are so much more than the heavily processed and packaged item in the grocery store. Mushroom benefits have been recorded since the 29th century B.C. The health benefits of fungi have continued to be studied, and many of the mushrooms first recorded in early texts are used today in supplements to promote health, from China’s reishi mushroom for its immune supporting properties, to Finland’s Chaga mushroom known to support antioxidant pathways. New uses are still being discovered today, from face cream to coffee, mushrooms are being used in a wide variety of products. They’re known as a traditional health remedy, and have been documented to help maintain vitality and overall well-being, there are specific mushrooms that can help support different benefits. Mushrooms are celebrated in many cultures, since there are over 2,000 species of edible mushrooms grown all around the world — from the common white button mushroom found in grocery stores to the exotic black trumpet and revered reishi from China. With so many varieties, it’s no wonder that they’ve found an important place in many different cultures around the world.

Marinated Mushrooms

A marinated mushroom salad is a refreshing way to enjoy mushrooms. But first, you'll need to simmer your mushrooms to soften them and prepare them for absorbing your marinade.

To simmer mushrooms, bring a large pot of water with 1 teaspoon of sea salt to a boil. Add 1 pound of cleaned mushrooms and lower heat to medium. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until mushrooms have softened then drain into a colander. Transfer mushrooms to a large bowl and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons white wine vinegar, one minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon Italian herbs, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Pour the marinade into the bowl with mushrooms and mix until mushrooms are fully coated. Cover and allow to marinate for at least two hours in the refrigerator.


Sauté

Mushrooms are particularly delicious when sautéed. To sauté mushrooms, heat two tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium-heat. Add eight ounces sliced mushrooms to the pan and stir. Add ¼ teaspoon sea salt and any additional desired spices. Let cook for about eight to ten minutes, stirring frequently.

In the beginning stages of cooking, the mushrooms will release moisture, and a sizzling sound will occur. Browning will begin after the moisture is released so be sure to stir them frequently during this time. Once mushrooms are lightly crisped and browned around the edges, they are ready to serve.


Mushrooms go well with

Looking for ways to enjoy mushrooms and want some ideas on what goes well with mushrooms? We have lots of different flavour pairing ideas for you to try and experiment with.

  • Vegetables: asparagus, leeks, lemon, garlic, shallots, onions, fennel, peas, tomatoes
  • Spices & Herbs: chives, marjoram, olive oil, pepper, dill, parsley, tarragon, basil, oregano, and rosemary
  • Savoury: bacon, eggs, ham, fish, chicken, veal, and seafood
  • Other: vinegar, wine, sherry, stocks, cream, and cheese


Where can you find me!


Thursdays: April 7 - Nov 17, from 3pm - 7pm Prince William Farmers Market.
Saturdays: April 16 - October, from 7am - 2pm Fredericksburg Farmers Market.
Sundays: April 3 - Nov 27, from 8am - 1pm Dale City Farmers Market.
Can't make it to one of the Famers Market? Email me and I'll see what I can do.

Want to go on a foraging adventure?


I offer guided mushroom foraging adventures in the abundant forests of Virginia. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Virginia while learning how to identify and where to look for wild mushrooms. Email me to book your adventure!

Location


Stafford, VA