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Marty Mycfly
Time Traveler


Registered: 12/16/13
Posts: 976
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: AnarchoV]
#23392619 - 06/28/16 11:05 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
AnarchoV said: Looking good. I like those bags and the labeling.
Right now, I put my mushrooms in those green molded fiber pulp tills. The pint ones hold almost exactly a 1/4 pound when full. I drop the shrooms into paper lunch bags for packaging and keep the pints to reuse. The pint containers run me like .10/container and the bags are around $.04/bag. I keep several shrooms in the cooler weighed out and fill any empty spots. Only downside is I get a bit annoyed at people that think they have to fondle every single container.

Nice man! I can't leave any out at all, I have a little basket I had put down with some mushrooms in it, but I knew they would go bad quick. It's about 100 degrees and 0% humidity here right now, and the bags I did have on the table I switched out with ones in the cooler frequently. I cant wait till it gets back to fall.
Edited by Marty Mycfly (06/28/16 11:08 PM)
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Gr0wer
always improving



Registered: 09/16/03
Posts: 6,056
Loc: El Paso, TX
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Marty Mycfly]
#23392746 - 06/29/16 12:10 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Marty, you and i are dealing with the same heat almost. A water bottle mister helps, keep in the shade of course. I put my product in a wicker basket lined with a cloth placemat. I have a fairly quick moving product so every 10-30 min i restock the basket. I weigh out per sale as they buy, i ask what they would like and what they plan on using it for. Sometimes people want the monsters and sometimes they want just small ones.
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AnarchoV
Revolutionary



Registered: 09/01/13
Posts: 225
Loc: Missouri
Last seen: 11 months, 2 days
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Gr0wer]
#23393183 - 06/29/16 06:38 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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It can get fairly hot where I am in MO, but humidity is very high. Luckily I am in the shade practically all morning until about noon. The product moves pretty quick and they don't sit out very long. I probably lose a pound or two to the heat by the end of the market, but usually only if the market is bad. If the market is bad and I have some that are drying out at the edges, I just run an "end of day special". Seems like most of the serious buyers and regulars come early and the last hour is just looky loos or people hunting for a deal. I have a pretty good idea of how fast things move and how much to set out so they don't dry out. I usually set out about 10 pounds of blue oysters and 5-8 lbs of pinks, golden or shiitake. I have seen a few vendors using these fans- http://m.homedepot.com/p/Arctic-Cove-18-Volt-Bucket-Top-Misting-Fan-Tool-Only-First-Generation-MBF018BTN/205397250?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-GEO%7C&gclid=COiO3Oufzc0CFQsDaQodVgIOng&gclsrc=aw.ds . Thought about getting one for myself and the shrooms.
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chefjrd
Strangerer

Registered: 05/20/16
Posts: 87
Last seen: 7 years, 4 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: AnarchoV]
#23393835 - 06/29/16 10:55 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I like those bags too, but 40 cents each is a bit steep. I'm currently using regular paper lunch bags for 4 cents each. I considered plastic clamshells but those were 20 cents each and I guess I'm just really cheap, lol.
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PsilocyBen17
Pin Pornographer


Registered: 10/20/13
Posts: 3,751
Last seen: 1 year, 1 month
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: chefjrd]
#23393952 - 06/29/16 11:40 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Everything adds up man....
Has anyone ever tried bringing live oyster logs to a market? Just to attract some folks? I was at the Market today in town and tbh there are 2 mushroom booths that were fairly dead and boring looking.
Another option I'm considering is doing value added stuff. Mushroom soups and pickled oysters etc....but I won't be ready for the Market until next summer.
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AnarchoV
Revolutionary



Registered: 09/01/13
Posts: 225
Loc: Missouri
Last seen: 11 months, 2 days
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: PsilocyBen17] 1
#23393992 - 06/29/16 11:52 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I bring display logs to market it definitely helps my sales, but you will spend the whole market talking.
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Marty Mycfly
Time Traveler


Registered: 12/16/13
Posts: 976
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: AnarchoV]
#23394330 - 06/29/16 01:53 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
AnarchoV said: It can get fairly hot where I am in MO, but humidity is very high. Luckily I am in the shade practically all morning until about noon. The product moves pretty quick and they don't sit out very long. I probably lose a pound or two to the heat by the end of the market, but usually only if the market is bad. If the market is bad and I have some that are drying out at the edges, I just run an "end of day special". Seems like most of the serious buyers and regulars come early and the last hour is just looky loos or people hunting for a deal. I have a pretty good idea of how fast things move and how much to set out so they don't dry out. I usually set out about 10 pounds of blue oysters and 5-8 lbs of pinks, golden or shiitake. I have seen a few vendors using these fans- http://m.homedepot.com/p/Arctic-Cove-18-Volt-Bucket-Top-Misting-Fan-Tool-Only-First-Generation-MBF018BTN/205397250?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-GEO%7C&gclid=COiO3Oufzc0CFQsDaQodVgIOng&gclsrc=aw.ds . Thought about getting one for myself and the shrooms.
A guy selling veggies had that bucket mister from home depot set up, and it felt so good walking by his booth. I think I am definitely going to get one
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poponon
Quaaaack!!!



