Mushrooms

The distinctive fungus prized for its earthy flavor has a honeycomb appearance and pops up after heavy spring rains — just like the Kansas City metro experienced this past weekend.

Missouri is the latest state where foragers are being asked to collect samples of the fungi they find in the wild. It's part of an ambitious project that’s seeking to identify all the mushrooms of North America.

There are thousands of different wild mushrooms in Kansas and Missouri, but the morel stands alone when it comes to popularity. It’s a healthy, tasty snack that offers a chance to disconnect from the day-to-day.

Numerous clinical studies nationwide have shown positive results from using psilocybin to treat PTSD, depression and substance use. New legislation would require Missouri to conduct a clinical study on therapy with “magic mushrooms" for veterans.

From molds and yeasts to the mushrooms we fear and love, fungi are connected to life and death on our planet — but they're often misunderstood. We only know about 10% of the estimated 3.8 million species that exist. Mycologist Giuliana Furci wants us to separate “fungal fact” from “fungal fiction," and give this kingdom the legal recognition it deserves.

From molds and yeasts to the mushrooms we fear and love, fungi are connected to life and death on our planet — but they're often misunderstood. We only know about 10% of the estimated 3.8 million species that exist. Mycologist Giuliana Furci wants us to separate “fungal fact” from “fungal fiction," and give this kingdom the legal recognition it deserves.

A Republican state representative from St. Charles wants to legalize psilocybin, aka magic mushrooms, for medical treatment in Missouri. Plus: Manor Records closed its brick-and-mortar store in Strawberry Hill and is focusing on its true mission: making money for local musicians.

Psilocybin, the psychedelic drug commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms," is outlawed in most states, including Missouri, but a Republican legislator is trying to change that. He shares how the drug could be used to treat some ailments.

Urban farms can take blighted vacant lots and turn them into green space that provides food for neighborhoods, but in Kansas City and the Midwest, they struggle to get that land from private owners and city land banks. Plus: For one local forager, fall weather is the best time for hunting mushrooms.

Springtime morels mark the beginning of Missouri's mushroom season, but fall foliage in mature forests can hide a wide variety of edible fungi — when the conditions are just right.

Robin Moore sells mushrooms at the City Market, Parkville Farmers’ Market, and to more than 20 local restaurants. But this year MyCo Planet expanded into a warehouse space in North Kansas City, where she is planning to open a storefront and expand her operations.

Advocates say growing niche market food, herbs and botanicals lowers the entry cost to farming and can also make smaller farms more profitable.