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 chestnut 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 chestnut mushrooms can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 12 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.

Preparing your block:

• Wait until the block begins to turn orange within its bag before initiating fruiting.
• When ready to fruit, tightly fold excess plastic back and place block face up.

How to initiate fruiting:

• Place the bagged chestnut block in the refrigerator for approximately eight hours.
• Remove from refrigerator and slice bag with a single diagonal line or with an X.
• Chestnut mushrooms can be top or side fruited.
• Place in fruiting chamber until ready to harvest.

Special considerations:

• Chestnut mushrooms are slow to pin.
• Color will transfer to lighter colored mushrooms when grown or packaged together.

Harvesting your mushrooms:

Harvest chestnut mushrooms before the veil breaks in order to prolong shelf life; caps will still be cupped. Chestnuts have a short shelf life if harvested when the caps have flattened out.

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.

"5 of the Best Chestnut Mushroom Recipes"

For those who enjoy the distinct nutty flavor of chestnut mushrooms, we recommend frying them up with butter and garlic or adding them to your favorite creamy soup or pasta dish. As with other mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms require thorough cooking. However, given their lower moisture content, they do not require “sweating” in the pan.

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