Organic Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Grain Spawn
$29.99
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Our USDA-certified organic Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa) features 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.
Recommended use:
- Hen of the woods grain spawn can be used for indoor production using sawdust-based sterilized substrate.
- Do not use grain spawn for log inoculation.
- This is not a mushroom grow kit. Hen of the woods grain spawn must be combined with a substrate in order to fruit.
Upon receiving your spawn:
Remove 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!
Scroll down for specifications, growing, and storage guides.
Specifications
- Weight: Approximately 6 lbs
- Hydration: Average of 47%
- Bags: Gusseted 2.2 mil polypropylene
- Filter: High efficiency .2 micron
- Inoculation Rates: 6 lb. bag of grain will inoculate between 120-165 lb. sterilized sawdust
- Sterilization method: Commercial grade autoclave sterilized
Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide
| Temperature | 50-60°F | 10-15°C |
| Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia) | 95% |
| Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) | 75-85% |
| CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia) | 2,000-5,000 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.
Indoor cultivation
Hen of the woods mushroom grain spawn can be mixed into sterilized hardwood sawdust to create hen of the woods substrate blocks.
Note: Grain spawn must be mixed with bulk substrate before you can fruit it. If you are new to growing mushrooms, we recommend purchasing a book on mushroom cultivation.
Recommended reading:
'Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms' by Paul Stamets
'Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation' by Tradd Cotter
Storing
If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your spawn for up to 4 months.
Cooking
Hen of woods has a semi-firm texture and earthy flavor. It can be ripped into small pieces and added to a dish or left large to be the centerpiece of a meal. We love to confit hen of the woods by slow cooking it at a low temperature in an oven submerged in extra virgin olive oil. After 4-5 hours the hen of the woods will be crispy and delicious and you'll have mushroom infused olive oil!
Ingredients
Our grain spawn is USDA certified organic and made using organic cultures from our own culture bank. It contains a blend of locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO ingredients from farms in New England and North America.
Cautions & considerations
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.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
