Kennett Square, PA, is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World because over half of all U.S. mushrooms come from this area. The tradition of mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates as far back as the late 19th century. Today, the incredibly popular Mushroom Festival held every September features about 250 vendors and is estimated to have about 100,000 visitors.
Easy access to fresh, delicious mushrooms is only one of the many amazing perks of buying a new construction home near Kennett Square. Locally sourced mushrooms and other produce are highlights of the area’s vibrant restaurant scene, and other attractions include world-class shopping and close proximity to all the big-city amenities of Philadelphia. With its quaint character and historic charm, Kennett Square has it all for today’s home buyers. Check out the astonishing new homes for sale at Kennett Pointe!
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About 65% of all U.S. mushrooms come from Kennett Square
There’s a good chance that you’ve dined on a piece of Kennett Square, PA, without realizing it. This cozy community in southeast Pennsylvania produces more than 65% of the mushroom crop for the entire U.S. But how did this come to be, and why are so many farmers in Kennett Square producing mushrooms?
How Kennett Square became the Mushroom Capital of the World
Certain types of produce are inseparably linked to specific geographical locations. Vidalia onions, for example, can only legally be grown in 20 counties in Georgia (when grown anywhere else, they have to be sold under another name). Similarly, Kennett Square is forever linked to edible fungi, but not because of some virtue of soil conditions or climate. In fact, mushroom farms are indoors.
The reason lies in history and sheer happenstance. Pennsylvania was heavily populated by Quakers during the 19th century.
In 1885, two Quakers who grew flowers decided they wanted to do something with the wasted space under their carnations. So, they took a boat to Europe to learn about mushroom growing and bring back spores. The Quakers then hired laid-off quarry workers to handle the harvest and other labor-intensive activities.
Those workers apparently decided that mushroom farming was a much better occupation than stone quarrying, and they went on to start their own farms. It seems the business idea was contagious, because by the mid-20th century, Kennett Square was home to hundreds of mushroom growing operations. Today, 68 mushroom farms in the state produce 68% of the nation’s mushroom crop, and most of those farms are multi-generational.
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Enjoy the local delicacies at the annual Mushroom Festival
Now that you know the history behind the Mushroom Capital of the World, it’s time to plan your next trip to the annual Mushroom Festival. Kennett Square has hosted the Mushroom Festival every year since 1986 (with some modifications necessary during the pandemic year). It’s been voted among the top food festivals by multiple publications. Even better, all of its proceeds are donated to area charities and distributed via community grants.
When it was first held, the Mushroom Festival lasted just one day and stretched over two blocks. Today, it’s about a mile in length and includes about 250 vendors and approximately 100,000 visitors. It also has lots of fun activities for people of all ages—from mushroom growing exhibits to contests to culinary events to children’s activities. The festival is held on the first weekend after Labor Day.
Explore our new construction homes near Kennett Square
At Montchanin Builders, we have a long tradition of building exceptionally designed, well-appointed homes with spacious floorplans. But that’s not all. We also craft charming master-planned communities with wide-open green spaces, areas for outdoor recreation, and generously proportioned lots. If you’re thinking of moving to the area, you’re invited to learn more about our new townhomes in Kennett Square, PA, at Kennett Pointe. Call to request more information on our Kennett Pointe community today!
FAQs
That area is Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Located in Chester County, 60% of all mushrooms produced in the United States are grown there, which is according to the American Mushroom Institute. The reason why this small borough is known for mushrooms is due to its geographical location.
Why is Kennett Square the mushroom capital of the world? ›
Kennett Square, PA, is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World because over half of all U.S. mushrooms come from this area. The tradition of mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates as far back as the late 19th century.
What is Kennett Square famous for? ›
Overview. Kennett Square sits in the heart of lush Brandywine Valley. At the center of town, locals gather to shop and dine. Beyond, surrounding farms produce roughly 60% of the country's mushrooms, earning the area its well-earned nickname — the Mushroom Capital of the World.
What state is the mushroom capital of the world? ›
There are many producers of mushrooms in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania but one company has emerged to reign supreme. Enter Kennett Mushrooms, producer of the finest Shiitake, Oyster, King Oyster, Maitake, Pompom, Pioppino and Crimini Mushrooms on the planet.
What is the largest mushroom producing state in the US? ›
In the United States, the leading producer of mushrooms, organic as well as conventional, is Pennsylvania, followed by California.
What is the most famous mushroom in the world? ›
White button mushrooms are the most popular type worldwide and are often used in soups, sauces, and sautés but can also be eaten raw in fresh salads.
Where is the largest mushroom farm in the USA? ›
Based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania — the Mushroom Capital of the World — Phillips Mushroom Farms is the largest grower of specialty mushrooms and a leader in overall mushroom production.
Is Kennett Square expensive? ›
Based on our Kennett Square cost of living calculator, Kennett Square is 5% more expensive than the national average and 8% more expensive to live in than the average city in Pennsylvania.
How old is Kennett Square? ›
| Kennett Square, Pennsylvania |
|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Chester |
| Settled | 1682 |
20 more rowsQuaint but not quite country, Kennett Square's small town vibe wins visitors over big time.
According to the National Horticulture Board, Bihar is India's largest producer of mushrooms. In 2021-22, the state produced more than 28,000 metric tons of mushrooms, accounting for 10.82% of total mushroom production in the country.
What is America's favorite mushroom? ›
White button mushrooms rank number 1
According to the Mushroom Council, white button mushrooms are the most popular variety in the U.S. Representing a whopping 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the country, many recipes benefit from the earthy yet mild flavor.
Where is the death cap mushroom found in the world? ›
Death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides, is native to Europe, where it is widespread. It occurs from North Africa to the south coast of Scandinavia and from Ireland to Poland and western Russia.
Why is Pennsylvania the mushroom state? ›
The mushroom industry was started here in 1896 by a carnation grower's son utilizing the space under his father's carnation beds to grow mushrooms. In 1926, William W. Phillips began growing mushrooms in Kennett Square. In 1962, sons Don and Marshall started Phillips Mushroom Farms.
Which mushroom is eaten the most? ›
Agaricus bisporous is the most common edible mushroom eaten practically all over the world. At present, three kinds of mushroom are widely cultivated in India and abroad: White button mushroom(Agaricus bisporous), paddy straw mushroom(Volvariella), Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus).
What is the expensive mushroom in America? ›
Chanterelle Mushrooms
The reason why Chanterelle mushrooms are the most expensive on our list is because they can't be cultivated because of their plant-fungi relationship. Chanterelle mushrooms are known for growing in clusters in areas of Asia, Europe, Central America, and North America.
Where is the best mushroom hunting in the world? ›
Finland is one of the world's best places for foraging wild foods. “As you walk through the forests, your eye catches a glimpse of golden yellow at the foot of an old birch, a small treasure in a sea of green: the chanterelle...”
Which country is the largest consumer of mushroom? ›
China is the largest consumer of mushrooms globally, followed by the United States and Russia. Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world.
