Forage & Thrive
Experience the Wonder of Mushrooms
Embark on a unique culinary and educational journey at our Forage and Thrive event! Delve into the fascinating world of mushrooms, from forest to table, and discover their incredible flavors and health benefits. Join us for a day of exploration, delicious food, and expert insights.
- WHERE: Elgin Railway Market & Oak Valley Estate
- WHEN: Saturday 5 July 2025 (limited space available)
- TIME: 9:00-16:00 (all-day event)
*click on the + to expand
What is Included
Gift Pack
2 Bottles Oak Valley Estate Sounds of Silence Pinot Noir valued at R300.
Coffee
Freshly Brewed Coffee Infused with a dash of Reishi Mushroom.
Introduction to Mushroom Foraging
UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST FLOOR: Join Peter Herrmann of Harmonic Mycology for an introduction to mushroom foraging.
Breakfast
A SAVORY START: Indulge in a beautifully curated Breakfast Board from The Railway Deli, bursting with local flavor. (Drinks Not Included).
Included in Breakfast: Featuring Kalamata Olives and Sundried Tomatoes from The Greek Olive, an array of young and matured hard cheeses — such as Colby, Havarti, Leyden, Gruberg, or Huguenot — and a luscious creamy blue cheese inspired by the classic Gorgonzola style. Complemented by freshly made hummus, homemade fig preserve, fresh bread, and crisp crackers, along with intriguing additions like salt-cured mushrooms and pickled quail’s eggs.
Mushroom Foraging
EMBARK ON A MYCOLOGICAL ADVENTURE: Guided Mushroom Hunting on Oakvalley Farm. Please note that Mushroom picking is limited to 5 mushrooms per person to preserve the integrity of the fungi on the farm.
Juice
RECHARGE & REVITALIZE: Elgin Pure hand-crafted small juice / berry bliss of your choice with a Cordyceps mushroom energy boost.
Lunch
EARTHY INDULGENCE: Mushroom mung bean noodles with vegetables by Phuket Thai Noodles & Rice. (Drinks Not Included).
Introduction to medicinal mushrooms
HARNESS POWER OF NATURE: Discover the Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms with Peter Herrmann of Harmonic Mycology.
Mushroom Wine Pairing
AN EXQUISITE FUSION: Mushroom Wine Pairing Hosted by Christopher Keet of Vine & Rail, Featuring Weather Report Wine , Health Mushroom’s Oyster Mushroom Delights, and Microgreens from A New Leaf .
WINES
- Shannon’s Pinot noir 2023
- Weather Report Clime’s of Cabernet franc 2021
- Weather Report Atlas Cabernet franc 2019
- Weather Report Flight Farm Cabernet franc 2021
- Weather Report Clime’s of Cabernet franc 2020
- Genevieve MCC Blanc de Blanc Brut 2020
A curated flight of cool-climate wines from Elgin and surrounds celebrates the quiet varieties of our vine growing area. Their inherent aromatics often find descriptions of the forest floor, mineral rock and wet soil and earthiness. Along with reserved fruit profiles, it is the texture and natural acidity of these wines that allow wonderful pairing partners to the subtlety of mushrooms, and the myriad of flavours they offer us.
PAIRED WITH
Served on a bed of Rocket, Broccoli, and Red Rambo Radish micro greens with a mild, fresh, tangy, and spicy flavor.
- Marinated Oyster Mushrooms: Paired with mild and earthy Amaranth microgreens, rich in vitamin K, C, and iron.
- Oyster Mushroom Relish: Paired with sweet and crunchy Maple Pea Shoot microgreens, rich in vitamin A, C, and folate.
- Oyster Mushroom Chili: Paired with tangy and peppery Rocket microgreens, rich in fiber and protein.
- Oyster Mushroom Confit: Paired with spicy, pepper, and sweet China Rose Radish micro greens, high in vitamins A, B, C, E, K.
- Salt Cured Oyster Mushrooms: Paired with sweet and nutty Sunflower micro greens, high in vitamin A, C, K, and calcium.
- Pickled Oyster Mushrooms: Paired with peppery spicy Mustard microgreens, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and iron.
Additional Information
HOW LONG WILL THE FORAGING SESSION LAST?
Two to three hours.
WHICH MUSHROOMS CAN YOU EXPECT TO FIND
Porcini, Poplar boloetes, Slippery jacks and saprophytic mushrooms like Agaricus sp.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH
- knife
- basket
- note-book
- pen
- field guide (if you have one)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- rain jacket
- water + snacks
- a dry-bag
By participating in this event, you acknowledge the inherent risks and voluntarily assume all responsibility for any injury, illness, or loss that may occur.
