Fruit mushroom by using the mushroom kits

1. Goal:

Fruit mushroom by using the Gourmet Mushroom Kits for the Home.

2. Materials:

The Pearl Oyster Mushroom Patches

The Shiitake Mushroom Patch

Sticks

tapes

Water spray bottle

3. Introduction:

The Pleurotus ostreatus (Oryster mushroom) belongs to the Pleurotus genus, Pleurtaceae family, Agaricales order, Agaricomycetes class, Basidiomycota phylum.

They are gilled mushroom and have the clamp connections. Also, they can be used in mycoremediation in petroleum. It is white-beige form, grown between 55-75 F, which thrives on poplar and willow.

The Lentinula edodes (the Shiitake mushroom) belongs to the Lentinula Genus, Marasmiaceae family, Agaricales order, Agaricomycetes Class, Basidiomycota phylum.

Consumption of raw or slightly cooked shiitake mushrooms can cause Shiitake dermatitis, caused by the toxin lentinan.

Oryster mushroom

    Shiitake mushroom

 4. Instructions:

4.1 Oryster mushroom

Step 1.Open the kit and read the instructions. 

Surprisingly, we found that there is there are some octopus/coral form oyster mushroom in the kit box when we open it. These octopus form of oyster mushroom is caused by the light starvation and they are edible when fresh.

Step 2. Tie the sticks to form a steady frame to support the plastic bag called humidity tent

Step 3. spray some water on the mushroom patches to keep it moist.

 Step 4. Pull the humidity tent over the frame to keep the mushroom patches moist.

Step 5. Put the whole mushroom patch under room temperature on the top of the microscope case nearby the window and spray with water 3 to 5 times a day.

4.2 Shiitake mushroom

When we open the kit, the Shittake mushroom looks like popcorn. Hence, according to the instructions, we soaked the shiitake mushroom  in water for 3 hours. Then we cover it with the humidity tent. Put it by the window but not exposed to direct light. Spray with water for 3 to 5 times per day. 

5. Observation: 

1 week later, we observed that there are several mushroom come out from the mushroom patches.

Oryster mushroom

Shiitake mushroom

 6. Discussion:

6.1 Moisture

We keep moisture, the key factor for fruiting the mushroom, by spraying it w water 3-5 times a day. The water can be from spring or boiled tap water. Chlorinated or distilled water is not recommended. Chlorinated water will discourage the growth of mushrooms, while the distilled water lacks nutrient.

It is written in the instructions as that "The more you mist the mushroom patch, maintaining a high humidity zone around it, the more bountiful your crops will be." 

6.2 Light:

All oyster mushrooms need light to grow but the ideal place to produce is not exposed to direct sunlight.