Kennett Square Celebrates Heritage as ‘Mushroom Capital of the World’

Author Michael Vyskocil

March 20th 10:46 AM

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From portobello to shiitake, if you fancy an edible fungus, you don’t have to travel far beyond Philadelphia to experience the allure of mushrooms in Kennett Square.

Known as the “mushroom capital of the world,” Kennett Square celebrates its agricultural heritage each year with the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, which will take place on Sept. 6-7. Rides, music, live entertainment, and plenty of mushrooms for sampling are all part of the festivities along State Street in the town.

How did Kennett Square become associated with mushrooms? During the latter half of the 19th century, a Quaker florist in Kennett Square took mushroom spawn — a colony of mycelium, which produce mushrooms — from England and placed it underneath a bench in his greenhouse. Other flower growers in the area started doing the same, creating the first mushroom production site in the United States.

When European immigrants arrived in the area during the 1920s, they were already familiar with mushroom cultivation and soon transformed a hobbyist pursuit into a significant agricultural commodity. In 1955, the American Mushroom Institute began, setting down roots in Kennett Square.

Today, the mushroom industry in southeastern Pennsylvania is a significant economic driver, employing more than 8,000 people and encompassing over 2,000 mushroom-growing facilities in Chester County.

The most common mushroom species grown almost exclusively in Kennett Square is the white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. This species is also known more commonly as a cremini or baby bella. When the white button matures to full size, it becomes known as a portobello.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, during the 2023-2024 Pennsylvania mushroom cultivation season, farmers grew approximately 643 million pounds of Agaricus bisporus, valued at about $1 billion. In that same year, Pennsylvania was responsible for 69% of total Agaricus bisporus sales nationwide.

Learn more about the mushroom industry in Kennett Square on the Kennett Mushrooms website.

Gina Cosenza is a digital content coordinator for Beasley Media Group Philadelphia. She has been with the company for a year, writing and assisting with all things social. As a content creator in Philadelphia, Gina covers all things Philly sports, food, music, and lifestyle

Creative Adult Easter Basket Inspiration

Some Easter activities like egg hunts and egg-and-spoon races may make you feel a bit old. Many us really feel this in our knees and lower back! But there’s one thing everyone can participate in around Easter, which is Easter baskets. Those baskets full of treats aren’t just for the kids. Adults can easily get in on the fun by exchanging some of the best gifts.

No, you didn’t outgrow sweet treats and presents.

Finding little or big trinkets for an adult Easter basket is not challenging at all. You just have to tap into the hobbies and interests of the person you’re gifting the basket to, whether it’s beauty finds or fun tech gadgets.

Many people took to Reddit to share what they have gifted a friend or loved one in an Easter basket. One person said they put beef jerky chips, candy, a variety of mini sauce bottles, and mini liquor in their husband’s basket. Another person said, “Small potted plants, lotion, soap, gum, liquor, pens, socks, jerky, sunglasses, earbuds, nail clippers.”

If you’re preparing a basket for someone who loves all things social media, there are plenty of DIY videos floating around platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There’s a page from a TikTok user, The Creative Chick, who shared a simple DIY last year. Her basket included wine, Easter-themed candy, chips, and a fun tumbler cup.

When it comes to filling an adult Easter basket, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank either. Some people opt for inexpensive items from Target’s Bullseye’s Playground, formally the Target Dollar Spot. It’s the section of Target located near the front of your local store right as you walk in. Of course, there are options like Five Below, the dollar store, or online via Amazon. You’re pretty much covered on shopping options whether you’re looking for big or small items for your basket.

Self-Care
Self-care never goes out of style. Take your adult Easter basket to the next level with aromatherapy candles or essential oils. You can even take a bath time approach with items like bath bombs, body wash, bath salt, and lotion. Skincare items can also work for your basket with items like face masks, serums, and oils. Something different to gift could be a journal or notebook for writing or drawing. Even nail polish or make-up can work in this case.

Lilit Amirkhanian/ Getty Images
Lilit Amirkhanian/ Getty Images
Cleaning Supplies
Who needs chocolate bunnies when you can have a basket full of disinfecting wipes, sponges, and the holy grail—magic erasers? Let’s be real—adults don’t want more junk; they want something they’ll actually use (and preferably didn’t have to buy themselves). This Easter basket isn’t about cavities and sugar crashes; it’s about sparkling countertops and that fresh lemon scent of accomplishment. Tucked between the microfiber cloths, there might even be a little treat—because let’s be honest, scrubbing the stove deserves at least one piece of chocolate!

Oleksandr Sytnyk/ Getty Images
Oleksandr Sytnyk/ Getty Images
Boozy Drinks Or Nonalcoholic Sips
A nice bottle of wine, a couple of cans of beer, or a hard seltzer can work for an adult Easter basket. It also gives it more of that “adult” basket feel. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options too for your sober friends. Another option would be to add specialty sodas like Jones to your basket. You can even do what I did for my wedding and customize your bottle, to give it more “oomph.” If you’re thinking, you want to gift something that’s caffeinated opt for tea or coffee.
Food
Of course, Easter baskets are always full of treats. You can go the traditional route with Cadbury Creme Eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies or specialty items like beef jerky or limited-edition chips. Just gather up some of the giftee’s favorite foods or even sauces or spices to add to their basket. Things like bubblegum, mints, popcorn, or mixed nuts can work for your basket too.

jenifoto/ Getty Images
jenifoto/ Getty Images
Phone Accessories
Phone accessories are great for the TikTok King or Queen in your life. If your special person receiving the gift is into getting the perfect lighting in their photos or giving their followers a play-play on their day-to-day this is an option for your basket. Think, of selfie clips that attach to a phone, mini ring lights, and mini tripods for maximum stability. If you want something that quick and simple there are always pop sockets and phone cases. Just make sure you know what kind of phone the person have before purchasing.

grinvalds/ Getty Imaeges
grinvalds/ Getty Imaeges
Cups, Tumblers, And Mugs
Tumblers, cups, and coffee mugs are a safe bet for your adult Easter basket. It’s something cute and simple you can add to your gift. I’m not saying break the bank for a Stanley Tumbler. Unless you’re cool with dropping $45 for the cup allegedly causing fights in stores. You can even splurge a little on tumbler accessories.

stevanovicigor/ Getty Images
stevanovicigor/ Getty Images
Jewelry
Jewelry can really make a person’s personality pop. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from to add to your basket, from rose gold earrings to glitzy rings. You can also get creative with your jewelry find and hunt down Easter-themed jewelry. For example, bunny earrings, or maybe even an egg necklace.

Liudmila Chernetska/ Getty Images
Liudmila Chernetska/ Getty Images
Comfy And Plush Items
If you’re creating a basket for a person who enjoys lazy days and overall comfort, items like socks, slippers, robes, throw blankets, and pajamas are perfect. These kinds of items are great for people who love an excuse to stay inside and cozy up. It will have them saying things like “Sorry, can’t go out today, I have to test out my new slippers.” And they’re small enough to fit in your DIY basket.

Liudmila Chernetska/ Getty Images
Liudmila Chernetska/ Getty Images