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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"
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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- Reviews
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Shiitake fruiting block
I have absolutely no experience growing mushrooms and this was my first time trying. The first flush was a big success and I made braised lentil and mushroom cauliflower quinoa bowls with them. Delicious and my family loved them. My second flush has already started pinning. I can’t believe how fast these guys grow! Definitely a learning process but it’s fun to watch!
North Spore
Thanks for the great review, Jessyca! We're so happy you're enjoying the experience.
1st time & it was great!
This was my 1st time purchasing this, I had to actually look up how to care and get this to fruit. The instructions weren't clear but it worked! The experience was great, I wish it came in a 10lb though.
Incredible mushroom fruiting blocks
So many mushrooms on one fruiting block truly amazing!!!!
North Spore
Thanks so much, Karen! We really appreciate the kind review.
Shiitake blockbuster!
The shiitake block is extremely prolific and the shrooms are so good in stir fry and on pizza! Highly recommend!
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Tracey! Shiitake is one of our favorite species, too!
Lots of mushrooms
This was my first time growing Shiitakes, and I got a little over two pounds of mushrooms from the first flush. So happy with my fruiting block. I will definitely be ordering another.
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Jayme! We're so glad everything is working out for you.
Cold weather helped
I ordered my shiitakes mid to late February, the weather was cold when they shipped. I followed the instructions and was waiting for the bag to go from white to brown...and then they started popcorning and pinning...I contacted North Spore and they told me what I thought. My block was ready to go, with no cold shock or water bath time. I have a small humidifier that I put in my Boomerbox to pump up the humidity for the block, since I didn't soak it. Today I harvested 9oz of beautiful shiitakes, with more on the block that have to mature a bit more.
North Spore
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We are so glad the Shiitake fruiting block worked out! Our team is here if you need anything!
2lbs first flush!
Very fun, encouraging yield for my first time growing. I want to try them all!
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Demion! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Please reach out if you ever need anything.
Great!
First time growing any mushroom. I’m impressed!
North Spore
Great pic, Elizabeth! We're so happy you're enjoying the experience.
Absolutely Awesome grows rather quickly produces quite a bit
Really easy to grow and is great for someone who wants multiple flushes
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Matt! We're so glad you're enjoying the experience.
Knowledge needed
Have done much yet; somewhat unsure of procedure. So I am done waiting the 4 weeks and now need to remove the retaining plastic. Hope I have not ******* up?
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, George! I pulled up your account and it looks like the team was able to help you out. If there is anything else we can do to help, just let us know!