The Secret Lives of French Mushrooms

Mushrooms Are Fun Guys – As Long as They Don’t Kill YaIf you see Paris mushrooms on a French menu, don't go assuming they've been grown in the French capital – these days, about 70% are actually grown in China. Their name is a reference, not to their provenance, but to their roots: Paris mushrooms first gained acclaim in the gardens of the palace of Versailles before their culture moved to the underground caverns of the Catacombs.In this episode, you’ll learn:The role French pharmacies play in foraging for mushroomsWhy the French word for mushrooms might make you pauseWhy foraging in France is treated as sacred — and tightly guardedThe unsuspecting relationship between mushrooms and the catacombs of Paris How the Loire Valley incorporates tourism into mushroom productionWhy French shoppers fiercely prioritize hyper-local produceHow the French prepare mushrooms, including our favorite spot to enjoy them stuffed with snails, garlic, and butterPlaces, people & references mentioned:La Cave des Roches – A historic mushroom farm in the Loire Valley that now relies on tourism to survive economically challenging timesBruno Zamblera – A grower who still cultivates mushrooms underground, continuing a nearly lost traditionCafé de Musée – Where Escargots à la Bourguignonne are reimagined using mushroom caps instead of snails (Emily’s favorite) Mushroom dishes & recipes discussed:Duxelles – Finely chopped mushrooms cooked down with shallots and herbsSauce à la Forestière – A classic mushroom-forward French sauceThis episode is a journey through tunnels, traditions, and taboos — revealing how something as humble as a mushroom can tell the story of Paris, French food culture, and what it means to eat locally in a globalized world.Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli & Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco.Follow us on Instagram: @fishwivesofparisWe are currently seeking partnerships. If that’s you, get in touch: [email protected] full episodes in 4k on YoutubeFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.