{"product_id":"ballot-de-culture-black-pearl-bio","title":"Organic Black King Mushroom Fruiting Block","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .ns-product-desc { font-family: 'Figtree', system-ui, sans-serif; color: #1E201C; font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.8125rem + 0.25vw, 1rem); line-height: 1.625; letter-spacing: -0.01em; }\n  .ns-product-desc__label { font-family: 'Bastardo', system-ui, sans-serif; font-size: 0.6875rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #A18A8C; margin: 0 0 12px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__heading { font-family: 'Softcore', Georgia, serif; font-size: clamp(2.125rem, 1.75rem + 1.5vw, 3rem); font-weight: 100; letter-spacing: -0.02em; line-height: 1.16; color: #1E201C; margin: 0 0 20px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__subheading { font-family: 'Bastardo', system-ui, sans-serif; font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 1.5rem + 0.75vw, 2.125rem); font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.1; color: #1E201C; margin: 36px 0 16px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__subheading--xs { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 1.25rem + 0.625vw, 1.75rem); margin: 24px 0 12px; }\n  .ns-product-desc p { margin: 0 0 16px; }\n  .ns-product-desc ul, .ns-product-desc ol { margin: 0 0 16px; padding-left: 1.25rem; }\n  .ns-product-desc li { margin-bottom: 6px; }\n  .ns-product-desc em { font-style: italic; }\n  .ns-product-desc a { color: #1E201C; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-thickness: 1px; text-underline-offset: 2px; }\n  .ns-product-desc a:hover, .ns-product-desc a:focus-visible { color: #4622DE; text-decoration-thickness: 2px; text-underline-offset: 4px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__note { color: #A18A8C; }\n  .ns-product-desc__note a { color: #A18A8C; }\n  .ns-product-desc__divider { border: none; border-top: 1px solid #D8D59C; margin: 32px 0; }\n  .ns-product-desc__check { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__check img { flex: 0 0 auto; margin-top: 2px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__check p { margin: 0; color: #A18A8C; }\n  .ns-product-desc__bio { text-align: center; margin: 16px 0 8px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__bio img { display: block; margin: 0 auto; }\n  .ns-product-desc__spec { background-color: #FBE6B0; border-radius: 12px; padding: 16px 20px; margin: 0 0 20px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__spec p { margin: 0 0 4px; font-style: italic; }\n  .ns-product-desc__spec p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n  .ns-product-desc__table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background: #FFFFFF; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(23,23,23,0.07), 0 4px 14px rgba(23,23,23,0.05); margin: 0 0 16px; }\n  .ns-product-desc__table td { padding: 12px 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #D8D59C; vertical-align: top; }\n  .ns-product-desc__table tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; }\n  .ns-product-desc__table td:first-child { font-family: 'Bastardo', system-ui, sans-serif; font-weight: 600; width: 42%; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ns-product-desc\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasily harvest your own \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e mushrooms, also known as \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Pearl oyster\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eBlack King\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003eShimofuri Hiratake\u003c\/strong\u003e. This Japanese variety in the oyster mushroom group is prized for its striking appearance, its meaty stems, and a texture halfway between a classic oyster mushroom and king oyster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black King, \u003cem\u003ePleurotus spp.\u003c\/em\u003e, Black Pearl, Shimofuri Hiratake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYield:\u003c\/strong\u003e up to 1.5–2 kg (approx. 3.3–4.4 lb) of fresh mushrooms over 2 to 3 harvests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComposition:\u003c\/strong\u003e water, wood sawdust, cereals, lime, and Black Pearl mycelium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNet weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 4.8 kg (about 10.6 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 25 x 20 x 20 cm (about 10 x 8 x 8 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e cooking, culinary processing, drying, or preserving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Belgium (\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLa Mycosphère)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ns-product-desc__note\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e yield figures are estimates based on our production experience. They are not guaranteed, as productivity depends heavily on growing conditions: temperature, humidity, ventilation, light, and the grower's experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"ns-product-desc__divider\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e🍄 The variety: Black King\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Pearl is a fairly recent variety, still uncommon in Europe. It's often described as a \"UFO\" in the world of oyster mushrooms: it grows in clusters like an oyster mushroom but develops wider, meatier stems reminiscent of king oyster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts caps are rounded, sometimes slightly marbled, with a color ranging from gray-brown to dark brown depending on temperature, humidity, and maturity. The cooler the conditions, the more pronounced the color contrasts can be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the kitchen, the Black Pearl offers a firm, tender, and juicy texture. Its stem is far more interesting than that of a classic oyster mushroom: it stays pleasant to cook and gives a nice bite. Its flavor is mild and umami, with a more \"meaty\" side than the gray oyster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"ns-product-desc__divider\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading ns-product-desc__subheading--xs\"\u003eOur quality commitment\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ns-product-desc__check\"\u003e\n\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"50\" width=\"50\" alt=\"Check\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/6214\/4149\/files\/Pngtree_greencheckmarkiconflat_6109374_50x50.png?v=1675713931\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe produce our mycelium under laboratory conditions, ensuring varietal purity and optimal quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ns-product-desc__check\"\u003e\n\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"50\" width=\"50\" alt=\"Check\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/6214\/4149\/files\/Pngtree_greencheckmarkiconflat_6109374_50x50.png?v=1675713931\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe produce our mycelium in a 100% organic way, and all our products are certified \"BE-BIO-01, Agriculture Belgium\" by CERTISYS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ns-product-desc__bio\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"160\" width=\"160\" alt=\"BE-BIO-01 logo\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/6214\/4149\/files\/logobio_160x160.png?v=1675714172\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"ns-product-desc__divider\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e📦 Using the fruiting block\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you can't use the block right away, keep it in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. The Black Pearl prefers cool conditions, so it's easier to grow in autumn, winter, or spring. In summer, choose the coolest spot possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike classic oyster mushrooms, we recommend growing the Black Pearl with \u003cstrong\u003etop fruiting\u003c\/strong\u003e — that is, with an opening on the top of the block. This method encourages more vertical growth, meatier stems, and an appearance closer to king oyster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStand the block upright in a bright room, but out of direct sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen the top of the bag above the substrate, without removing the plastic completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFold the edges of the bag slightly outward to create a clean opening on top.