LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Mushroom Maestros owners Ray and Patty Lanier are the newest local producers to offer their fresh and dried mushroom products through the Lake County Community Co-op’s online store.

Sundays through Tuesdays Lake County residents can order local and regional products through the Co-op’s website at www.lake.coop .
 
The family owned and operated homestead mushroom farm is located outside of Lower Lake and features tours, mushroom grow kits, fresh and dried mushroom, clothing and more.

In addition to cultivating mushrooms, the Laniers aim to create a center where people can learn about mycology (the study of fungi) and how it can be combined with water filtration, soil remediation, and permaculture farming.
 
The Laniers moved from Oakland in 2011 with their daughter Juliette and two dogs. Their products are available in stores in Alameda, Oakland and Berkeley.

Lake Co-op is the family’s first and only outlet for fresh and dried mushrooms in Lake County.

They moved to south Lake County because of the area’s beauty and proximity to the California shoreline and the East Bay Area.
 
As well, the Laniers were attracted to the transitional nature of the community here--those seeking to develop long-term sustainable living in Lake County.  They find it very similar to the food justice movement going on in the east Bay Area right now.

 
Mushroom Maestros’ fresh oyster mushrooms are available in 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 pound bags. Their dried oyster mushrooms are available in 1 and 2 ounce packages.
 
According to their Web site ( www.mushroommaestros.com ), oyster mushrooms are virtually fat and cholesterol free.

They are about 60 percent carbohydrates and 40 percent protein; high in fiber; and provide over 20 percent of both B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, 7 percent of daily iron needs and 12 percent of daily potassium needs.
 
Oyster mushrooms also contain a compound called lovastatin, a naturally occurring statin or anti-cholesterol agent. Lovastatin has been found to lower LDL cholesterol in both humans and animals.
 
The Mushroom Maestros also offer original one of a kind tye-dye T-shirts with a mushroom motif through their clothing line, Hyphae Threads Clothing (pronounced Hi-Fee).
 
For more information on procuring Mushroom Maestros products, visit Lake Co-op’s Web site at www.lake.coop or call 707-513-5226.

Online ordering of fresh, local and organic products through the Co-op is on a weekly basis.

Orders are delivered to 12 convenient drop point locations throughout Lake County and home/office delivery is available in most places for a small fee.