Local Biz Spotlight SUNDOWN MUSHROOMS LAS VEGAS GROWN As we maneuver closer to the legalization of psychedelics, something I’ve spent my entire adult life pursuing, I’m reminded of my other favorite mushrooms, which are already legal to consume. Lion’s Mane, the mushroom that mycologist and mushroom guru Paul Stamets calls the first “smart” mushroom, not only has the delicate texture of lobster, it also contains two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that have been shown to stimulate the growth of brain cells. When it comes to feeding your brain to increase memory and cognitive abilities, the nootropic you want at the top of the list is without a doubt- lion’s mane. So I went berserk when I discovered the local Las Vegas company, Sundown Mushrooms. A boutique grow operation that specializes in fresh gourmet edible mushrooms- including lion’s mane. Owners Myrene and Chet take a moment to tell their story. Shwa: What was the first mushroom that you grew? Myrene: Oyster. We first started with pink oysters because they were so vibrant. They also taste like pork, and back then we ate a lot of meat, so this was great for us to slowly transition into a vegetarian diet. Not cold turkey, but incorporating more mushrooms in that way, as a meat substitute. That’s what got us. It was mind-blowing; this stuff tastes like meat. Chet: The way we made it was like chicharrones [fried pork belly] and it was so good. Myrene: battered, fried, oyster mushrooms... Shwa: Currently, what are your top selling mushrooms?
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BY: SHWA LAYTART
