Mushroom beta-glucans are a powerhouse in hydration and healing, according to Sonia Gaillis-Delepine, founder of new French skincare and supplement brand Verdoie. From alternative fashion materials to the literal building blocks of tomorrow's cities, mycology (the study of mushrooms) is driving a new wave of innovation across industries. But mushrooms are not just 'the moment' for Gaillis-Delepine. In fact, they have been an integral part of her family for five generations.
The Delepines have a long history with mycelium, with Sonia's great, great, great grandfather Pierre-Louis growing Champignon de Paris in the 1870s on a subterranean plot beneath the streets of the French capital. Eventually, the Delepine catacombs were shuttered in the 1900s when the city began working on its iconic metro system and concerns over structural integrity took precedence.
Though mycology ceased to be the primary family occupation, it remained a pivotal force. 'Mushrooms have always been a culinary staple in our home,' says Delepine. 'We've long understood how immuno-supportive they are, as well as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.'
Verdoie's mushrooms are hand-cultivated at Open Farms, an underground parking garage in Paris attached to a social housing complex. As a B-Corp, the farm will eventually provide job opportunities and food for the local community. 'My great, great, great grandfather selected the catacombs for their perfect microclimate – dark, humid with a stable temperature – and what it meant for underground production and year-round farming,' she explains. 'Our urban farm feels like a wink to that legacy'.
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