John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a wonderful earthy flavour and interesting texture. They are part of the fungus family and are commonly used as meat substitutes by vegans and vegetarians. They are highly versatile and can be grown in shipping containers, buckets, and even bags. The number of mushrooms that can be grown in a small container will vary depending on the type of mushroom and the growing method used. For example, the bucket tek technique is a reliable method for growing oyster mushrooms, while all-in-one grow bags are ideal for dung-loving mushrooms. The yield will also depend on the size of the container and the surface area available for fruiting.
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What You'll Learn
Growing mushrooms in small containers
To grow mushrooms in small containers, you can use the "bucket tek" technique, which is ideal for growing oyster mushrooms. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Containers
You can recycle various items as containers, such as a 5-gallon bucket, planter pot, laundry basket, milk crate, or even a wire mesh container like a birdhouse. Just ensure your container has holes in it. Drill holes in your container to allow for air exchange and drainage. Sanitize your containers with 70% isopropyl or by soaking them in water with a small amount of bleach.
Prepare the Substrate
The substrate is the material that the mushrooms will grow on and through. Straw is a commonly used substrate for oyster mushrooms, but you can also use other organic materials such as leaves, wood chips, or logs. Soak your substrate in water for 2-5 hours to hydrate it, then drain.
Pasteurize the Substrate
Pasteurization is not always necessary, especially if you are using straw and your temperatures are below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your temperatures are higher, you can use cold water lime pasteurization.
Combine Spawn and Substrate
Mushroom spawn can be purchased from various suppliers. Combine your spawn and substrate manually on a sanitized surface. Create alternating layers of substrate and spawn in your bucket, using 1.5 inches of straw followed by a thin layer of spawn.
Inoculate and Incubate
Once your bucket is filled, cap it and place it out of direct sunlight in a cool location (between 30-75 degrees Fahrenheit). During the colonization process, maintain humidity and ensure the substrate does not dry out. You can drape a trash bag over the bucket or place it in a grow tent.
Monitor for Contamination
Fungus gnats, which resemble fruit flies, may appear and spread contamination. You can cover the holes in your bucket with micropore tape to prevent their entry. If your bucket develops a foul odor or shows no signs of mycelium growth, it may be contaminated.
Harvest Mushrooms
After 4-5 weeks, you will start to see pins or baby mushrooms. Once they have reached your desired size, you can harvest them by grasping the base and twisting them off.
Additional Tips
- Pink oyster mushrooms prefer colonization temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while blue oyster mushrooms thrive at temperatures closer to freezing.
- Oyster mushrooms grow well outdoors and can outcompete potential contaminants.
- To force fruiting, you can move the mushrooms to a second container with different temperature and humidity conditions.
Happy mushroom growing!
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Storing fresh mushrooms in small containers
Choose the Right Container
Opt for a small, breathable container, such as a paper bag or a net bag. These bags allow air circulation, helping to prevent the mushrooms from getting slimy. You can also use a small glass bowl lined with paper towels, placing the mushrooms between the layers to absorb any excess moisture. Avoid using plastic wrappings or airtight containers for fresh mushrooms as they will trap moisture and cause spoilage.
Refrigerate
The refrigerator is the best place to store fresh mushrooms. They should be kept unwashed and uncovered in the fridge, ideally on a shelf. This will help maintain their freshness for up to a week. If you need to store them at room temperature, it is best to use them within 12 to 24 hours.
Wash Before Use
Only wash mushrooms when you are ready to use them. Gently clean them under running water or use a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Washing them beforehand can increase the chance of spoilage.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
If you have a large quantity of mushrooms and want to store them for an extended period, freezing is a great option. You can freeze them after sautéing or cooking, or you can freeze them raw after cleaning and slicing them. Add a small amount of citric acid or lemon juice to the water before blanching to prevent discolouration. Frozen mushrooms can last for up to a year and are best used for cooking, as their texture may change.
Dry Them
Drying mushrooms is another long-term storage method that preserves their flavour and nutritional content. Air-drying or using a dehydrator will extend their shelf life indefinitely. Once dried, store them in an airtight glass jar.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively store fresh mushrooms in small containers, ensuring they remain tasty and nutritious for your culinary creations!
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Small containers for growing oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be grown in small containers, such as buckets, Tupperware bins, milk cartons, or tin cans. This method is known as the "bucket tek" or "bucket technique", and it is one of the most reliable ways to cultivate oyster mushrooms quickly and predictably. It is also sustainable, beginner-friendly, and easy to scale up.
To start, source a container and pasteurize your substrate. The ideal substrate for oyster mushrooms is species-dependent, as different fungi have varying nutritional needs. However, oyster mushrooms thrive on readily available materials like straw or coffee grounds. Before adding your mushroom spawn, pasteurize your straw by either immersing it in boiling water for an hour at 60–80 degrees Celsius or using cold water lime pasteurization, which involves soaking the straw in lime-treated water for 24 hours.
