John Findlay was inspired in 2017 listening to Paul Stamets ‘Biodiversity is Biosecurity – strengthening foodwebs using mycological solutions’ podcast explaining how healthy and vital to human survival these oyster gourmet mushrooms can be. John had always wanted to be a part of helping his local community, and it took a while to find a niche that his city was lacking and he resonated with, but mushrooms were a perfect fit!
John feels very strongly about when Paul says ‘If you knew that every breath you took could save hundreds of lives in the future, had you walked down this path of knowledge, wouldn’t you run down that path of knowledge as fast as you could?’ In 2017, John started selling super healthy mushrooms that are available to everyone. In May 2021, John started selling mushroom jerky using homegrown blue oyster, brown oyster, and black king oyster mushrooms. Findlay’s Fungus is distributed under the same name as Findlay’s Fungus, and it is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.
The first review on Findlay’s Fungus will focus on a 1.9 ounce/55 gram bag of their original flavored oyster mushroom jerky. This bag was kindly submitted for review by Owner Operator John Findlay.
Ingredient Review
Oyster Mushrooms, Organic Tamari, Apple Cider Vinegar, Golden Sugar, Sesame Oil, Hot Sauce, Garlic, Ginger. Allergen Warnings: Soy
These oyster mushrooms are grown locally in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada by John Findlay. Mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, cholesterol-free, vitamin D, and are high in the minerals iron and selenium. The ingredient rating starts at Very Good (9/10).
The liquid marinade used here consists of organic tamari, healthy apple cider vinegar, healthy sesame oil, and a good brand of hot sauce.
Some healthy ingredients added are garlic and ginger.
There is no nutrition facts table provided. As a result, the exact sugar and salt levels are unknown.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or have any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
FINDLAY’S FUNGUS – ORIGINAL OYSTER MUSHROOM JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I immediately smell mushroom. While mushrooms don’t tend to smell the greatest, as a general rule, they taste quite good if prepared the proper way. Both Mark and I noticed before we even opened the bag how dark the hue is. Generally, that means that it was saturated in the marinade for a long time. The pieces are medium in size, and they appear to be cut rather thin. The jerky is a bit dry, and there is no oily residue left on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky, I am met with (a)very positive taste(s). I taste strong salt, which is awesome. I taste pepper, garlic, onion, I believe soy, vinegar, and the unmistakable taste of mushrooms.
Every time I do a “jerky” review with anything other than meat, I always mention the caveat that I don’t believe mushrooms, seafood, tofu, and the like should ever be categorized as “jerky”, however I am really enjoying this particular mushroom jerky. It is light years above the other mushroom jerky we have reviewed.
Count me duly impressed gentlemen, I can go as high as 9/10, although a perfect 10/10 is not out of the realm of possibility.
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
Findlay’s Fungus mushroom jerky is bold in flavor, and the seasoning tastes relatively good. Oyster mushrooms have a mild and delicate flavor, and their texture is tender and slightly chewy.
The seasoning completely takes over, and the taste and texture of the mushroom is completely lost. This jerky would be more appropriate for heavy smokers, crack addicts, ninety-five years old “alkies” with one foot in the casket or anyone who is allergic to the taste or doesn’t care about the flavor of mushrooms. If you are looking to overwhelm your taste buds with tamari/soy sauce, this one is for you.
I can pick up the flavor of each ingredient except the most important one, which should be the mushrooms. I’d rate the Findlay’s Fungus mushroom jerky 6 or 7 out of 10 taste rating, as I have a joyous happy go lucky nature, but I’ll understand if you guys are more critical.
Here is what Mark had to say about this original oyster mushroom jerky flavour from Findlay’s Fungus: “Thanks Stéphane and Paul for the honest taste reviews. As a disclaimer, I am not much a fan of mushroom jerky. Particularly oyster mushroom jerky, but I am pleasantly surprised here but for the wrong reason.
True, the oyster mushroom flavour itself takes a fair bit of chewing before manifesting itself. Also true that a strong soy flavour dominates and does dull down the ‘intense’ taste of the oyster mushrooms, a ‘good’ thing in my book. In the meantime, there is a pleasant, bold marinade present that blends well together.”
“Just to recap, Stéphane had a 6 taste rating, Paul 9 and myself also at a 9. Stéphane and Paul were right. You need to be a fan of soy and salt to enjoy this oyster mushroom jerky flavour. A Good (8/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 1.94 ounce/55 gram bag sells for $10.00, which works out to $5.15 an ounce. That rates as an expensive price for mushroom jerky.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has a label attached to the front and nothing on the back.
There are no slogans or facts printed on this bag.
Some missing bag categories are distributor address details, graphics, nutrition facts table, bar code, soy allergen alert, a blurb printed about this jerky and flavour, and French translations.
Order their jerky online: www.findlaysfungus.ca
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