Registered: 09/10/07
Posts: 467
Loc: Canada
Last seen: 13 days, 14 hours
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: AnarchoV]
#23394346 - 06/29/16 01:59 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
AnarchoV said: I bring display logs to market it definitely helps my sales, but you will spend the whole market talking.

your stall looks awesome. inspiring
--------------------
Y e e t!! My Trade List
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Marty Mycfly
Time Traveler


Registered: 12/16/13
Posts: 976
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: poponon]
#23394427 - 06/29/16 02:20 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
poponon said:
Quote:
AnarchoV said: I bring display logs to market it definitely helps my sales, but you will spend the whole market talking.

your stall looks awesome. inspiring
I can definitely see talking your head off with a fruiting bag out there!!!!
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Gr0wer
always improving



Registered: 09/16/03
Posts: 6,056
Loc: El Paso, TX
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Marty Mycfly]
#23395685 - 06/29/16 09:53 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Yea one of those misters would be nice. Maybe a small one that mounts on a pail of water.
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drake89
Mushroom Magnate



Registered: 06/26/11
Posts: 4,168
Loc: TN
Last seen: 4 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: PsilocyBen17]
#23395796 - 06/29/16 10:23 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
PsilocyBen17 said: Everything adds up man....
Has anyone ever tried bringing live oyster logs to a market? Just to attract some folks? I was at the Market today in town and tbh there are 2 mushroom booths that were fairly dead and boring looking.
Another option I'm considering is doing value added stuff. Mushroom soups and pickled oysters etc....but I won't be ready for the Market until next summer.
i used to sell shiitake bags as grow your own kits $20 a pop. sometimes I would sell 10-15 which was fun. easy to sell when you bring one fruiting.
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Gr0wer
always improving



Registered: 09/16/03
Posts: 6,056
Loc: El Paso, TX
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: PsilocyBen17] 1
#23395988 - 06/29/16 11:35 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
PsilocyBen17 said:
Another option I'm considering is doing value added stuff. Mushroom soups and pickled oysters etc....but I won't be ready for the Market until next summer.
I just did a test batch of oil preserved mushrooms. They came out awesome! The recipe is as follows with your own twist on spices/herbs.
Pack mushrooms into regular mouth pint or quart jars, pack tight 1 crushed clove of garlic 1 small sprig of rosemary 1-2 medoim sprigs of thyme few small sage leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp crushed pepper or a few peppercorns
fill with canola oil place jars into hot water bath lid off target oil temp is 170 for 30 min place lids on and turn off heat allow to sit in the oil for 30 min then remove and place into fridge for storage allow 5 days for herbs to really soak out into the mushrooms
Im thinking about double boiling them in larger jars or pots then packing jars, main reason there is water at the bottom of the jars when im done using said method. second reason is the mushrooms soften and pack much better after cooking, some people wont want a 2/3 full jar vs a packed one.
I was told by one of my executive chefs this is how they preserve my mushrooms for up to 5-6 weeks.
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Gr0wer
always improving



Registered: 09/16/03
Posts: 6,056
Loc: El Paso, TX
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: drake89]
#23395995 - 06/29/16 11:36 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
drake89 said:
Quote:
PsilocyBen17 said: Everything adds up man....
Has anyone ever tried bringing live oyster logs to a market? Just to attract some folks? I was at the Market today in town and tbh there are 2 mushroom booths that were fairly dead and boring looking.
Another option I'm considering is doing value added stuff. Mushroom soups and pickled oysters etc....but I won't be ready for the Market until next summer.
i used to sell shiitake bags as grow your own kits $20 a pop. sometimes I would sell 10-15 which was fun. easy to sell when you bring one fruiting.
Drake, what do you tell them to use for a chamber? I found a tote mono with nothing but the bricks in it works real well with one or two blocks.
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Marty Mycfly
Time Traveler


Registered: 12/16/13
Posts: 976
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Gr0wer]
#23396111 - 06/30/16 12:48 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I was thinking about this with oysters, what kind of little FC would work with an oyster bag? I have gotten a ton of inquiries about grow kits.
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Gr0wer
always improving



Registered: 09/16/03
Posts: 6,056
Loc: El Paso, TX
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Marty Mycfly]
#23396116 - 06/30/16 12:51 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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If your in a high RH or area where people use swamp coolers you can fruit on your kitchen counter. Just mist as needed.
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AnarchoV
Revolutionary



Registered: 09/01/13
Posts: 225
Loc: Missouri
Last seen: 11 months, 2 days
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Gr0wer]
#23396499 - 06/30/16 06:20 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I just have my customers mist the kits regularly in the open air. Humidity is pretty high here though. I have one regular customer that used a tote for a FC. Another friend used a clear plastic garbage bag and cuts long slits in it when it starts to fruit. I mailed one to a friend in Colorado and he said he put his in a utility sink with it dripping constantly. All of them have had some amount of success.
I have left some kits completely unattended and still had them fully fruit. Humidity in Missouri is already high as shit though.
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magicMerlin



Registered: 01/26/12
Posts: 617
Loc: Toronto
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Gr0wer]
#23396992 - 06/30/16 10:17 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
AnarchoV said: I bring display logs to market it definitely helps my sales, but you will spend the whole market talking.

