{"title":"Hen of the Woods","description":"Want to grow hen of the woods (maitake) mushrooms? North Spore has everything you need to grow indoors and outdoors -- from USDA-certified organic grow kits and fruiting blocks to plug spawn, sawdust spawn, grain spawn, and liquid culture syringes (to make your own spawn!)","products":[{"product_id":"hen-of-the-woods-outdoor-mushroom-log-kit","title":"Organic Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Mushroom Log Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHen of the Woods is a tasty polypore that frequently weighs twenty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e pounds. It gets its name from resembling a small hen covered with leaves. Hen of Woods has a semi-firm texture and taste similar to eggplant. It can be ripped into small pieces and added to a dish or left large to be the centerpiece of a meal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHen of the Woods \u003cstrong\u003ewill only fruit in oak logs\u003c\/strong\u003e. After a 1-year colonization period above ground, Hen of the Woods logs may be partially buried under 2 inches of top soil to mimic their natural place in an ecosystem. The mushrooms will fruit from logs and emerge out of the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt should be noted that Hen of the Woods is prone to being out competed by other fungi and is not a reliable producer without first treating your logs. To limit variables we strongly suggest you sterilize 8\" by 8\" segments of oak log before inoculation and incubate your log segments for a few months in sealed\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/northspore.com\/products\/autoclavable-xls-bags\"\u003efilter patch bags\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003euntil they are completely colonized. Remove them from the bag and partially bury them in a shady location. (\u003cspan\u003eYou can sterilize your log segments in a 22 qt or larger pressure cooker such as an All-American.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gOYbh2GSbts\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48723678285,"sku":"LOG-GF1-100","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/log-kit-organic-hen-of-the-woods-maitake-outdoor-log-growing-kit-31833406505062.jpg?v=1762457278"},{"product_id":"hen-of-the-woods-sawdust-spawn","title":"Organic Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Mushroom Sawdust Spawn","description":"\u003cp\u003eHen of the woods, aka Maitake (\u003cem\u003eGrifola frondosa) \u003c\/em\u003eis a succulent polypore with a delicate feathery texture and earthy rich flavor. Its lacy sides make it a great option for frying, roasting, sautéing, and adding a visual flair to many dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHen of the woods mushrooms are great for enthusiast growers who have had some success with other more advanced species. Because hen of the woods is not a strong competitor, it requires a different cultivation strategy. Inoculation works best when logs are steam sterilized, incubated and colonized in filter patch bags, then removed from bags and partially buried in a shaded spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended use:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHen of the woods sawdust spawn is only recommended for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/northspore.com\/pages\/grow-mushrooms-on-logs-videos\"\u003elog projects\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne bag of sawdust spawn will reliably inoculate 20 logs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHen of the Woods (Maitake) log chart:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 350px;\" cellspacing=\"10\" cellpadding=\"10\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBEST WOOD SPECIES*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite Oak, Red Oak, Bur Oak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOTHER SUITABLE SPECIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAVOID\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll other woods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpon receiving your spawn:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove it 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!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40853266694246,"sku":"SAWDUST-GF1","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/sawdust-spawn-organic-hen-of-the-woods-maitake-mushroom-sawdust-spawn-1202701276.png?v=1762216610"},{"product_id":"hen-of-the-woods-plug-spawn","title":"Organic Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Plug Spawn","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHen of the woods\u003c\/strong\u003e, aka Maitake (\u003cem\u003eGrifola frondosa) \u003c\/em\u003eis a succulent polypore with a delicate feathery texture and earthy rich flavor. Its lacy sides make it a great option for frying, roasting, sautéing, and adding a visual flair to many dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHen of the woods can be difficult to cultivate, and is therefore recommended for enthusiast growers who have had some success with other more advanced species or are looking to experiment and try new methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause hen of the woods is not a strong competitor, it requires a different cultivation strategy. Inoculation works best when logs are steam sterilized, incubated and colonized in filter patch bags, then removed from bags and partially buried in a shaded spot.\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperties:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHen of the woods is traditionally valued for it's medicinal qualities and has been used to \u003c\/span\u003ereduce cancer growth as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In human trials, Hen of the Woods has improved symptoms by over 50% in patients with second to fourth stage liver or breast cancer (Lindequist, 2005). Hen of the Woods has also been shown to activate essential components of the immune system including macrophages, T-cells, and NK cells (Namba et al.,1992). While boasting medicinal properties, Hen of the Woods can also be dried, powdered and turned into a restoring tea. The dried powder has been shown to reduce hypertension (Rogers, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D20HZ8-jIas?autoplay=1\u0026amp;mute=1\u0026amp;controls=0\u0026amp;rel=0\u0026amp;loop=1\u0026amp;playlist=D20HZ8-jIas\u0026amp;modestbranding=1\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"100 