Mushroom Mystery: Why Do They Float?

Mushrooms are versatile ingredients that can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed. They are also used as a key ingredient in Kombucha tea. However, there are various ways to store mushrooms to keep them fresh, such as storing them in paper bags, plastic wrap, Ziploc bags, or their original packaging. Interestingly, the term mushroom float is also used to describe a swimming technique and a method of floating in a sensory deprivation tank while microdosing on magic mushrooms.

The mushroom float technique for swimming

The mushroom float technique is a swimming technique taught to beginner swimmers. It is not a safe technique and can lead to injury or death. This technique should only be performed under the supervision of a trained swimming coach.

To perform the mushroom float, the swimmer first takes a breath and holds it. They then hug their legs around their knees, round their back, and look down. The swimmer's body will then naturally float to the surface of the water. The swimmer should hold this position until they need to breathe.

The mushroom float technique gets its name from the shape of the swimmer's body during the float, which resembles a mushroom. This technique is useful for beginners because it allows them to float and breathe without having to swim upward, which can be challenging for those who are new to swimming.

It is important to note that the mushroom float technique should not be used to escape from underwater at depths greater than 10 meters. At these depths, the air in the lungs is compressed, and ascending while holding your breath can lead to injury or death. This is because the air expands as pressure drops, causing the lungs to increase in size, which can be dangerous and painful. Therefore, it is crucial to only perform the mushroom float technique in shallow water and with proper supervision.

Kombucha mushrooms floating or sinking

Kombucha mushrooms, also known as SCOBYs (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), can either float or sink during fermentation, and both are normal. The position of the SCOBY is influenced by factors such as the yeast activity, temperature, and the production of CO2 during fermentation.

When a SCOBY sinks, it could indicate that the yeast colonies have not produced enough CO2 to keep it afloat. This is common with young kombucha SCOBYs, and as the yeast becomes more active, it may create bubbles that cause the SCOBY to rise. The SCOBY may also float at the top, float sideways in the middle, or remain at the bottom of the jar throughout the brewing process.

The movement and position of the SCOBY are not cause for concern. It is normal for a SCOBY to move throughout the brew, and it may even sink and then rise again. However, it is important to ensure that there is enough starter liquid culture, as this provides the bacteria and yeast needed for fermentation.

The appearance of the kombucha mushroom also reflects the general health of the kombucha tea. If the mushroom is floating or sinking in a colourful array of liquid, it may be an indication to discard it. However, this may vary depending on the specific brewing process and guidelines.

In summary, a kombucha mushroom may float, sink, or move between these positions during fermentation, and this is influenced by various factors such as yeast activity, temperature, and CO2 production. The most important consideration is to ensure sufficient starter liquid culture for a successful fermentation process.

Storing mushrooms to prevent them from floating

Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high water content, which is between 85% and 95%. Therefore, the key to storing mushrooms is to prevent them from releasing water and pulling moisture from the air.

One way to do this is to wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them in an open plastic bag. The paper towels absorb any moisture, and the open bag allows for ventilation. However, this method has been found to be ineffective, as the paper towels and the plastic bag become damp, trapping moisture rather than preventing it.

A better method is to place the mushrooms in a large glass bowl lined with paper towels, spreading out the mushrooms, and covering them with another layer of paper towels. This allows for the absorption of any excess moisture, and you can check the freshness of the mushrooms daily.

Another recommended method is to use a brown paper bag. Simply put whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal it. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping your mushrooms safe.

Additionally, you can store mushrooms in cardboard punnets, containers, or egg cartons with cardboard lids to keep them from drying out. If you don't have a lid, you can put the punnet inside a paper bag in the fridge.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze mushrooms or dry them. Freezing involves cooking the mushrooms first and then dipping them in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before freezing. Drying can be done using a dehydrator or air-drying, which takes about a week. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavor and can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.

Magic mushrooms and sensory deprivation tanks

The combination of magic mushrooms and sensory deprivation tanks has been linked for as long as the latter has existed. The idea of combining the two stems from the belief that the absence of external stimuli in a sensory deprivation tank can help expand one's consciousness.

Safety and Precautions

While the combination of magic mushrooms and sensory deprivation tanks can be a powerful experience, it is important to prioritise safety and take the necessary precautions. It is recommended that individuals first try floating in a deprivation tank and consuming magic mushrooms separately before combining the two. This allows for a better understanding of how each experience affects the individual.

Dosage

The dosage of magic mushrooms can vary depending on individual preferences and tolerance. Microdosing is a popular approach, which involves consuming a small amount of magic mushrooms to heighten the senses and enhance spiritual awareness without inducing a full trip. For those seeking a more intense experience, higher doses of around 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms can induce stronger visual and auditory hallucinations.

The Experience

The experience of combining magic mushrooms and sensory deprivation tanks can vary widely. Some individuals report feeling deeply relaxed, with a heightened sense of self-awareness and abstract thinking. The absence of external stimuli can lead to a sense of weightlessness and a feeling of being disconnected from one's physical body. Visual and auditory hallucinations may occur, with some individuals reporting encounters with malevolent beings or other surreal experiences.

Benefits

Combining magic mushrooms with sensory deprivation tanks can offer therapeutic benefits, helping to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and soothe physical pain. The experience can induce a meditative state, promoting deep relaxation and a sense of calm.

The combination of magic mushrooms and sensory deprivation tanks can be a powerful tool for exploring consciousness and experiencing altered states of perception. However, it is important to approach this experience with caution, taking the necessary precautions and being mindful of the potential risks associated with hallucinogenic substances.

The dangers of using the mushroom float technique underwater

The mushroom float technique is a method taught to beginner swimmers to help them understand their body's buoyancy in the water. The technique involves taking a breath, holding it, and sinking underwater, at which point the water will push the body back to the surface. However, this technique can be extremely dangerous and even fatal in certain scenarios.

One of the primary dangers of the mushroom float technique is the risk of lung rupture due to expanding gases in the lungs. As a diver ascends to the surface, the air in their lungs expands as the pressure decreases. If a breath is held during this ascent, the expanding air can cause the lungs to rupture, leading to a painful and potentially fatal injury. The risk of lung rupture increases with depth, as the air in the lungs becomes more compressed at greater depths. For example, at 33 feet underwater, the air in the lungs will be eight times its original size when brought back to the surface. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid holding your breath while ascending, especially at depths greater than 10 meters.

Another danger of the mushroom float technique is the potential for disorientation. When underwater, it can sometimes be challenging to determine which direction is up, especially in murky or low-visibility conditions. While the mushroom float technique can help a swimmer orient themselves and find the surface, it requires them to hold their breath, which can be dangerous, as previously discussed. Additionally, in enclosed spaces or during a panic, using the mushroom float technique may lead to the swimmer ascending towards an obstruction or a closed area, resulting in injury or entrapment.

Furthermore, the mushroom float technique may not always be the fastest or most efficient way to reach the surface. While it can help a swimmer orient themselves, it may slow down their ascent compared to actively swimming upward. In emergency situations, such as scuba diving failures or sinking vehicles, time is of the essence, and the few seconds saved by swimming directly to the surface can make a significant difference in the outcome.

In conclusion, while the mushroom float technique can help beginner swimmers understand their buoyancy and orientation underwater, it is crucial to be aware of its dangers. Holding one's breath during an ascent can lead to lung rupture or injury, especially at greater depths. Additionally, the technique may cause disorientation or slow down the swimmer's escape to the surface. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize safe swimming practices and always seek proper training before attempting any underwater activities.

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