New Local Gourmet Mushrooms from FirstLite Farms!

New Local Gourmet Mushrooms from FirstLite Farms!

Local to Bloomington, Indiana, FirstLite Farms is dedicated to growing high-quality, gourmet mushrooms. Owned and operated by Nick Parsch, a passionate grower and active member of the local farming community, the local farm is dedicated to providing responsibly grown ingredients to support healthy living and strengthen the local food system.

You can now find FirstLite Farms’ fresh White Beech, Maitake (Hen of the Woods), Chestnut, & Shiitake Mushrooms at both of our stores – our East Store also carries their Black Pearl Oyster Mushrooms!

White Beech

Flavor: Mild, slightly nutty, subtly sweet

How to eat them:

• Trim the base and separate the stems.

• Best sautéed in butter or olive oil until lightly golden.

• Add to stir-fries, ramen, pasta, or omelets.

• Roast whole clusters for a slightly crispy texture.

• Great in soups — they hold their shape nicely.

Tip: Cook them thoroughly; raw beech mushrooms can taste slightly bitter

Chestnut

Flavor: Nutty, slightly peppery

How to eat them:

• Leave small ones whole; halve larger ones.

• Excellent roasted or sautéed with garlic and thyme.

• Add to pizzas, flatbreads, or creamy sauces.

• Pair beautifully with eggs and breakfast dishes.

Tip: They retain a pleasant firmness even after cooking.

Caution! Chestnut mushrooms are high in chitin. May cause gastrointestinal discomfort without thorough cooking.

Maitake (Hen of the Woods)

Flavor: Rich, earthy, savory

How to eat them:

• Tear into bite-size pieces rather than slicing.

• Roast at high heat (425°F) with olive oil and salt for crispy edges.

• Sauté and serve over steak, chicken, or polenta.

• Add to risotto or creamy pasta dishes.

Tip: High heat brings out their deep umami flavor and crispy texture.

Shiitake

Flavor: Meaty, smoky, umami-rich

How to eat them:

• Remove tough stems (great for stock).

• Slice caps and sauté for tacos, grain bowls, or fried rice.

• Add to soups, broths, and Asian-inspired dishes.

• Marinate and grill for a “meaty” vegetarian option.

Tip: Dry sauté first (no oil) to release moisture, then add oil for better browning.

Local, Women-Owned Brands We Proudly Support!

Women-Owned LOCAL Brands We Proudly Support!

Know & support all of the WOMEN-OWNED LOCAL BRANDS we carry at our stores!

Aahaa Chai

Apricot Sun

Bivi's Tamales & Salsa

Bloomington Bagel Co.

Bread & roses Gardens & Blossom & The Bee Tea Co.

Brown County Coffee & Tea

Celtic Glen Heritage Livestock

Drift Botanicals

Fauna

Aahaa Chai

Apricot Sun

Bivi's Tamales & Salsa

Bloomington Bagel Co.

Bread & Roses Gardens & Blossom and The Bee Tea Co.

Brown County Coffee & Tea

Celtic Glen Heritage Livestock

Drift Botanicals

Fauna

Fischer Farms

Frangipani Body Products

Green Turtle Botanical

Linnea's Greenhouse

Monarch Apothecary

Needmore Coffee Roasters

Partridge & Quigley Coffee Roasting Co.

Piccoli Dolci

Planted Bloomington

PopKorn Kernels with a Twist

Fischer Farms

Frangipani Body Products

Green Turtle Botanical

Linnea's Greenhouse

Monarch Apothecary

Needmore Coffee Roasters

Partridge & Quigley Coffee Roasting Co.

Piccoli Dolci

Planted Bloomington

PopKorn Kernels with a Twist

SoyaMaya

Sushi King

Winter Blooms

SoyaMaya

Sushi King

Winter Blooms

Keep dreaming! Keep planning! Keep doing big things!

Local Dog Treats at Our Near West Store: Moon Pennies!

Local Dog Treats at Our Near West Store: Moon Pennies!

We’re excited to highlight local, homemade dog biscuits available at our Near West Store: Moon Pennies! Made here in Bloomington in Ken and Tc Farrell’s 130-year-old home in the Prospect Hill neighborhood, each Moon Penny is mixed, shaped, baked, and dehydrated by hand. The idea grew out of a simple goal shared by Ken and Tc: to give their own two dogs treats made from straightforward, natural ingredients they could feel good about.

