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Organic Italian Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit Fruiting Block
Skill level | Beginner |
Grow location | Indoors |
Grow speed | 1 to 1.5 weeks |
Shelf life | 6 months (refrigerated) |
Kit dimensions | 6in H x 9in W x 6in D |
Kit weight | 5 lbs |
Fruiting temps | 65-75°F |
Our Italian oyster (Pleurotus pulmonarius) fruiting block features a strain that produces beautiful clusters of mushrooms with large frilled beige to darkish-brown caps, depending on lighting conditions. They have a mild flavor, earthy aroma, and are a favorite among those who prefer a sturdier oyster mushroom.
Italian oyster mushrooms are great for beginners as they are reliable producers and tend to grow large flushes. They are also one of the easiest blocks to get subsequent fruitings and, if kept in the right conditions, should reliably produce a second flush or more!
"5 of the Best Italian Oyster 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 Italian oyster 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 Italian oyster mushrooms can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 4 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
Preparing your block:
Tightly fold excess plastic back and place the block face up.
How to initiate fruiting:
- Slice bag with a single diagonal line or with an X.
- Italian oyster mushrooms can be top or side fruited.
Special considerations:
Italian oyster mushrooms are prone to discoloration and/or blotch (dark spots on the fruiting bodies) when grown in warmer temperatures.
Harvesting your mushrooms:
Harvest Italian oyster mushrooms when edges of cap are still slightly turned under. Remove clusters with care as caps can be brittle. Can be harvested young to extend shelf life.
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 in our fruiting block instruction booklet.
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Temperature 65-75°F | 18-24°C Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia) 95-100% Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) 85-95% CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia) <800 ppm CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) <800 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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The classic North Spore recipe is to slice up oyster mushrooms and sauté them in a heavy pan on medium heat with butter, garlic, and loads of fresh thyme and rosemary (or whatever other herbs you happen to have on hand!). Cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid, then continue cooking until that liquid has cooked off and the mushrooms begin to brown. Deglaze your pan with a splash of white wine, reduce once more, and finish with a touch of heavy cream. Season generously with salt.
Like all Oyster mushrooms, they retain water and may develop a viscous texture when under-cooked. If you prefer a firm or dryer texture, continue to cook Oysters until their liquid has reduced and cooked off and they begin to brown.
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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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I'm impressed!
I honestly cannot say enough good about this company and their products. This was our first time trying/growing Italian Oyster mushrooms and now they are a favorite! I love the thought and care that has gone into the resources avaliable, especially the YouTube channel. There is a learning curve for sure( our first fluch was pale due to not having the right setup) but Northspore has taken every step possible to make it where anyone, even a novice like myself, can get into growing. We have already purchased more blocks and will be coming back again once we harvest! Thank you Northspore!
North Spore
We truly appreciate your support, Shalee! Our team is here to help if you ever need anything.
Amazing mushrooms
I ordered two blocks of these. They both generated very large crops that totaled 10lbs. I fried a large portion of them. They are very Meaty and easy to cook. Since my first crop yielded so much I had to give some away so they wouldn't spoil. Very good product. Highly recommend
North Spore
Thanks so much for sharing, Nicholas! You're review made our day.
Fast growing!
I put one of these in my boom room and had mushrooms within the week. I was delighted and bought a second block!
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Larz! Italian oysters are one of our favorite species, too!
2 great flushes!
We bought several blocks and we’re super stoked about how it’s going! This block gave us 2 great flushes so far. Going to try for a 3rd since the block still seems solid. First flush went into a sauce. 2nd one my daughter and I saluted up with chicken breast, Italian herbs, garlic and basil then served over quinoa. Super fun to grow and crazy delicious
North Spore
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience! We appreciate the review, John.
This block got us hooked
We are new to the mushroom growing game, but after successfully harvesting this block twice with over 1 lb of mushrooms each, we are officially hooked! This has so far been our fastest growing variety, making it great for us as beginners. This variety tastes amazing as well. Our favorite way to eat it is pan fried in butter with salt, pepper, and thyme. So simple but our new favorite food. Currently waiting to see if we’ll get a third crop
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Josie! Your review made our day.