Emma Wilson
Kennett Square in Pennsylvania is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, with more than 60% of all mushrooms produced in the US grown in the area. The town's history of mushroom farming dates back to the late 1800s when William Swayne, a florist, became the first person to grow mushrooms in the area. Today, Kennett Square is home to several mushroom farms, including Phillips Mushroom Farms, the largest grower of specialty mushrooms in the US, and Greenwood Mushrooms, a family-owned business with three generations of experience. Other notable mushroom farms in the area include South Mill Mushroom Farms and The Woodlands at Phillips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square | Phillips Mushroom Farms, Greenwood Mushrooms, South Mill Mushroom Farms, The Woodlands at Phillips |
| Location of Kennett Square | Pennsylvania |
| Yearly Production of Phillips Mushroom Farms | Over 70 million pounds of mushrooms |
| Number of Growing Facilities of Phillips Mushroom Farms | Three |
| Locations of Phillips Mushroom Farms' Growing Facilities | Kennett Square, PA, Warwick, MD, and Kelton, PA |
| Year Phillips Mushroom Farms Started | 1927 |
| Year South Mill Mushroom Farms Started | 1932 |
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What You'll Learn
Phillips Mushroom Farms
The farm's longevity and success can be attributed to the Phillips family's dedication to quality and innovation. They have continuously strived to provide consumers with delicious mushrooms, as evidenced by their presence in multiple markets, including retail, wholesale, food service, and commercial. The farm has also expanded beyond just selling mushrooms, as they offer a range of value-added mushroom products to cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences.
The Woodlands at Phillips, the retail location of Phillips Mushroom Farms, provides a unique experience for visitors. Here, customers can not only purchase fresh, local mushrooms but also learn about the farm's history and mushroom-growing practices. The Woodlands at Phillips showcases the farm's commitment to sustainability and local produce, becoming a destination for both mushroom enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into the agricultural heritage of Kennett Square.
In addition to their focus on quality and innovation, Phillips Mushroom Farms also prioritises sharing knowledge and inspiring others through their work. Their website features a dedicated section for mushroom-based recipes, providing inspiration and ideas for home cooks looking to incorporate mushrooms into their meals. From classic preparations to innovative fusion dishes, the recipe section offers a wealth of culinary possibilities, highlighting the versatility and flavour that mushrooms bring to the table.
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South Mill Mushroom Farms
In the 1950s, the Pia family began supplying mushroom growing substrates to local, family-owned mushroom farms, and quickly became the area's largest fresh mushroom supplier. In 1982, the family purchased one of Pennsylvania's largest mushroom farms and began selling fresh mushrooms directly to retail, wholesale, food service, and commercial markets under the "South Mill" name.
Over the past decade, South Mill Champs has continued to expand its operations with value-added mushroom products, aggressive expansions, and the acquisition of state-of-the-art mushroom farms across North America. The company supplies fresh, frozen, and dried mushroom products to grocers, wholesalers, and food service businesses, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. They were one of the first mushroom farms in the country to install modern logistics technology in their refrigerated transportation fleet, allowing for real-time delivery updates and estimated times of arrival.
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Greenwood Mushrooms
Located in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the self-proclaimed "Mushroom Capital of the World", Greenwood Mushrooms has been a family-owned and operated business for three generations. The company has established itself as a premier grower, packer, and shipper of mushrooms, reflecting its dedication to top-tier produce and customer satisfaction.
The company's commitment to innovation has allowed them to introduce new, quality-focused cultivation and processing techniques rapidly. This agility ensures that Greenwood Mushrooms consistently provides the freshest, highest-quality mushrooms, reflecting their dedication to excellence. Greenwood Mushrooms offers a rich variety, from classic White Button mushrooms to exotic Yellow Oyster mushrooms, each packed with flavour and nutrition.
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Kennett Square: Mushroom Capital of the World
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World". The area has been associated with mushroom farming for over a century, with the industry taking root in the late 1800s when William Swayne, a local florist, first began to grow mushrooms beneath his greenhouse benches. Over 60% of all mushrooms produced in the US are grown in Kennett Square and its surrounding areas, including parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and northeastern Maryland.
Several prominent mushroom farms are based in Kennett Square, including Phillips Mushroom Farms, which is the largest grower of specialty mushrooms in the US and a leader in overall mushroom production. Phillips has been cultivating mushrooms since 1927 and ships over 70 million pounds of mushrooms across the country each year. The company has three growing facilities, including one in Kennett Square, and has been family-owned for four generations, with a focus on innovation and quality.
Another well-known mushroom farm in Kennett Square is Greenwood Mushrooms, a family-owned business with three generations of experience. Greenwood Mushrooms is committed to innovation and providing the freshest, highest-quality mushrooms to its customers. The company adheres to strict food safety and worker protection standards, ensuring the production of safe and excellent mushroom products.
South Mill Mushroom Farms is another major mushroom grower in Kennett Square, with nearly 90 years of experience. The company was started by Louie Pia, who began operating a small mushroom farm in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1932. Over the years, the Pia family expanded their business, eventually becoming one of the largest fresh mushroom suppliers in the area. Today, South Mill provides responsibly grown mushroom products to North America, fulfilling their mission of nourishing the planet.
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William Swayne: Kennett Square's first mushroom grower
In 1885, William Swayne, a florist in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is credited with bringing mushroom cultivation to the region. Swayne grew carnations, which require raised greenhouse beds. He noticed the wasted space under the carnation beds in his greenhouses and thought of utilising it to grow mushrooms. He imported mushroom spores from England and built the first mushroom house in the area. This endeavour proved successful, and his son, J. Bancroft Swayne, took over the business, expanding it into a full-fledged commercial enterprise with spawn plants and canneries.
Swayne's success inspired others in the region, and by the 1920s, Kennett Square became a hub for mushroom cultivation. The region's geography, infrastructure, and proximity to major markets like New York City and Philadelphia further fuelled this boom. By 1930, there were over 500 mushroom houses in Kennett Square and the surrounding areas.
The Phillips family, who started their mushroom-growing business in 1927, played a significant role in the industry's development. William Phillips was one of the first to use ice for temperature control, enabling year-round mushroom growth. His sons, Donald and Marshall, expanded the business into packaging, marketing, and transportation, solidifying Kennett Square's reputation as the mushroom capital of the world.
Today, mushroom cultivation in Pennsylvania remains a thriving industry, contributing significantly to the state's economy. Kennett Square and its surrounding areas produce over 60% of all mushrooms grown in the United States, and the focus on the white "snowball" mushroom has expanded to include a variety of exotic mushroom types. The legacy of William Swayne and subsequent generations of mushroom growers has transformed what was once a rare delicacy into a multi-billion-dollar industry, employing thousands of people in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are mushroom farms in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Phillips Mushroom Farms, Greenwood Mushrooms, and South Mill Mushroom Farms are some of the mushroom farms located in Kennett Square.
The types of mushrooms grown in Kennett Square vary by farm. Phillips Gourmet Mushrooms offers several exotic mushrooms, including White Button and Yellow Oyster.
Mushroom farms have been in Kennett Square for over a century. The first mushroom house in the area was built by William Swayne in the late 1800s.
