Organic Shiitake Mushroom Grain Spawn

$29.99

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Our USDA-certified organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) grain spawn 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. They colonize quickly and are the most reliable producers of any species, which is why they are ideal for commercial cultivation.

Recommended use:

  • Shiitake grain spawn can be used for indoor production using sawdust or straw.
  • Do not use grain spawn for log inoculation.
  • This is not a mushroom grow kit. Shiitake 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 cultivation, inoculation, 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 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.
Indoor cultivation

Shiitake mushroom grain spawn can be mixed into sterilized hardwood sawdust to create shiitake 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

"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.

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
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Frequently Asked Questions

No, grain spawn is not an all-in-one kit and cannot be used to fruit mushrooms out of the bag. Grain spawn must be mixed with bulk substrate before you can fruit it.

Grain spawn can be used in a wide variety of ways including indoor growing, outdoor growing, or to make more grain spawn. (Grain spawn can be used to make plug or sawdust spawn, not just other grain spawn.)

  • Indoors, you can mix grain spawn with bulk substrate to grow in bags, in containers, or to create fruiting cakes.
  • Outdoors, you can mix grain spawn with straw or wood chips to make beds and containers. (Note: Grain spawn can not be used for logs.)
  • A grain-to-grain transfer allows you to extend the life of your grain and create more grain spawn.

Our grain spawn is a proprietary blend that features nutrient-rich organic millet and wheat berries.

Cluster of brown-capped mushrooms with long, light-colored stems against a white background.

Organic by design

Made from organic, locally sourced, non-GMO ingredients.

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