plugs","offer_id":49155023885,"sku":"PLUG-GF1-100","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500 plugs","offer_id":49155023949,"sku":"PLUG-GF1-500","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/plug-spawn-organic-hen-of-the-woods-maitake-plug-spawn-1202763310.png?v=1762256564"},{"product_id":"hen-of-the-woods-grain-spawn","title":"Organic Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Grain Spawn","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description rte\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur USDA-certified organic Hen of the woods (\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrifola frondosa) \u003c\/em\u003efeatures a popular strain that produces mushrooms with a delicate feathery texture and earthy rich flavor. Hen is one of the finest fungi on the market, despite the fact that it's not as popular as other foods in its category. Its lacy sides make it a great option for frying, roasting, sautéing, and adding a visual flair to many dishes. Indoor fruiting can be inconsistent, and growing conditions must be well maintained. For this reason, these mushrooms are best for more advanced growers who have had some success growing other species indoors. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecommended use:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHen of the woods grain spawn can be used for indoor production using sawdust-based sterilized substrate. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDo not use grain spawn for log inoculation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is not a mushroom grow kit. Hen of the woods grain spawn must be combined with a substrate in order to fruit. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUpon receiving your spawn:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRemove it 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eScroll down for specifications, growing, and storage guides.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":15394477834342,"sku":"GRAIN-GF1","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/grain-spawn-organic-hen-of-the-woods-maitake-grain-spawn-1129312299.jpg?v=1762457667"},{"product_id":"hen-of-the-woods-cultures","title":"Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Plate Culture","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePlate cultures are ideal for growers looking to make master bags, inoculate grain, make liquid culture, or make more plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHen of the woods (maitake) plate cultures are made to order and have a shelf life of approximately 6 months. They should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain viability. Note that plate cultures require basic lab skills. Handle using sterile technique to prevent contamination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee full description of each hen of the woods (maitake) strain available below.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"NSGF1 - Birdie (Grifola frondosa)","offer_id":31314876301414,"sku":"CULTURE-GF1","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"NSGF2 - WI Hen (Grifola frondosa)","offer_id":31314876334182,"sku":"CULTURE-GF2","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"NSGF4 - ME Hen (Grifola frondosa)","offer_id":32030046912614,"sku":"CULTURE-GF4","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"NSGF5 - Butternut (Grifola frondosa)","offer_id":32030047928422,"sku":"CULTURE-GF5","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"NSGF6 - Belgium Hen (Grifola frondosa)","offer_id":41846649782374,"sku":"CULTURE-GF6","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/culture-hen-of-the-woods-maitake-plate-culture-31310843445350.jpg?v=1762457807"},{"product_id":"specialty-strains","title":"Organic Specialty Strain Grain Spawn","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description rte\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur extensive culture bank gives us the opportunity to create limited-edition organic grain spawns that aren't typically available on our website! All grain spawn is USDA certified organic and made to order. (This page is updated 1-2x a month, as new strains become available.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUpon receiving your spawn:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRemove it 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eScroll down to learn more about available species and strains.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"King Blue Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)","offer_id":39343934210150,"sku":"GRAIN-PO19","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Popham Elm Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)","offer_id":32224206028902,"sku":"GRAIN-PO2","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Belgium Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa)","offer_id":39405114327142,"sku":"GRAIN-GF6","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/products\/grain-spawn-specialty-strains-28415912968294.jpg?v=1762457958"},{"product_id":"maitake-mushroom-liquid-culture-syringe","title":"Organic Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Liquid Culture Syringe","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e'Birdie' Hen of the Woods GF1 \u003cem\u003e(Grifola frondosa)\u003c\/em\u003e is a favorite commercial strain from the West Coast for indoor cultivation on sawdust blocks. Its a reliable producer that is slow growing. On average, you can expect 1\/2-1 lb yield on first flush off of 5 lb supplemented sawdust.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOur liquid culture syringes are ~10ml and come sealed in a plastic sleeve with a sterile 16 gauge needle and alcohol wipe. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout liquid culture syringes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLiquid culture syringes are mycelium colonized in a nutrient-rich broth. They are beginner-friendly and ideal for those looking for an easy way to inoculate grain bags and jars. Handle using sterile technique to prevent contamination. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39620927225958,"sku":"LC-GF1","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/culture-organic-hen-of-the-woods-maitake-liquid-culture-syringe-1203144096.png?v=1762395762"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/collections\/image_6d1c60cf-30cc-462f-87cf-c788189fcaf9.jpg?v=1712878575","url":"https:\/\/northspore.com\/nl\/collections\/hen-of-the-woods.oembed","provider":"North Spore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}