Now, a startup in Abu Dhabi has found a way to grow them in the middle of the desert. Below Farm is producing “specialty mushrooms” such as oyster, king oyster, shiitake and lion’s mane. Managing director Bronte Weir says the indoor farm, about 45 minutes’ drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, is the first in the region to grow and sell high-end mushrooms. He now orders 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of oyster mushrooms a week from the company. Neighborhood pizzeria Marmellata uses Below Farm's produce on one of its most popular dishes: the kale and mushroom pizza.

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Persons: Bronte Weir, ” Weir, Liliana Slowinska, Wojciech Slowinski, Weir, isn’t, Abu, we’ve, ”, “, we’re, Dagstani Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, CNN Business, Business Research Company Locations: Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Europe, United States, UAE