Collar City Mushrooms, a premier mushroom farm in New York’s Capital Region, has been delighting chefs, markets, and mushroom enthusiasts with fresh, nutrient-rich fungi since 2020. Founded by Amy Hood and Avery Stempel, this innovative farm, now based at Indian Ladder Farms in New Scotland, specializes in culinary mushrooms and sustainable practices. Their “How to Order” page at collarcitymushrooms.com/how-to-order/ outlines the various ways to access their products, from local pickups to restaurant partnerships. In this 1000-word guide, we’ll explore how to order from Collar City Mushrooms, their diverse offerings, and why they’re a cornerstone of the region’s mycology community.
Why Order from Collar City Mushrooms?
Collar City Mushrooms is more than a farm; it’s a mycological hub committed to sustainability, education, and community. Their mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Shiitake, and Chestnut, are grown using organic methods, ensuring rich flavors and health benefits like high protein, fiber, and vitamins. As noted on their website, mushrooms are “the all-natural, unprocessed, soy-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free alternative” to many foods, offering meaty textures and functional benefits.
Despite challenges, including their announced closure of the Lansingburgh location at 333 2nd Ave in December 2024, Collar City continues to serve the Capital Region through strategic partnerships and pop-up markets. Their dedication to quality and community engagement, praised by Chef Matthew Joyce as “a gift to the Capital Region culinary community,” makes ordering from them a rewarding experience.
How to Order: Multiple Convenient Options
Collar City Mushrooms makes ordering easy through several channels, as detailed on their “How to Order” page. Here’s a breakdown of the primary methods to get their fresh mushrooms and products:
1. Local Market Pickups
Collar City offers regular pickups at the Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company Tasting Room in East Berne, NY, every Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Customers can grab fresh mushrooms, mushroom salts, teas, or dehydrated products during these pop-ups. They’re also exploring a weekly pickup spot with online ordering to enhance accessibility. Check their website or social media for updates on additional market appearances, such as the Troy Farmers Market, where they’ve previously popped up.
2. Retail Partners
For those unable to visit pop-ups, Collar City’s mushrooms are available at select local stores:
Honest Weight Food Co-Op (Watervliet Ave, Albany): Offers fresh mushroom packs, including Chestnut and Oyster varieties.
Franklin Square Market (Troy): Stocks Collar City’s fresh mushrooms.
Saratoga Healthy Living (Saratoga Springs): Carries weekly supplies of Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Chestnut, and Oyster mushrooms.
These partnerships ensure consistent access to Collar City’s products, even after their Lansingburgh storefront closed. Customers can call ahead to confirm availability, as stock rotates.
3. Restaurant Partners
Collar City supplies numerous Capital Region restaurants, where their mushrooms shine in creative dishes. Notable partners include:
Fiden’s Brewing (Broadway, Albany): Features crispy fried Oyster mushrooms.
Nighthawk’s (Troy): Incorporates mushrooms in weekend farm-to-table dinners.
Meadowlark Catering (Troy): Offers mushrooms during “Meatless Mondays.”
Diners can enjoy Collar City’s fungi in dishes like mushroom caponata or giant raviolis, as seen at events like the Meadowlark Catering launch. Check restaurant menus or contact Collar City for the latest partners.
4. Direct Inquiries
For custom orders or inquiries, customers can email [email protected] or message via Facebook or Instagram. While fresh mushroom mail orders are not available, Collar City has completed mail transactions for non-perishable items like mushroom salts or teas, with plans to expand this option.
Product Offerings: Beyond Fresh Mushrooms
Collar City Mushrooms offers a variety of products, as highlighted on their site and social media:
Fresh Gourmet Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Oyster, Chestnut, and Enoki, known for rich flavors and health benefits like antimicrobial properties and vitamin D when sundried.
Mushroom Salts: Blends like Umami Boost (Shiitake, Maitake, Oyster) and Flavor of the Forest (Shiitake, Oyster, wild ramps) made with Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.
Teas and Tinctures: Functional blends like Immune Booster (Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Turkey Tail) or For What Ails You (Turkey Tail, Dryad’s Saddle), supporting immunity and well-being.
Dehydrated Mushrooms: Perfect for cooking or teas, preserving flavor and nutrition.
Grow Kits: While not explicitly listed on the “How to Order” page, Collar City has supported home growers, suggesting potential availability through direct inquiries.
Their products rotate based on availability, so contacting the farm or checking social media for updates is recommended.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Collar City’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of organic substrates and community-driven initiatives. They’ve recycled agricultural by-products and hosted field trips for schools, listed on the NYS BOCES Arts & Enrichment website (ID 6253). Their advocacy for psilocybin access through New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives, led by co-founder Avery Stempel, underscores their broader vision for fungi’s societal benefits.
Despite financial hurdles, including their inability to secure financing for their Lansingburgh building, Collar City remains dedicated to serving the region. Their move to Indian Ladder Farms and partnerships with local businesses reflect resilience and adaptability.
Customer Experience and Feedback
Customers praise Collar City’s quality and service. Chef Chris from Meadowlark Catering called their mushrooms “incredible,” and community events like poetry open mics and mushroom dinners have fostered a loyal following. Some users have suggested clearer online ordering instructions or expanded mail-order options for non-perishables, but Collar City’s responsive team mitigates this through direct communication.
FAQs
- Where can I pick up Collar City Mushrooms’ products?Visit the Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company Tasting Room on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, or shop at Honest Weight Food Co-Op, Franklin Square Market, or Saratoga Healthy Living. Check their website for pop-up events.
- Can I order fresh mushrooms online for delivery?Fresh mushroom delivery is not available, but non-perishable items like salts or teas may be ordered via email ([email protected]). Stay tuned for online ordering updates.
- Which restaurants serve Collar City Mushrooms?Partners include Fiden’s Brewing, Nighthawk’s, and Meadowlark Catering. Contact Collar City for a full list of current restaurant partners.
