Where Mushrooms Grow In Peru And Their Benefits.

A few weeks ago, I turned up in a village called Arin in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, searching for a mysterious wizard by the name of Taki. At least, I like to think of him as a wizard, because mushrooms are magical.

Taki grows mushrooms. After forming an interest in mushroom cultivation while living in Mexico, Taki brought his knowledge to the Sacred Valley, Peru where he’s been the local supplier of mushrooms for about eight years. Though born in the United States, Taki’s mother is Peruvian. Perhaps that’s where his compassion for the local community comes from. “At first, we were selling to businesses and friends,” Taki explains. “But the money isn’t where my heart is, so I toned down production to allow more space for me to enjoy life. I’ve also refocused the mission; now our aim is to run workshops on how anyone can grow their own mushrooms. We’ve given workshops to local Quechua people and sell growers’ starter kits at a fair price so that any family can start supplementing their diet or even their income straight away.”

Following Taki through the farm, we explore different stages of the mushroom cultivation process.

[As of March 21, there are restrictions on travel and mandatory social distancing is in place. This article was written with the reader’s health and safety in mind, you’ll find some of the…