Carroll Enterprises

Known fondly as the “Mushroom Man”,  John Carroll introduced a niche product to our community in 2010 with his Shiitake mushroom enterprise. Fifty-two hard wood logs inoculated with Shiitake mushroom spore rest on the creek bank which runs through the Carroll family’s land. John prepares the logs, which are three to four feet in length, by first drilling holes into the logs, then plugging the holes with mushroom spawn, and finally capping the plugged holes with wax. He then manages the logs to encourage fruiting every four weeks.

The hills surrounding John’s mushroom lot are full of living memories from his childhood. The old dairy’s milking room, the bend in the creek, and even the timbers used to build the family’s farm house, inspire the telling of a story. These rich memories and old family traditions exist side by side with John’s innovative spirit. It is this interplay between the old and the new which distinguishes Carroll Enterprises.

John is experimenting with the production of several additional mushroom varieties including Oysters and Morels. Caroll Enterprises is also preparing to expand in a new direction with hydroponic vegetable production.  Mushrooms produce sporadically, but when they’re available they sell out quickly.  Contact John to find out when he’ll be selling them at Foothills Farmer’s Market in Uptown Shelby.