Organic Blue Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit Fruiting Block
Skill level | Beginner |
Grow location | Indoors |
Grow speed | 1 to 2 weeks |
Shelf life | 6 months (refrigerated) |
Kit dimensions | 6in H x 9in W x 6in D |
Kit weight | 5 lbs |
Fruiting temps | 55-75°F |
Our blue oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) fruiting block features a strain that produces beautiful clusters of mushrooms with bluish-gray to brownish-gray caps, depending on lighting conditions. They have a rich umami flavor and a soft meaty texture that lends itself to most recipes.
Blue oyster mushrooms are great for beginners as they are reliable producers and tend to grow large flushes. They are also one of the easiest blocks to get subsequent fruitings and, if kept in the right conditions, should reliably produce a second flush or more!
"How to Use a Mushroom Fruiting Block Kit"
Upon receiving your kit:
Remove kit from the shipping box as soon as possible. Then, unfold the top of the bag, making room for air space. It's also important to check and confirm that the filter patch is not obstructed. This will help the organism breathe and continue to thrive until you are ready to grow your fruiting block!
Scroll down for guides on growing, storage, cooking, and more.
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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 blue oyster 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 blue oyster mushrooms can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 3 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
Preparing your block:
Tightly fold excess plastic back and place the block face up.
How to initiate fruiting:
- Slice bag with a single diagonal line or with an X.
- Blue oyster mushrooms can be top or side fruited.
Special considerations:
- Blue oyster mushrooms are prone to forming long stems and small caps when CO2 levels are too high.
- Cooler temperatures and more light will produce a more pigmented cap.
Harvesting your mushrooms:
Harvest young, when edges of caps are still slightly turned under. (When harvested younger, less spores will be produced and shelf life will be extended.) Remove entire cluster with care to minimize breaking.
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.
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Temperature 55-75°F | 13-24°C Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia) 95-100% Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) 85-95% CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia) <1,000 ppm CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) <1,000 ppm - 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.
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If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your block for up to 6 months.
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The classic North Spore recipe is to slice up oyster mushrooms and sauté them in a heavy pan on medium heat with butter, garlic, and loads of fresh thyme and rosemary (or whatever other herbs you happen to have on hand!). Cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid, then continue cooking until that liquid has cooked off and the mushrooms begin to brown. Deglaze your pan with a splash of white wine, reduce once more, and finish with a touch of heavy cream. Season generously with salt.
Like all Oyster mushrooms, they retain water and may develop a viscous texture when under-cooked. If you prefer a firm or dryer texture, continue to cook Oysters until their liquid has reduced and cooked off and they begin to brown.
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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.
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Incredible!!!
Five days into putting these blocks into my Martha tent set up and it's like they grow by the hour!!!
Pins forever!
Beautiful pins. This block pinned a bit slower than some others but, had a beautiful bouquet/canopy of mushrooms when they came through and pinned again with a few days!
North Spore
Awesome, Larz! Our team is here to help if you ever need anything.
Yet another great block!
1 of 5 types we ordered and we’re still super happy with these blocks. We’re using an indoor Martha tent set-up. Got a lot of the info for building one right here on this website under the learning tab these blocks are thriving! We have 2 more types to review including the lion’s mane in the picture as well, but I’m sure they will be just as impressive.
North Spore
Great photo, John! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
Great!
Showed up ready to go!
North Spore
Enjoy your oysters, Justin!
Amazing growth
I bought two blocks of this in winter. And I got 5 crops from it. They just kept coming. Made a lot of delicious sandwiches from them.
North Spore
Awesome, Nicholas! We're so happy you're enjoying the experience. Please reach out if you ever need anything.