About Us
Our Story
Our mushroom farm is located outside of Asheville surrounded by the Seven Sister Mountains in Black Mountain, NC situated with what one can call nature's marquee to the mountains, creeks and trees. We are fortunate to have the air quality, pure spring water and favorable temperatures essential to cultivate and forage mushrooms. It started with the curiosity of mushrooms for culinary appreciation and then led to the benefits for medicinal uses.
After working as a Wardrobe Consultant (www.dansamson-belluomo.com) in New York for nearly 30 years, it was time to move on and turn the pages to the next chapter of my life.
My wife LuAnn and I decided to retire so that we could see, do and enjoy life to the fullest. It is a new beginning for us living in the mountains exploring different lifestyles and meeting new friends. I went from wearing a suit and tie everyday to functional casual clothes while working on the farm. It is with much gratitude that this is now part of our world.
After leaving the legal field, LuAnn decided to pursue her passion for organic natural living and plants. In addition to our mushroom farming, she studied at Aromahead Institute and became a NAHA (National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy) Certified Professional Aromatherapist. As a result of that certification, LuAnn created Joyful Heart Aromatics (www.joyfulheartaromatics.com) making all natural organic essential oil based skin care products and wellness remedies. Her Shiitake Glow Serum is produced using our very own shiitake mushrooms!
Mushrooms are not only used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Fortune 500 cosmetic companies have capitalized on the benefits for skin nourishing and beauty products. The textile industry utilizes mushrooms as a sustainable source for biodegradable clothes...from renewable materials that mimic silk to mycelium cells from Ganoderma (reishi) grown in a dense, intertwined structure to create and manufacture leather like materials.
Our mushroom products are featured at:
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
When: Every Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon (May through October)
Where: Located at 130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711
(under a canopy of shade trees and cushioned grass)
(www.blackmountainmarket.org)
Certified member with Appalachian Grown ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)
We are often asked if we sell dog food and we politely explain how we named our business Golden Foo Dog Mushrooms. Visualize the grand palaces of China and Japan and what was standing in front of the entrance...Golden Foo Dogs. Our dog Justis is golden (rescued as a puppy) and is very protective of us and his territory. No black bear would attempt to cross the line when Justis growls, yet he is gentle and playful as a puppy when approached!
Chaga is one of the highest sources of antioxidants, grown on White Birch trees.
Cordyceps valued for its extraordinary ability to increase energy and reduce fatigue.
Turkey Tail provides overall immune support and has two unique beta-glucans
Lion's Mane known for it's shellfish flavor and medicinal healing properties.
Chanterelles a desired edible mushrooms to forage. Fruity aroma and spicy flavored.
Oysters delicate flavor and plentiful when foraged.
Shiitakes plump and ready for harvest.
Reishi known as the Mushroom of Immortality for thousands of years.
Our natural products are Gluten Free, GMO Free, Vegan Food and a Bio Product.