Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mushroom?

A mushroom is the fleshy fruiting body of a fungal organism. The organism is mostly underground and can be seen as mycelium-a thread-like structure. The mushroom is to mycelium what the apple is to its tree. When conditions are right, a primordial lump forms on the mycelial thread. This lump will eventually "fruit" into a mushroom and aid in the spreading of the fungus' microscopic spores which fall from the mushrooms gills and be carried through the air.

What does this mushroom taste like?

There are many different species of edible mushrooms and each species has distinct flavors and textures. Read more about different mushrooms and their flavors in our Fungipedia.

How long does dried mushrooms keep?

We recommend storing dried mushrooms in the freezer in a sealed, airtight bag where they will keep for at least 1 year. After this point they can start to lose flavor, just like spices and dried herbs.

Do you lead mushroom ID/foraging classes or workshops?

No. If you are interested in learning more about mushrooms and fungi, please visit our page for local mycological societies.

What is a truffle and why are they so expensive?

Truffles are basically mushrooms that form below ground rather than above ground. They have so far eluded cultivation and are usually located with the assistance of trained dogs or muzzled pigs which are attracted to their strong, earthy aroma. The most choice specimens come from small regions of France, Italy, Oregon, Australia and the Himalayan Steppes. All of these factors combined with their international reputation as delicacies create a large demand for this natural, highly perishable product.

How long does a truffle keep?

Truffles are among the most highly perishable food products and their aroma and flavor fade rapidly after they are harvested. You should not expect more than 3-4 days of intense truffle flavor.

How do I know that you're not selling "Chinese" truffles?

Actually, we do! When available, we sell truffles imported from the Himalayan Steppes of China and label them as such. Different species of truffles occur in different places around the world. Some are more desirable than others, but they all have individual, distinct characteristics, flavors and aromas. To the untrained eye, they all may look rather similar but you can trust that our fresh truffles are packaged and labeled accurately.

Is your truffle oil made from truffles or is it synthetic? 

Our truffle oil is double-infused with real truffles but like 98% of truffle products on the market, it does contain 2,4-dithiapentane which is an organic compound known to be an important component of truffle flavor. It is used as a primary aromatic ingredient to intensify truffle products. We ourselves are working towards creating natural truffle products, we are quickly realizing why this compound is used. In choosing our truffle products, we prefer the most natural products that contain the least amount of 2,4-dithiapentane possible. Our own Far West Fungi brand of truffle oil contains a very small amount of this compound.

Are the mushrooms your farm cultivates certified organic? Do you sell wild mushrooms?

Just like vegetables, different mushrooms have different seasons. We try to stock most widely eaten edible mushrooms when they are locally available. Call us at (650) 871-0786 to find out what's available today.

Are all of the mushrooms you sell edible?

Basically, yes. There are a few mushrooms we sell that have no culinary value and are instead made into teas or tinctures that are consumed for medicinal purposes.

Do you sell psilocybin or other psychoactive mushrooms or their spores?

No. It is illegal to possess or sell psilocybin mushrooms or their spores in the United States. We do sell a high yielding uninoculated commercial substrate bag which grows any wood loving mushroom.

I lost the instructions for my mini-farm/craft kit.

Can I view and print them here? Yes. Please visit - https://farwestfungi.com/pages/mini-farm-frequently-asked-questions

What is your return policy?

We accepts returns of non-perishable, unopened items accompanied by a receipt.

My order is a gift, can the order exclude pricing/invoice?

Orders ship with a packing slip, we do not include a invoice or pricing information for our online store orders - unless requested

I would like my order to arrive quickly. Can it be expedited?

If you would like your order to be expedited to arrive earlier than ground shipping would allow, please call our office at (650)-871-0786 and arrangements can be made for overnight, 2nd or 3rd day shipping via UPS.

How much is shipping?

Shipping charges are calculated and charged by UPS and vary depending on distance and weight. A shipping quote will be provided of each order before it is placed.

Do you ship truffles and other fresh mushrooms?

Yes, we can ship fresh products including mushrooms and truffles only domestically and overnight. Keep in mind that next day air shipping is costly and the price of shipping can sometimes be greater than the price of the product itself. Fresh mushroom overnight orders are special orders that must be placed through our warehouse store in San Francisco. You can call us at (650) 871-0786 for more info.

Do you ship internationally? What about Hawaii/Alaska/Puerto Rico?

Unfortunately, we do not ship internationally at this time. Our dried or processed mushrooms can be shipped to Hawaii/Alaska/Puerto Rico. However, our growing kits are considered agricultural products and we are unable to ship to those regions.

Do you deliver?

Far West Fungi will deliver to wholesale accounts in San Francisco or with a $100 minimum order or via Mercato courier. Far West Fungi will deliver to wholesale accounts in Santa Cruz or with a $100 minimum order.

Do you sell wholesale?

Yes. Far West Fungi mushrooms are served at some of the finest Bay Area restaurants. To request a wholesale account please fill out an and return it to orders@farwestfungi.com