Sustainability Profile: Hamakua Heritage Mushrooms
Located on 33-acres in Laupahoehoe on the northwest side of the Big Island of Hawaii, Hamakua Heritage Farm consists of an indoor warehouse stretching 16,000 square feet. Owned by Bob and Janice Stanga, this farm grows gourmet mushrooms that are sold to Hawaii restaurants and supermarkets. Each week, the farm grows 4,000 pounds of grey oyster, pioppini, abalone, and alii mushrooms in thousands of jars in a sterile, climate-controlled environment.
Address: 36-221 Manowaiopae Homestead Road Laupahoehoe, Hawaii www.hamakuamushrooms.com
*This is a multi-part installment as part of the Hawaii Sustainable Agriculture Project. Learn more about the project and the 12 participants here.
By the Numbers
16,000 - Square footage of the Hamakua Heritage warehouse.
4,000 Pounds of mushrooms grown.
33 Acres of land Hamakua Heritage sits on.
4 Types of mushrooms grown.
85% - How much of mushrooms are water.
Hamakua Heritage is one of only two farms in the USA that grows mushrooms in jars. The growing medium or substrate for the mushrooms consists of locally sourced eucalyptus wood, corn cobs, wheat grain, and water. No manure, gluten, pesticides, fertilizers or growth hormones are used. After the mushrooms are harvested, the natural growing medium is then recycled to local farmers and the jars are cleaned and reused; nothing is wasted.
In addition to fresh mushrooms, Hamakua Heritage also makes and sells mushroom-infused foods including mushroom cookies, crackers and tea, to name a few. They also have a section of the warehouse dedicated to hosting tours to teach visitors about the mushroom growing process as well as demonstrate some quick and easy ways to prepare mushroom dishes. There are also plans to further increase sustainability by adding solar panels and introducing shiitake mushroom growing logs, bokashi (fermented organic matter for composting) kits and mushroom growing kits for purchase by those looking to start their own home gardens.
Hamakua mushrooms are available in many local supermarkets including Foodland, Safeway, Times, Don Quijote, Costco, and Whole Foods.
