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Organic Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit Fruiting Block
Skill level | Intermediate |
Grow location | Indoors |
Grow speed | 1.5 to 2 weeks |
Kit shelf life | 6 months (refrigerated) |
Kit dimensions | 6in H x 9in W x 6in D |
Kit weight | 5 lbs |
Fruiting temps | 55-70°F |
Our Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) fruiting block features a popular strain that produces light brown, medium-to-large, umbrella-shaped caps. Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious edible fungus from East Asia and their flavor is described as rich, savory, buttery, and umami. This strain tends to produce generous flushes, making them a great mushroom for confident beginners and intermediate growers.
Shiitake are reliable producers as long as the ambient humidity in the growing environment remains consistent. Because the block is removed entirely from the bag once it's ready to fruit, shiitake blocks are prone to drying out. Therefore, we recommend using a humidity tent or humidity-controlled fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) to help mitigate the moisture issue.
"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
"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 shiitake 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 shiitake can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 13 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
Preparing your block:
Your shiitake block should be given time to brown in its bag at room temperature before fruiting is initiated.
How to initiate fruiting:
- Once the block is mostly brown, place the sealed block in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours.
- Next, remove the block from the bag and soak the block in cold water for approximately 4 hours before placing it directly into your fruiting chamber.
- DO NOT place back into the bag, as shiitake blocks grow without a bag.
Special considerations:
Shiitake can be prone to Trichoderma (green mold). If you see green mold, spray affected areas of block with hydrogen peroxide 3%.
Harvesting your mushrooms:
Harvest your shiitake block just before the caps flatten. Trim flush with the block so no stem remains on the block before subsequent fruitings. Place block back into fruiting chamber between fruitings to prevent it from drying out and to decrease risk of contamination.
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 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
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Temperature 55-70°F | 13-21°C Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia) 95-100% Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) 85-95% CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia) 500-700 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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"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
Shiitake has a meaty texture when cooked and is good for drying and reconstituting in winter soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. These mushrooms are delicious sauteed and can be used in stir-fries, risottos, ramens, on pizzas, or simply eaten by themselves.
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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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Fun
We received one of these as a gift a few weeks ago and were already seeing so many little baby shiitake mushrooms! We can’t wait to try them and and look forward to trying more varieties!
Nothing short of amazing!
As soon as they came I read the simple instructions and I had mushrooms in less then a week from starting them! Delicious and fun! If you can spray water you can grow your own!
Shiitake block
I purchased this block of shiitake culture. It was delicious. The mushrooms were excellent. I’m growing on sugar maple in the springtime. I’ll be going to North Spore for my spawn. Thank you North Spore for your great products and service!
Can't beat fresh mushrooms
I would first like to make a comment about North spore as a whole. My first kit arrived, beaten, battered and fruited (thanks Canada Post) so I contacted them. Within 24 hrs another kit was on its way. This alone made my experience amazing. Yes it was slightly inconvenient but at the end of the day North spore ensured I got the product I paid for! The kit itself was pretty good. The yeild on mine was decent, but not quite as much as I expected. But to be fair I Live in a very dry climate so it likely had nothing to do with the kit. The mushrooms tasted amazing, nothing beats a fresh mushroom. It's completely indescribable. I now understand why some choose to spend a good portion of their valuable (and short) alberta summer collecting wild mushrooms. my final thought is on the experience of growing mushrooms. For me it was extremely rewarding. Mushrooms fruit extreamly fast, and it feels like the mushrooms are litterly growing right before your eyes (well not quite but you get the point). It's definitely something you want to witness in person.
Have wanted to try shiitakes for awhile.
I bought two blocks of shiitake sawdust spawn. I've really wanted to try my hand at fruiting these, as I wanted a change from some of the oyster varieties. Well, long story short, I started fruiting and only one block yielded mature fruits despite identical conditions. Northspore's excellent customer service came through by sending me a replacement block for the unsuccessful one. This above and beyond level of customer service and the education they offer are exactly why I continue to buy from Northspore.