Sarah Brown
Mushroom cultivation is a complex process that involves various factors such as substrate type, nutritional content, and environmental conditions. One crucial aspect is understanding the expected yield, or how many pounds of mushrooms one can expect from a 5-pound block. This knowledge is essential for farmers and cultivators to make informed decisions about their crop projections and sales. While the yield can vary depending on the mushroom variety, the type of block, and other factors, it is important to have a baseline understanding of the potential output to plan accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average yield of mushrooms from a 5-pound block | 1 pound of mushrooms |
| Yield of King Oyster mushrooms from a 5-pound block | 2 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms from a 5-pound block | Up to 3 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of King Oyster mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | 6-8 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | 6-12 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Pink Oyster mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | 6-10 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Lions Mane mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | Up to 2.5 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Reishi mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | 1.5-2 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Yellow Oyster mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | 4-8 pounds of mushrooms |
| Yield of Shiitake mushrooms from a 25-pound straw log | 1.5-2.5 pounds of mushrooms |
| Spawn costs per pound of mushroom | $0.50 to $1 |
| Cost of a 5-pound block | $4.50 to $7.50 |
| Number of medium-sized fresh button mushrooms in 1 pound | 20 to 24 |
| Number of medium-sized fresh button mushrooms in 1/2 pound | 10 to 12 |
| Number of cups of sliced/chopped button mushrooms in 1/2 pound | 2.5 to 2.75 |
| Number of cups of sliced/chopped button mushrooms in 1 pound | 5 |
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What You'll Learn
Yield of 5-pound block: 1 pound of mushrooms
A 5-pound block typically yields around 1 pound of mushrooms. This yield is an average and will vary depending on the type of mushroom and the growing technique employed. For example, a 5-pound supplemented sawdust fruiting block will yield 2 pounds of King Oyster mushrooms, but only 1.5 pounds of Yellow Oyster mushrooms.
The weight of the yield will also depend on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried. Fresh mushrooms tend to be heavier than dried mushrooms, as they contain more water. For example, 1 ounce of dried mushrooms is equivalent to 5.33 ounces of fresh mushrooms. Similarly, 0.5 ounces of dried mushrooms is equivalent to 4.5 ounces of fresh mushrooms.
When it comes to mushroom cultivation, there are two common approaches: using ready-to-fruit blocks or producing spawn and fruiting blocks independently. Ready-to-fruit blocks are convenient and easy to scale, making them a popular choice for farmers looking to expand their offerings or develop their skills in mushroom cultivation. However, producing spawn and fruiting blocks independently allows for greater customization and control over the growing process.
To maximize yield, it is essential to consider factors such as substrate type, nutritional content, and moisture level. For instance, gourmet mushrooms thrive on supplemented sawdust fruiting blocks, while wheat bran can be used as a nitrogen-rich supplement. Additionally, maintaining proper moisture content is crucial, as blocks that are too wet or too dry can hinder mushroom growth.
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King Oyster mushrooms: 2-pound yield
King Oyster mushrooms are a rewarding, tasty, and wonderful variety of mushrooms to grow. They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, but they are also cultivated in many parts of Asia. They are the largest species in the oyster mushroom family and have a thick, white stem and a small, concave light tan cap. They are usually harvested when they reach a few inches in length, but they can grow up to 6 to 8 inches if left undisturbed.
King Oyster mushrooms have a mild, earthy, and adaptable flavour that can take on the flavours of other ingredients in a dish. They are excellent for marinating or rubbing with assertive flavours and are well-suited for roasting, broiling, or grilling. They are also a good choice for soups and stews due to their ability to hold up under heat.
When it comes to yield, a 5-pound supplemented sawdust fruiting block can typically produce 1 pound of King Oyster mushrooms on the first flush, with some cultivators achieving up to 2 pounds from a block on a single flush. Multiple flushes can be achieved, and the yield can be increased by using a casing layer of 50/50 peat moss and vermiculite with 1% hydrated lime to prevent casing contamination.
Overall, King Oyster mushrooms are a perfect candidate for cultivation, offering a good yield and a delicious, versatile flavour profile.
