For the majority of mushroom species, all that is needed to initiate fruiting (or begin the growth cycle) is a change in environmental conditions -- specifically humidity, light, temperature, and changes to oxygen and CO2 levels.

For best results:

We recommend growing your nameko block in a fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) as a controlled environment will decrease the risk of contamination and increase the chances of success. 

Creating optimal conditions:

The environmental parameters for nameko mushrooms can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 15 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.

How to initiate fruiting:

• Cut off the top of the bag, leaving plastic bag sidewalls approximately 4” taller than the block.
• Using a clean fork, scratch several 1cm deep cuts into the mycelium coating. Don't cut too deeply, as this will result in the mycelia fracturing easily.
• Place back into the fruiting chamber until ready to harvest.

Pro tips:

• Namekos like it cold, below 65°F, throughout pinning and fruiting. If you try to grow at warmer temperatures, you will get small underdeveloped fruiting bodies. To get temps down in your fruiting chamber, fill the bottom of a small, insulated, uncovered box with ice cubes and sit the nameko fruiting block on top. Then place the box back into the fruiting chamber. Replace ice cubes daily.
• Namekos need high humidity during the pinning phase. To get the high humidity required without creating water accumulation in your fruiting chamber, use a spray bottle twice a day to supplement fruiting chamber humidity. By doing this, you won't have to run the humidifier as high.

Special considerations:

• Nameko are sensitive to moisture loss. Be sure the surface is always kept moist or the primordia (pins) will be at risk of aborting.
• Nameko are sensitive to CO2, especially in the pinning phase.

Harvesting your mushrooms:

Harvest namekos before the caps open. Remove entire cluster with care to minimize breaking and then trim away the substrate.

Growing different blocks together:

With some compromise, many different species of mushrooms can be grown together in a fruiting chamber. First, consider the temperature range of the mushrooms you desire to grow, and second, the CO2 sensitivity. Humidity ranges overlap for the majority of species. We encourage you to experiment with many different groupings!

Troubleshooting:

Having issues with unusual growth, stunted growth, or no growth at all? Refer to pages 16-18 in our fruiting block instruction booklet.

• Primordia -  The earliest recognizable stage of fruitbody development. Also known as “baby mushrooms” or “mushroom pins.”
• Fruitbody - A fully grown mushroom, the reproductive structure of the organism in which the spores are produced.
• CO2 sensitivity - When CO2 levels are too high, yields will decrease, stems will become long and stringy, caps will be small, and/or growth will halt.

If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your block for up to 6 months.

Nameko is a lesser known culinary mushroom in the Americas, but it is used widely in East Asia. It has a gelatinous cap that can thicken soups and sauces and an aroma that walks the line of being both fruity and earthy. Nameko mushrooms go well with dark green vegetables, red meats, and shallots, and are used traditionally in Japanese miso soups.

If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.

Mushrooms grow spores as they develop. This is a natural means of reproduction. This is when people with allergies or compromised immune systems may want to consider putting fruiting mushroom kits outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Spores in mushrooms sometimes cause respiratory irritation. In rare cases, spores may also cause irritation for some non-allergic or non-immunocompromised mushroom growers. If you are one of them, it is recommended to reduce the overall spore load by harvesting mushrooms while they are still in their younger growth stages.

Fruiting Block Kit FAQ