From sourcing to production, Moon Pennies reflect the values many local shoppers share: prioritizing organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and keeping the supply chain small and transparent. Moon Pennies offer a hyper-local alternative to mass-produced pet treats, one rooted in a neighborhood kitchen rather than distant factories. This kind of small-scale, community-based production supports the local economy, reduces transportation impacts, and strengthens relationships between producers and the people who choose to shop close to home.

Moon Pennies are also tested and certified by the State of Indiana, with a guaranteed analysis and nutritional information printed on every bag. More importantly, the Farrells have made Moon Pennies a true family operation, with their two Labradors serving as enthusiastic quality-control specialists through daily taste testing.

The biscuits are available at our Near West Store in three thoughtfully crafted flavors:

• Lucky Moon Pennies (peanut butter and pumpkin)

• Blue Moon Pennies (blueberry, banana, and peanut butter)

• Milky Whey Moon Pennies (Vermont cheddar and apple)!

Treat your furry friends to a local treat that is paws-itively delicious!

New Local Snack at Our Near West Store - Fat of the Land Potato Chips!

New Local Snack at Our Near West Store - Fat of the Land Potato Chips!

We’re excited to welcome a new, local, seed-oil-free snack maker to our Near West Store: Fat of the Land! Founded by nurse and dad Donald Ridings, this Indiana-based brand was created with one goal: bring back snacks made with real, simple ingredients that families can feel good about.

Fat of the Land chips are kettle-cooked in 100% premium beef tallow, a traditional animal fat prized for its rich flavor and stability at high heat. Unlike conventional chips made with industrial seed and vegetable oils, these snacks focus on wholesome, time-tested ingredients you recognize and trust.

What makes Fat of the Land special is their commitment to real ingredients: made without seed oils, artificial additives, or added sugars, using just potatoes, sea salt, and traditional fats. Created by parents who wanted a snack they could feel proud sharing with their own kids, Fat of the Land focuses on clean, nourishing, nutrient-forward recipes inspired by ancestral cooking practices.

Whether you’re shopping for family snacks, looking for a cleaner alternative to mainstream chips, or just curious about traditional fats, Fat of the Land brings a fresh yet time-tested snack choice to our shelves.

We’re currently offering two flavors of their kettle-cooked chips at our Near West Store: Simple Sea Salt and Salt & Vinegar.

Stop by and grab a bag (or two) on your next visit!

Welcoming a New Local Vendor: Poppin’ Cobs Popcorn

Welcoming a New Local Vendor: Poppin’ Cobs Popcorn

We’re excited to welcome Poppin’ Cobs Popcorn, a truly Hoosier-grown snack maker whose story, values, and delicious flavors are now part of our local vendor family. Poppin’ Cobs isn’t just another popcorn brand–it’s a family farm’s passion project turned into a unique snacking experience. What started in the fields of Indiana as a simple, playful experiment to pop corn straight from the cob has become a proud small business rooted in local agriculture and shared joy.

The founders, Josh Pottschmidt and his college friend, Adam Bechtel, grew up around farming and soil, and that connection shows in everything they do: from hand-harvesting and drying the cobs to crafting products that celebrate real, wholesome food.

At the heart of Poppin’ Cobs is a commitment to simplicity, sustainability, and delight. They believe that snacks should be:

• Real and clean: made with real ingredients and zero guilt, with no additives, preservatives, or artificial anything.

• Sourced with integrity: grown on family-owned farms in the Midwest where they know the land, the people, and the process.

• Designed for delight: fun to make and share, from the surprise of watching kernels pop off the cob to the laughter and joy of friends and family gathered around snack time.

They describe themselves simply: farmers, snack lovers, and people who believe food should be fun, real, and good for you.

Poppin’ Cobs has deep roots in Indiana farming. The team grows their popcorn cobs on their family farm because they’re invested in every step of the journey, and they believe you can genuinely taste the difference when something is made with care. Their mission is clear: reimagine everyday snacks in ways that are cleaner, smarter, and more enjoyable, while staying true to quality, community, and joy.

We’re currently offering two of their standout flavored varieties at our Near West Store, each reflecting that same dedication to quality and fun:

• Buttery Garlic – rich and savory with smooth buttery notes balanced by a flavorful garlic punch.

• Dill Pickle – tangy and vibrant with the classic pickle zing that keeps people coming back for more.

These flavors bring the farm-fresh joy of Poppin’ Cobs into a bold, crave-worthy snack perfect for customers seeking something both wholesome and delicious.

Please join us in celebrating Poppin’ Cobs Popcorn–where farm, flavor, and fun meet in every pop!