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Blue Oyster mushrooms: 3-pound yield
Blue Oyster mushrooms are a variety of Oyster mushrooms, which are known for their fast and aggressive mycelial growth and high yields. Oyster mushrooms can be cultivated using a variety of substrates, such as rice straw, wheat straw, cotton seed hull, or supplemented sawdust. The yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms can vary depending on the substrate used and other factors.
On average, a 5-pound block of supplemented sawdust can yield around 1 pound of mushrooms on the first flush, with subsequent flushes producing lower amounts. With this in mind, a 3-pound yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms from a 5-pound block is certainly achievable, especially if the grower is able to optimize their growing conditions and substrate mixture.
To increase the yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms, growers can experiment with different substrates and supplements. For example, the addition of cotton seed hull to a rice straw or wheat straw substrate has been shown to significantly increase mushroom weight. Other supplements such as bran (wheat, oat, rice), or a "master's mix" of soybean hulls and sawdust, can also enhance yield.
Additionally, providing the ideal environmental conditions for Blue Oyster mushrooms can maximize fruiting and, consequently, increase yields. Oyster mushrooms prefer high humidity and low CO2 levels. Frequent air exchanges and misting can help maintain these optimal conditions.
By combining the right substrate, supplements, and environmental conditions, growers can aim for a 3-pound yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms from a 5-pound block. However, it is important to note that yields can vary, and a range of factors, such as the grower's skill, equipment, and market access, will also influence the overall success of mushroom cultivation.
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Grain spawn: 12 oz for 5-pound block
Grain spawn is used to "inoculate" the block with mushroom culture. The spawn is added to the block after the block is sterilized. Once the spawn is added and mixed, it will start to grow through the block, eventually fully colonizing and fruiting.
A 5-pound block typically fruits one pound of mushrooms per block. Oyster mushrooms can outperform this metric, but when doing projections, these are achievable numbers to use.
The amount of grain spawn to use in a 5-pound grow block varies. One source recommends using 1 quart of grain in a 5-pound bag. Another source mentions using 12 ounces of grain spawn for a 5-pound block. The block should weigh approximately 4 pounds 4 ounces before the spawn is added.
For a first-time grower, it is recommended to purchase ready-to-fruit blocks. This allows the grower to expand upon an existing market and develop their skills in fruiting mushrooms and managing sales. This method is also scalable.
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Cost: $4.50-$7.50 per block
The cost of a mushroom block varies depending on its size and where you buy it from. Typically, 5-pound blocks cost between $4.50 and $7.50, while 10-pound blocks can cost up to $15. The price of a block can also depend on the type of mushroom being grown, as well as the substrate used. For example, wheat bran can be quite expensive, whereas oat bran is a more affordable option.
When purchasing mushroom blocks, it is important to consider shipping costs, which can add up quickly. To save on shipping, it is advisable to buy blocks in bulk or find a supplier that offers direct delivery or easy pick-up options. Additionally, it is worth noting that spawn costs can range from $0.50 to $1 per pound of mushroom, which can significantly impact the overall cost of mushroom cultivation.
For those interested in growing their own mushrooms, it is possible to make your own fruiting blocks at home. This involves using a combination of sawdust, water, and grain spawn to create a suitable growing medium for mushrooms. However, it is important to get the ratios right to avoid contamination and ensure successful mushroom growth.
The cost of producing your own blocks can vary depending on the materials used and their sources. For example, purchasing substrates and spawn from a specialty mushroom supplier may be more expensive than sourcing them from a feed or farm store. Overall, the cost of a 5-pound mushroom block can range from $4.50 to $7.50, but there are ways to reduce costs by buying in bulk, producing your own blocks, or finding alternative sources for materials.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, 5-pound blocks fruit one pound of mushrooms. However, this varies depending on the type of mushroom. For example, you can get 2 pounds of King Oyster mushrooms from a 5-pound block, while you can get up to 3 pounds of Blue Oyster mushrooms from the same sized block.
This depends on the type and size of the mushroom. For medium-sized fresh button mushrooms, you'll get around 20 to 24 mushrooms per pound. For Portobello mushrooms, a pound will get you around 3 to 4 mushrooms.
Fresh unwashed mushrooms should be stored in the crisper section of the refrigerator or wrapped in paper towels and placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Enoki and oyster mushrooms will last 2 to 3 days, while other fresh mushrooms will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. Mushrooms can also be blanched or sautéed before being stored in the freezer.
