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 pink 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 pink oyster mushrooms can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 6 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.
• Pink oyster mushrooms can be top or side fruited.

Special considerations:

• Pink oyster fruiting blocks are not cold tolerant and will die if refrigerated.
• Pink oyster mushrooms will not grow in temperatures below 65 degrees.
• Exposing pink oyster mushrooms to more light will produce a more pigmented cap.
• Color will transfer to lighter colored mushrooms when grown or packaged together.

Harvesting your mushrooms:

Harvest pink oyster mushrooms right before the caps flatten out, removing entire cluster with care to minimize breaking. Pink oyster mushrooms have a short shelf life.

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.

Do not refrigerate pink oyster kits. If you are not ready to use your pink oyster fruiting block immediately, store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for up to 6 months.

The classic North Spore recipe is to chop the pink 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. This can take from 20-30 minutes. Deglaze your pan with a splash of white wine, reduce once more, and finish with a touch of heavy cream. Season generously with salt.

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