Mushroom Containers: How Many Does It Hold?

Mushrooms are part of the fungus family, which also includes yeasts and molds. They are neither fruits nor vegetables but are often used in the same way as vegetables due to their nutritional content. They are also used as meat substitutes, especially among vegans and vegetarians. Mushrooms can be grown in buckets or containers, and the yield can vary depending on the size of the container and the species of mushroom. For instance, a 5-gallon bucket can be used to grow oyster mushrooms, while a 320-square-foot shipping container can be utilized to cultivate a variety of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. The number of mushrooms that can fit in a container depends on their size and the arrangement, with sliced or chopped mushrooms taking up less space than whole mushrooms.

Growing mushrooms in buckets

Before using your bucket, it is important to sanitise and clean it thoroughly to reduce the risk of contamination during the colonisation and fruiting process. You can do this by using 70% isopropyl or dunking the bucket in water treated with a little bleach. Next, using a drill with a 1/4" or 1/2" drill bit, create holes in a diamond pattern around the circumference of the bucket. These holes should be large enough for the mushrooms to fruit through but small enough to prevent the substrate from drying out.

The bucket will act as the "fruiting container", holding the substrate that the mushrooms will grow from. You can use various substrates, such as straw, wood chips, sawdust, or even coffee grounds. Straw is a great option for oyster mushrooms, as it is inexpensive and easily accessible from farm supply and home improvement stores. If you choose to use straw, it is recommended to shred or chop it for easier colonisation. You will then need to pasteurise the straw to prevent contamination from moulds and bacteria. This can be done through cold-water pasteurisation with hydrated lime, increasing the pH of the water to 12.5.

Once your substrate is ready, it's time to inoculate your bucket. Combine your substrate with grain or sawdust spawn. The amount of spawn added is known as the spawn rate, and a single 5-pound bag of spawn is sufficient for a 5-gallon bucket of chopped straw. After inoculation, cap the bucket and store it out of direct sunlight in a cool place, such as a basement, with temperatures between 30-75 degrees F.

With the right conditions and care, you can successfully grow mushrooms in buckets, enjoying a plentiful harvest of fresh, edible mushrooms.

Shipping containers for mushrooms

Shipping containers are increasingly being used to grow mushrooms. They are an ideal option for growing mushrooms as they come with excellent insulation, cooling/heating capability, and humidity control. They can be easily converted into a demo growing room with the necessary components such as an HVAC system, humidifier, racks, and electrical wires.

To grow mushrooms in a shipping container, the internal temperature is maintained at about 25°C. To force the mushrooms to fruit, they are moved to a second container where the temperature is held at about 15°C, 97% humidity, about 12 hours of daylight, and the air exchanged once every 45 minutes. This mimics the seasons, which is key to growing mushrooms within the shipping container.

The Croydon Urban Mushrooms project is a great example of a community project growing mushrooms in a shipping container. Mr. Jones's growing system was set up in two converted shipping containers that effectively mimic the seasons with controlled temperatures, airflow, and humidity levels. With the right cycle, Mr. Jones can harvest twice a day and grows about 100 kg of mushrooms per week.

The Gourmet Mushroom Farm by FarmBox Foods is another example of a successful mushroom-growing shipping container. It is a 320-square-foot container farm that can grow more than 400 pounds of mushrooms per week, year-round. Up to 18 varieties and species of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms can be grown simultaneously, including oysters, lion's mane, reishi, chestnut, and king trumpets.

Green Box Mushrooms is a company that utilizes low-cost shipping containers equipped with their bottle cultivation processes and technology to create micro-growing facilities that allow local communities to purchase fresh and local mushrooms year-round. With access to electricity and labor to pick the mushrooms, a shipping container can produce about 700 lbs of fresh, sustainable mushrooms per week!

Containers for edible mushrooms

Edible mushrooms can be grown in a variety of containers, from buckets to shipping containers. The type of container depends on the scale of mushroom production.

For smaller-scale production, buckets are a popular choice. A 5-gallon bucket with a lid can be purchased from a hardware store or acquired for free from a local business, such as a restaurant. Before use, the bucket should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned to reduce the risk of contamination during the colonisation and fruiting process. Holes should be drilled in a diamond pattern to allow mushrooms to fruit and for ventilation, while also preventing the substrate from drying out.

Other smaller containers can also be used, including plastic trash bags, laundry baskets, milk cartons, tin cans, and even old bird cages. These containers should be 8 to 12 inches deep and have a good drainage system. They should also be sterilised and cleaned with warm water and mild antiseptic soap.

For larger-scale mushroom production, shipping containers can be used. These containers can be fitted with technology to control temperature, airflow, and humidity levels, mimicking the seasons to create an ideal environment for mushroom growth. For example, the Gourmet Mushroom Farm by FarmBox Foods utilises a 320-square-foot shipping container to grow a variety of gourmet mushrooms.

Regardless of the container type, it is important to select the appropriate growing medium, such as straw, sawdust, or wood pellets, and to sterilise the medium and container to prevent contamination and ensure healthy edible mushrooms.

Storing fresh mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms are a kitchen staple, adding an earthy, umami flavour to a variety of dishes. However, their shelf life is short, and they can be expensive. To prolong their freshness, there are several storage methods to consider.

Firstly, it is important to note that moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Therefore, it is best to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them. Mushrooms have a high water content (80-90%) and can absorb moisture quickly, so it is best to wipe them just before use.

Secondly, mushrooms should be refrigerated as soon as possible to preserve their quality. They should be stored in a cool, dry place, like the fridge, but not in the crisper drawer, as this is too moist. The best option is to leave them on a shelf. If you are planning to use the mushrooms within a few days, you can keep them in their original packaging, but it is advisable to punch some holes in the plastic wrap to allow them to breathe.

For longer-term storage, a paper bag is a good option, as it allows for air circulation and absorbs excess moisture. Paper towel-lined zip-top bags are also a good alternative, as the paper towels will absorb any moisture. It is important to avoid placing heavy items on top of the mushrooms, as they are delicate and can bruise easily, which will affect their shelf life and appearance.

Finally, for those who want to store mushrooms for the long term, canning is an option, but it requires following a pressure-canning recipe to prevent harmful bacteria growth. Another option is to use a dehydrator to slice and dry the mushrooms, which can then be stored in airtight containers for up to a year.

Storing cooked mushrooms

Mushrooms have a short shelf life and even when stored properly, they won't last forever. You can identify spoiled mushrooms by their slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy appearance, darker colour, and mouldy smell. If your mushrooms only have a few dark spots, they are still safe to eat, but this indicates that they are in decline and should be consumed soon.

When storing cooked mushrooms, it is important to let them cool down before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in a freezer for up to 12 months. The National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends dipping mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking for better colour post-freezing.

Freezing is not the only option for storing cooked mushrooms. You can also dry them using a dehydrator or air-drying. Air-drying involves placing the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry.

If you are planning to use the mushrooms within a few days, you can store them in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container and used within three days. Whole mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase.

If you are unable to use the mushrooms within a week, you can briefly cook them before freezing. Lightly sauté them in butter until just cooked, or steam them whole for 5 minutes. Quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for about 3 minutes. Cooked mushrooms that have been thawed in the fridge can be stored for an additional 3 to 4 days before cooking, while those thawed in the microwave or cold water should be eaten immediately.

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