● Shannon’s Picks
Shroomer Must-Haves
The gear, kits and books I actually use and recommend to friends. Nothing here is paid placement.
As an Amazon Associate, Shroomer earns from qualifying purchases. I also co-founded Naturealm, so it gets its own labeled section below.
Foraging Gear
What goes in my bag every time I head into the woods.
Wicker Basket BackpackMy favorite way to carry a haul. Rigid sides so nothing gets crushed, open weave for airflow, and both hands stay free.View on Amazon ↗Opinel No. 8 Mushroom KnifeCurved blade for clean cuts, a brush on the end for dirt. Folds into a pocket.View on Amazon ↗Mesh Foraging BagLets spores fall as you walk and keeps finds from sweating. Better than plastic, always.View on Amazon ↗10x Jeweler’s LoupeGills, pores and tiny hairs are where ID happens. This makes them readable.View on Amazon ↗Waxed Paper BagsOne bag per species so nothing gets mixed up before you’re sure what it is.View on Amazon ↗
Grow at Home
The easiest way to cook with fresh gourmet mushrooms you can’t find at the store.
North SporeLion’s Mane Grow KitThe kit I recommend first. Fruits on the counter in a couple of weeks and tastes like crab.View on Amazon ↗North SporePink Oyster Grow KitFast, forgiving and wildly pretty. Loves a warm kitchen.View on Amazon ↗Back to the RootsOyster Mushroom Grow KitA great first kit for kids or anyone skeptical they can grow anything.View on Amazon ↗
Books
The books I reach for, from first ID to rabbit holes.
David AroraMushrooms DemystifiedThe big one. Funny, thorough and still the field guide the pros quote.View on Amazon ↗David AroraAll That the Rain Promises and MoreArora’s pocket guide. The one that actually comes on hikes.View on Amazon ↗Paul StametsMycelium RunningHow fungi can heal land, from soil to cleanup. The book that started a lot of us.View on Amazon ↗Merlin SheldrakeEntangled LifeThe most beautiful science writing on fungi in years.View on Amazon ↗
Kitchen
Mushrooms reward a few good tools.
LodgeCast Iron SkilletHigh, even heat for a real sear. Crowd the pan and you steam them instead.View on Amazon ↗Food DehydratorTurns a big foraging haul into a year of dried mushrooms and broth.View on Amazon ↗Glass Storage JarsAirtight and see-through, so dried mushrooms stay crisp and you know what’s left.View on Amazon ↗
Supplements
For independent picks, every mushroom in the Mushroom Index has brands scored against our label checklist. These are from the company I co-founded.
From Shroomer’s foundersNaturealm · on Amazon
Capsules · 90 countOrganic Lion’s Mane CapsulesFruiting body extract, organic.View on Amazon ↗Capsules · 7-mushroom blendSacred 7 Mushroom CapsulesLion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail, maitake and shiitake, all fruiting bodies.View on Amazon ↗Powder · 60 servingsSacred 7 Mushroom PowderThe same 7-mushroom blend as a powder for coffee, tea or smoothies.View on Amazon ↗
Not sure a bottle is any good? Run it through the COA Decoder first.