Cool pic! I wish my local markets had mushrooms like that.
Quote:
Gr0wer said:
I just did a test batch of oil preserved mushrooms. They came out awesome! The recipe is as follows with your own twist on spices/herbs.
Pack mushrooms into regular mouth pint or quart jars, pack tight 1 crushed clove of garlic 1 small sprig of rosemary 1-2 medoim sprigs of thyme few small sage leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp crushed pepper or a few peppercorns
fill with canola oil place jars into hot water bath lid off target oil temp is 170 for 30 min place lids on and turn off heat allow to sit in the oil for 30 min then remove and place into fridge for storage allow 5 days for herbs to really soak out into the mushrooms
Im thinking about double boiling them in larger jars or pots then packing jars, main reason there is water at the bottom of the jars when im done using said method. second reason is the mushrooms soften and pack much better after cooking, some people wont want a 2/3 full jar vs a packed one.
I was told by one of my executive chefs this is how they preserve my mushrooms for up to 5-6 weeks.
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SpinScratch
Distrusted Cultivator



Registered: 07/26/13
Posts: 826
Last seen: 30 days, 4 hours
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Gr0wer]
#23397105 - 06/30/16 11:01 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Gr0wer said: Looking good man! Weekday markets are understably slower than weekend. Also variety is king. Once you have 2-3 types to pick from you will not only draw more customers but each customer will pick up more of each. Goldens are in season, maybe pick up some bright colored shrooms to sell with your kings. Have you approached local restaurants yet? I would start with just one, go top end.
Im not much of a salesman... how do I approach a restaurant to buy my mushrooms? Just walk in there and say "wanna buy some shrooms?"
seriously though, theres a restaurant here that advertises as "farm to table" and he seems to have shiitakes or oysters in almost every dish. Theres one established mushroom farm in the area that supplies him and all the other restaurants and shops in the area. How do I cut into this action? How do I "approach" a restaurant?
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Gr0wer
always improving



Registered: 09/16/03
Posts: 6,056
Loc: El Paso, TX
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: SpinScratch]
#23397156 - 06/30/16 11:20 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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You need to call the restruant and set up a meeting with the executive chef, sous chef, owner or kitchen manager. Whoever does the buying and makes the menu. Dont just roll in there 9 times out of 10 the person you need to talk with isnt there. Bring a few lbs to sell 5 lbs is my minimum, if they dont buy the tray give them a 1/2lb free sample.
Edited by Gr0wer (06/30/16 11:20 AM)
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TedTheHighlighter
Cheshire Cat


Registered: 12/09/14
Posts: 490
Last seen: 2 months, 7 days
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Re: First farmers market tomorrow! And question about pricing. [Re: Gr0wer] 1
#23398328 - 06/30/16 05:35 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Gr0wer said:
I just did a test batch of oil preserved mushrooms. They came out awesome! The recipe is as follows with your own twist on spices/herbs.
Pack mushrooms into regular mouth pint or quart jars, pack tight 1 crushed clove of garlic 1 small sprig of rosemary 1-2 medoim sprigs of thyme few small sage leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp crushed pepper or a few peppercorns
fill with canola oil place jars into hot water bath lid off target oil temp is 170 for 30 min place lids on and turn off heat allow to sit in the oil for 30 min then remove and place into fridge for storage allow 5 days for herbs to really soak out into the mushrooms
Im thinking about double boiling them in larger jars or pots then packing jars, main reason there is water at the bottom of the jars when im done using said method. second reason is the mushrooms soften and pack much better after cooking, some people wont want a 2/3 full jar vs a packed one.
I was told by one of my executive chefs this is how they preserve my mushrooms for up to 5-6 weeks.
Quote:
Gr0wer said: You need to call the restruant and set up a meeting with the executive chef, sous chef, owner or kitchen manager. Whoever does the buying and makes the menu. Dont just roll in there 9 times out of 10 the person you need to talk with isnt there. Bring a few lbs to sell 5 lbs is my minimum, if they dont buy the tray give them a 1/2lb free sample.
Love picking up great info like this
-------------------- Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, who was sitting in a tree, “What road do I take?” The cat asked, “Where do you want to go?” “I don’t know,” Alice answered. “Then,” said the cat, “it really doesn’t matter, does it?”
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