Organic mushrooms with a mountain air are in Joana's garden

Joana Oliveira holding a block of Shiitake with organic mushrooms

It is in the heart of Sintra's stunning natural landscape, where nature displays its unique beauty, that the region's most delicious and succulent mushrooms are grown. This is where we find Joana Oliveira, who has been dedicated to the production of organic food for 9 years, excelling in the art of mushrooms. But it's not just mushrooms that make up the space.

Joana's organic garden is a real treasure trove, where the diversity and quality of the food is the main feature. Among these fields, we can find not only a variety of mushrooms with unique flavors and fascinating textures, but also juicy lemons, sweet kiwis, creamy avocados and a multitude of aromatic herbs that fill the air with irresistible scents. Joana also produces aromatic salt and jams, which are true artisanal delicacies.

What makes Joana's organic garden so special is her unwavering dedication to organic farming.

All the produce grown is free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, allowing nature to take its course in a balanced and harmonious way. Each item of food comes from a well-tended soil, nourished by Joana's skilled hands, which care for each plant with special affection.

But the history of this organic garden goes beyond the last few decades. It is rooted in the memories and traditions of Joana's family, going back generations. The farm where the project is being developed, known by the old-timers as the seller of the best flowers and plants in the region, carries with it a heritage of love for agriculture. Here lies the passion for agriculture, which has been passed down from generation to generation.

Every product grown in this Made in Sintra organic garden is the result of hard work and respect for the land. Every mushroom or fruit picked and every aromatic herb plucked carries with it the authentic flavor and vitality of Sintra. It is a living testimony to the perfect balance between nature and human beings, where sustainable agriculture merges with a passion for growing quality food.

What about mushrooms? Why are they so special?

Organic mushrooms from Joana Oliveira's organic garden

Nine years ago, Joana began her journey in food production in her vegetable garden, but it was only two years ago that she delved deeply into the art of mushrooms. In her garden she has a special greenhouse, carefully controlled in terms of humidity, to make the magic happen. This is where the blocks of shiitake mushrooms, weighing around 1 kg each, arrive, containing the mycelium - the mushroom spawn ready to sprout.

The blocks of shiitake mushrooms, wrapped in plastic which is then recycled, are carefully placed in a tank of water to be cleaned. After cleaning, they are dried again and, rather quickly, mushrooms emerge that look clean and inviting, making any mouth salivate. Each block allows for several batches of mushrooms, which means that harvesting is a continuous experience of satisfaction and pleasure for lovers of these delicious mushrooms.

Although mushroom production may seem simple, it requires a controlled environment and attention to detail due to the different genetic characteristics of each species. Joana understands the importance of providing the best conditions for each mushroom to flourish to its full potential.

After all, it's the attention to detail that results in top quality mushrooms, appreciated by the most demanding customers.

In Joana's garden, we also found strategically placed yellow and blue stripes. These chromotropic strips serve a crucial purpose for mushroom production: attracting insects that feed on the mycelium, which could harm the mushroom production. These natural protection measures are chemical-free, in line with Joana's vision for a more sustainable and ecological future. Joana believes that "the future is bio" and is determined to be part of this positive change.

Mushroom production in Joana's garden is a true blend of science and passion. Each mushroom grown is the result of tireless care and the constant search for excellence. Mushroom production is more than a process, it's an art form that requires knowledge, intuition and a deep connection with nature.

The mushrooms from Joana Oliveira's organic garden are top quality food grown in the Sintra region, which has unique characteristics. Here the environment is protected and the roots of tradition are maintained. It's where you can discover the best flavors of the region through the difference and dedication visible in each organic product.

But it doesn't end there

Greenhouse where aromatic herbs are grown to produce flavored salt

This is where products are produced using innovative approaches to give new life to resources, following the principles of the circular economy. Nature and environmental awareness come together to create a virtuous circle of renewal and preservation. The mushroom blocks that no longer produce are carefully broken up and used as natural fertilizer. Joana manages to enrich the land where the fruit that gives rise to her delicious jams and the herbs that flavor her flavored salt grow. It is true sustainability that allows every resource to be used consciously and responsibly, guaranteeing the continued vitality of the land and the quality of the food produced.

As well as supplying large supermarkets, these products are also sought after by lovers of organic gardens. Here, everything is grown with care, dedication and within the strict standards of organic farming. After all, at Horta da Joana, there is no shortage of love for the land. Each juicy fruit, each fresh aromatic herb and each delicate mushroom are unique and authentic products, reflecting the essence of the Sintra region.

They are small celebrations of the genuine flavor and superior quality that only the region's organic products can provide.

But these products wouldn't be the same without Sintra's unique climate conditions, which play a fundamental role in their cultivation. The mild climate, with gentle temperatures and the region's characteristic humidity, create the perfect environment for crops to flourish and develop healthily. It's as if Sintra's nature has positioned itself in the right way to provide food with a distinctive quality and taste. It is thanks to these favorable climatic conditions that Joana's organic garden is able to produce around 10 tons of food a year, an impressive amount that reinforces the commitment to sustainability and the vision of the local circular economy.

Organic mushrooms sprouting from the Shiitake block