Once your substrate is pasteurized and cooled, fill your small container with water to around 60% of its capacity. Then, fill a netted bag halfway with chopped or shredded straw and submerge it in the water. Combine your spawn and straw manually or by building alternating layers of substrate and spawn in the container until it is full. If creating alternating layers, use 1.5 inches of straw followed by a thin layer of spawn.
After your container is inoculated, cap it and place it out of direct sunlight in a cool location, preferably between 30–75 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a basement or garage. During the colonization process, ensure that your container doesn't dry out by draping a trash bag over it. Pink oysters require colonization temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while cold-tolerant blue oysters prefer temperatures closer to freezing.
Once small pinheads start to grow, remove the tape from the holes to ensure adequate airflow. Oyster mushrooms require some light, preferably indirect lighting in a shady location. When the caps of your mushrooms start to flatten out and curl upwards, it's the perfect time to harvest them. You can also harvest them if they stop growing, start drying out, or start dropping a lot of spores (white dust).
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How to store cooked mushrooms in small containers
Storing cooked mushrooms in small containers is a great way to preserve their freshness and prevent spoilage. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:
Choosing the Right Container:
Select a small, airtight container made of glass or plastic. Ensure the container is clean and dry before use. If using a plastic container, opt for a clear one as it allows you to easily view the contents. Avoid using metallic containers as mushrooms can react with certain metals and affect their flavour.
Preparing the Mushrooms:
Before storing, it's important to ensure your cooked mushrooms are completely cool. Place them on a plate or tray, spreading them out to speed up the cooling process. Mushrooms retain heat, so allowing them to cool down before storing will help prevent excess moisture build-up in the container.
Storing the Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are cooled, transfer them to your chosen container. If using a glass container, ensure it is safe for refrigerator use. Place the container in the refrigerator, preferably in a spot with good air circulation to maintain dryness. Avoid placing the mushrooms near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odours.
Ensuring Freshness:
For optimal freshness, consume the cooked mushrooms within 3-4 days of storage. Label the container with the storage date to keep track of freshness. Before consuming, inspect the mushrooms for any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, slime, or unusual odours. If the mushrooms appear and smell fresh, they are likely safe to consume.
Freezing as an Alternative:
If you wish to store cooked mushrooms for an extended period, consider freezing them. To do this, sauté or steam the mushrooms before cooling and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, then place it in the freezer. Frozen mushrooms can last for up to a year and can be cooked directly from frozen.
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Small containers for growing medicinal mushrooms
Growing medicinal mushrooms in small containers is a popular method for cultivating these fungi, and there are a few things to consider when choosing the right vessel. The type of container depends on the method of cultivation, with two types of containers typically needed: one for making mycelium cakes and another for fruiting.
For the PF Tek method, a 500ml "jelly jar" with a plastic "storage cap" is ideal for the mycelium cake birthing process. These jars have a wide mouth, are durable, and can be autoclaved. A hole is drilled into the centre of the cap and fitted with a filter disk, allowing the culture to breathe without contamination. Once the substrates are mature, they will need a place to fruit. For a single cake or two, a small plastic dishwashing tub or disposable aluminium baking tray can be used.
For the Bucket Tek technique, a bucket is used to combine the spawn and straw manually or in alternating layers. Buckets can also be used for pasteurising the substrate and incubating the mushroom spawn. Sanitation of the buckets is important, and this can be done with 70% isopropyl or by dunking them in water treated with bleach. Holes are drilled into the buckets for gas exchange, and micropore tape can be placed over them to prevent fungus gnats from entering.
For growing mushrooms in shipping containers, the internal temperature is maintained at around 25°C. To initiate fruiting, the mushrooms are moved to a second container with a lower temperature of 15°C, high humidity, and 12 hours of daylight. Refrigerated shipping containers can be fitted with humidity sensors and controllers to create the ideal environment for mushroom growth.
Overall, small containers for growing medicinal mushrooms can vary from jars and tubs to buckets and shipping containers, each requiring specific conditions and techniques for optimal mushroom cultivation.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, small containers hold around 200 grams of mushrooms, which amounts to roughly 8 to 10 medium-sized mushrooms, depending on their variety and size.
Yes, mushroom containers typically come in small, medium, and large sizes. Small containers usually hold around 200 grams, medium containers around 350 grams, and large containers can range from 500 grams to 1 kilogram.
Fresh mushrooms are best stored in a paper bag or a container that allows for some air circulation. They should be kept in the refrigerator and placed on a middle or lower shelf, as the bottom of the refrigerator tends to be too cold.
Fresh mushrooms stored in a small container in the refrigerator typically last for about a week. It's important to inspect them regularly, as they can start to spoil or dry out after a few days, depending on the temperature and humidity in your refrigerator.
