As consumers, we are becoming more conscious of the products we purchase and the impact they have on our environment and communities. Many of us are seeking products that are locally sourced, ethically produced, and have a lower carbon footprint. This is where Forage comes in, with our commitment to making proudly Canadian products from start to finish.
What does it mean for a product to be Canadian from start to finish? In the case of Forage, it means that our products are sourced, manufactured, and shipped within Canada. Let's take a closer look at these steps to understand why being Canadian from start to finish matters.
Canadian Mushrooms - Wild Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail and Cultivated Lion’s Mane
At Forage Hyperfoods, we believe in the healing power of mushrooms, which fuels our passion for creating effective mushroom-based supplements with high-quality mushrooms. Our products include wild Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail mushrooms, which are sustainably wild foraged on crown land in Quebec. These mushrooms are harvested in their natural environment, far away from pollutants.Â
Forage's mushrooms are wild-sourced from the Canadian Boreal Forest, which covers over a third of Canada's land area. We are proud to support sustainable foraging practices and preserve our natural resources.
Functional mushrooms have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits and therapeutic properties. As the demand for these mushrooms increases, it becomes crucial to prioritize transparency in mushroom sourcing. Knowing the origin of the mushrooms we consume is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the mushrooms are grown and harvested in a safe environment, free from contaminants and toxins. Additionally, transparent sourcing allows consumers to support sustainable and ethical practices in the mushroom industry. By shopping Canadian, we can contribute to local economies, promote environmentally conscious cultivation methods, and ensure high-quality standards. Canadian mushroom growers adhere to stringent regulations and quality control measures, which further ensures the safety and purity of the products we consume. When it comes to functional mushrooms, being aware of their sourcing and choosing Canadian products not only supports local businesses but also provides peace of mind and confidence in the products' authenticity and quality.
Forage also utilizes cultivated Lion Mane mushrooms grown without fillers or grains on gluten-free substrate. These mushrooms are exclusively sourced from our sister company Heartee Foods, which produces these mushrooms and many more in off-grid shipping containers. These containers are Global G.A.P. certified, ensuring the mushrooms are grown under strict quality control measures.
Growing, not foraging our own Lion's Mane mushrooms is a decision driven by several factors. Firstly, the natural growing season for Lion's Mane is relatively short, making it challenging to rely solely on wild harvesting. Additionally, these mushrooms typically do not grow in large clusters, with only one cluster appearing per tree, further limiting their availability. Moreover, Lion's Mane mushrooms require extensive cleaning due to their tendency to harbour insects and other contaminants. By cultivating our own Lion's Mane, we can ensure a stable supply throughout the year, unaffected by seasonal variations. This allows us to provide consistently high-quality Lion's Mane mushrooms that have undergone rigorous cleaning processes, guaranteeing their purity and safety for consumption.
At Forage, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality and most nutrient-dense mushroom products. Our products exclusively use the mushroom's fruiting body for the highest possible potency. The fruiting body is the above-ground portion of the mushroom. This part of the mushroom contains the most medicinal and nutritional properties, including polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids. Using only the fruiting body in our products can provide customers with the most potent and effective mushroom supplements possible. Our commitment to using the highest quality parts of the mushroom is just one of the many ways we strive to deliver the best possible products to our customers.Â
Manufactured in Canada in our Health Canada Approved Facility
Once the mushrooms are sourced, they are brought to our Health Canada-approved facility in Carleton Place, Ontario. They are carefully processed and manufactured into our high-quality mushroom tinctures.
We take pride in our Canadian manufacturing, which adheres to strict quality control standards. Health Canada regularly inspects our facility to ensure our products are safe and effective.
Bottled in House by Our Team, by Hand
At Forage, we believe in the power of hands-on craftsmanship. That's why we assemble our tincture products in-house, by hand. Our team takes great care in bottling, labelling, boxing, and sealing each product, ensuring that it meets our high-quality standards.
Shipped Out of Our Facilities
Finally, our products are shipped out of our facilities in Canada. Keeping our entire production process within Canada minimizes our carbon footprint and supports our local economy. Our products are shipped using Canada Post, a reliable and trusted shipping service. By partnering with Canada Post, we ensure that our customers receive their orders promptly and efficiently, regardless of location. Additionally, by choosing Canada Post, we can support our national postal service and contribute to the growth of our local economy. Using Canada Post also allows us to take advantage of its expansive network, enabling us to quickly reach customers across the country.Â
Why Buy Canadian?
So, why should you choose proudly Canadian products from start to finish? Here are a few reasons:
Supporting Local: By choosing Canadian-made products, you support our local economy and Canadian businesses. This can help create jobs and boost our economy.
Lower Carbon Footprint: When products are made and sourced locally, they have a lower carbon footprint than those imported from overseas. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Ethical Production: Canada has strict regulations regarding manufacturing and production, which can ensure that products are made ethically and with high standards of quality.
Traceability: When products are made and sourced within Canada, it is easier to trace their origins and ensure they are safe and high-quality. Our tinctures and mushrooms are third-party lab tested to ensure our high standards.
Preserving Natural Resources: When products are sustainably sourced, such as Forage's mushrooms, it can help preserve our natural resources for future generations. We ensure Chaga will continue to grow as we leave 30% behind and help wild Turkey Tail and Reishi repopulate.
At Forage, we are committed to producing proudly Canadian products from start to finish. From our sustainably wild-sourced mushrooms to our Canadian manufacturing and hand-bottling, we believe our commitment to Canadian-made products makes a difference. By choosing Forage, you can trust that you support a local, ethical, and sustainable business. Our products are of the highest quality, and we proudly offer them to our fellow Canadians.