How often does an experiment with food change an entire town’s fate? Kennett Square, about 60 kilometres from Philadelphia, was just a sleepy American hamlet. But everything changed in 1885 when a local florist, William Swayne, decided to use the empty space in his garden to grow mushrooms with spores imported from England. It turned out to be a jackpot. The region’s mild climate and rich soil were perfect for fungi. Soon after, in the 1920s, European immigrants and local labourers all started growing it. And the rest is history. Today, mushrooms from Kennett Square are a billion dollar industry!
As you walk down Kennett Square, you’ll notice mushrooms everywhere. In different shapes and forms. Lion's mane mushrooms are particularly intriguing. Their shaggy appearance resembles a soft white pom-pom that you can’t help but run your fingers through. I learn that their texture can mimic seafood when cooked. Then there were large clusters of oyster mushrooms that would look perfect as the centre-piece of a 5-star hotel.
Once you’re done tasting mushrooms, head to ‘The Mushroom Cap’, a charming gift shop where you’ll find a whole range of mushroom-inspired fashion. From ‘I’m a fun-gi’ tees, mushroom socks, pajamas to stylish summer dresses. Cute pieces of décor with mushroom light bulbs were a big a hit with the shoppers. Then there were mushroom-themed board games and playing cards too!
Every September, the town hosts a joyful Mushroom Festival that draws over a lakh visitors. This year will be special. It is America’s 250th Anniversary year and the 41st anniversary of the Mushroom Festival – slated for September 12 and 13. Expect to see mushroom eating championships, mushroom art and the local mascot – ‘Fun-Gus’, who walks down with the local parade with live bands and children dressed as colourful fungi.
Remember the iconic ball drop at New York City on New Year’s Eve? Well, Kennett Square has its own version. Residents here drop a 300kg shining mushroom from a height of 80 feet – celebrating the simple bobble-headed fungi that has changed their lives.
***
Food stop
Start your day with a hot cup of coffee Talula's Table, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the subtle scent of truffle oil-infused pastries. Their mushroom matcha is a must-try, a bold, earthy blend of fresh coffee and mushroom essence that sets the tone for the day.
Take a free self-guided tour through the Mushroom Museum at The Woodlands at Phillips, a restored farmhouse from 1828, where you can learn about Kennett Square’s rich mushroom-growing history and the amazing health benefits of mushrooms.
For lunch, head to the aptly called, ‘Mushrooms Café’, near the Brandywine River Antiques Market. The Mushroom House Sampler is a crash-course in mushroom cuisine – from their pickled beech mushroom soup, stuffed button mushrooms and a creamy mushroom dip.
For dessert, head to the 1906 Restaurant, at the nearby Longwood Gardens, a 1,100-acre botanic masterpiece. Of course, if you’ve got space, try a second lunch or ask for the Chef’s special Caramelia, a viral Mushroom dessert. Shaped like a bright, red mushroom that looks like it belongs in Alice in Wonderland, it is made with decadent dark chocolate cake, filled with chocolate mousse and espresso caramel.
