John Stamets is an amazing mushroom pioneer. I think he’s the guy who made home-growing a popularly doable activity in the early 80’s. I think he was also an early player in the small press boom. He had a book idea that no one else would’ve touched and did it himself and it exploded. The small press scene back then allowed good but unusual ideas to get the traction they deserved.
Mushroom growing was previously a guarded secret. After Stamets early books lots of people started learning about and growing their own tasty treats. Shitakes and the like became common knowledge and mini cottage industries, thanks to him.
The interest (bigger back then, I think) in psilocybins also was a big factor. He alleges that interest in psycho-shrooms is what provoked the breakthru in general mushroom interest for culinary and medicinal purposes.
He’s since then gone on to much bigger things with ‘shrooms in his labs in Oregon.
In his book “Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Save the World” he says that mushrooms are the world’s best detoxifiers. That they can clean up superfund sites quick and cheap. That they can break down biochem warfare chemicals.
He says mushrooms are the earth’s Internet.
Well, they really ARE something. I checked out Stamets first book about growing your own. The idea that backyarders can successfully manipulate these micro-worlds is astounding to me. I suppose it requires being a detail person and a neat freak but all it takes is household equipment and a closet. You do a little science and biochem and pretty soon you can have a crop of tasty, valuable shitakes or whatever.
He’s dealing with major mainstream agencies now in his efforts to use mushrooms on a global scale. Well, he says that ‘shrooms ALREADY operate on a global, cosmic scale. We’re only now seeing how to harness them with the western mind. Other cultures knew far more about them earlier and naturally respected them. Apparently they have astounding potential. Quite a subject!
Here’s an article with further details: www.new-chapter.com/media/article/stamets_saloncom.html
https://www.amazon.com/Mycelium-Running-Mushrooms-Save-World/dp/1580085792/jeffpottersoutyoA/
