Underground Mushroom Co.
Underground Mushroom Co. is a Gloucester, Massachusetts-based mushroom farm founded by Matt Pinstein during the COVID-19 pandemic. The farm specializes in premium mushrooms and offers workshops on indoor mushroom growing.
The Story
Underground Mushroom Co. is a Gloucester, Massachusetts-based mushroom farm founded by Matt Pinstein during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a passion project quickly grew into a mycological operation focused on sustainability, local food systems, and community education.
Pinstein has spent roughly 20 years working in agriculture and local food production, building expertise that now shapes every stage of the mushroom growing process. The farm specializes in premium mushrooms grown in small batches with attention to soil health and mycelial diversity.
Beyond selling mushrooms, Underground Mushroom Co. is committed to education and low-waste practices. Pinstein leads workshops on indoor mushroom growing for both first-time growers and experienced cultivators. The business also sells spent substrate blocks to home gardeners each fall, a sustainable offering limited only by the farm's available storage space.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products
Spent Substrate Blocks
Used mushroom growing blocks repurposed for home gardeners. A low-waste option that still contains nutrients for vegetable and herb gardens.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms grown in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Grown in small batches with attention to soil health and mycelial diversity.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Fresh lion's mane mushrooms, known for their cognitive-support properties and seafood-like flavor. Grown without pesticides in a controlled indoor environment.
Company Timeline
2020 — Founded Underground Mushroom Co.
Started as a pandemic passion project growing premium mushrooms in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
2022 — Workshop Program Launch
Began offering indoor mushroom growing workshops for beginners and experienced cultivators.
2023 — Edible Boston Feature
Featured in Edible Boston and the Palate & Palette newsletter highlighting mycological diversity.