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the plastic around the block: it helps maintain humidity and limits drying of the substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the surface of the substrate slightly moist until the young mushrooms appear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuring growth, maintain high humidity, ideally between 85 and 95%.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVentilate the room regularly: a lack of fresh air can cause overly long stems, deformed caps, or slower growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the surrounding air is dry, you can place the block in a small greenhouse, a grow box, or a protected space like a mini fruiting chamber. The goal is to keep a humid atmosphere around the block without the mushrooms being constantly wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse our \u003ca title=\"Minispray\" href=\"https:\/\/lamycosphere.com\/products\/mini-spray-60-ml\"\u003eminispray\u003c\/a\u003e or our \u003ca title=\"professional foggers\" href=\"https:\/\/lamycosphere.com\/products\/brumisateur-ultra-son\"\u003eprofessional foggers\u003c\/a\u003e to maintain enough humidity around the block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e⚙️ Growing parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ns-product-desc__table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruiting temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–20°C (50–68°F). Ideal: 12–18°C (54–64°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelative humidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85 to 95%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimordia appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 5 to 10 days after opening, depending on conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime to harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 7 to 14 days after the young mushrooms appear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation \/ CO₂\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegular ventilation. Around 500 to 900 ppm for good formation.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndirect light, about 500 to 1000 lux\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of harvests\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 to 3 harvests\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ns-product-desc__note\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e ventilation influences the shape of the mushrooms. With plenty of fresh air, the caps tend to open up more, like classic oyster mushrooms. With slightly more moderate ventilation, the stems often become thicker, with an appearance closer to king oyster. Be careful, though: too great a lack of air can cause elongated stems, deformed caps, or slower growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e🌱 Where to grow it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Pearl can be grown indoors: kitchen, cellar, garage, laundry room, or a cool room. It needs a little light to form well, but you should avoid direct sunlight, radiators, and dry drafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goal is to keep the block moist without soaking it. The mushrooms like humidity, but a constantly wet surface can encourage bacteria or mold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e🔄 Harvesting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest the clusters when the caps are still slightly domed or barely open, before the edges curl up sharply. At this stage, the texture is more tender, storage life is better, and the flavor is more refined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo harvest, grasp the cluster at the base and gently twist it off. Remove any leftover pieces of stem on the substrate, then keep the block moist to prepare for the next harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first harvest is usually the most abundant. Later harvests are often smaller but can still produce fine mushrooms if the block stays well hydrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e🍳 Cooking tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Pearl is cooked whole: caps and stems alike. Its meaty texture is ideal pan-fried, grilled, in a stir-fry, in pasta, a risotto, a soup, or a vegetarian recipe where you're looking for a firmer texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a simple preparation: tear the clusters by hand, sauté them over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter, then add garlic, herbs, or sauce at the end of cooking. Like many oyster mushrooms, it develops its aromas better when well seared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ns-product-desc__note\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLegal notice for Belgium: \"Organic growing substrate: pasteurized and inoculated mushroom-farm substrate\" (Derogation No. EM470.J). Do not consume the substrate.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ns-product-desc__subheading\"\u003e💡 Tips for later harvests\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the first harvest, let the block rest for a few days while keeping humidity up. To kick off a second or third harvest, you can:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoak the block overnight in clean water, then drain it well before returning it to cultivation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the block in a cool spot overnight to create a light cold shock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck that the opening hasn't dried out and that the block still gets a little indirect light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ns-product-desc__note\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLegal notice for Belgium: \"Organic growing substrate: pasteurized and inoculated mushroom-farm substrate\" (Derogation No. EM470.J). Do not consume the substrate.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"La Mycosphère","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45962015408230,"sku":"BLK-OYS-BLP-3K","price":18.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/kit-de-culture-ballot-de-culture-black-pearl-bio-1250246589.png?v=1784585928","url":"https:\/\/northspore.com\/en-eu\/products\/ballot-de-culture-black-pearl-bio","provider":"North Spore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}