Derek Sarno’s ‘Dream’ Project Turns Chicken Farm Into Mushroom Growing Operation

Chef Derek Sarno has partnered with The Little Mushroom Co. and Smithy Mushrooms to transform a former chicken farm in Norfolk, England into a sustainable mushroom-growing operation. Sarno, known for co-founding Wicked Kitchen, saw similarities between chicken farming and mushroom growing that made the transition possible, fulfilling a dream he had envisioned a decade ago. The project, which repurposed buildings and sheds from the old chicken breeding farm, aims to create healthier, more sustainable, and delicious food with minimal resources.

The collaboration, led by experts from The Little Mushroom Company and Smithy Mushrooms, has seen a significant increase in demand for mushrooms, particularly exotic varieties like oyster mushrooms. Sarno's innovative mushroom recipes, including a lion's mane mushroom steak, showcase the versatility and nutritious benefits of these fungi. The project, documented in a short film titled "The Future Of Cooking Is About To Change Forever," highlights how this transformation is not just about swapping chickens for mushrooms, but also redefining how we farm and cook.